Page 24 of Lovely Deceit

Alaric separates himself from a group and waits for ours as we close in. He stares straight at us, and Eden just looks ahead, not bothering to meet his gaze.

We walk in together, a robe-clad Knight at the entry checking over everyone as we make our way inside. The halls feel smaller this time while we follow the crowd, and I wonder if there will ever be a day when I’m okay with entering this building. To me, everyone in here is a threat.

The people ahead lead us right into the main chamber that we found ourselves in the first night when we had our groupings assigned. As before, Elders stand above in the second echelon with hoods pulled down over their faces, Leo’s grandfather in the middle.

I swear his head turns as we enter, and he watches while we stop front and center in the room, Alaric and Leo standing at our backs. I used to think Eden was safer with them there, but not anymore. They ruined all that built up trust with one cowardly decision. Now, Eden and I can pretty much assume that they’re in the Knights’ pockets, not ours, which makes them enemies.

Once everyone is inside, the lights in the building go dark and, in turn, the sconces illuminate the room, casting dramatic shadows up the stone walls. Depending on the flicker, Sir Jarvis is either swathed in dark or light, but the latter is a lie.

“Anne-Marie Kennedy, please step forward.”

His voice bounces around the circular chamber and seems to hit me full force in the chest. The dainty, black-haired bitch steps forward, surrounded by her Knight, Fledgling, and other Pledge.

“You behaved admirably in the last test, and if it were not for your betrothed requesting your honorable dismissal from the Knights, you would’ve left this building a Fledgling.”

Betrothed? Well, shit, we missed that. We knew it was likely she was marrying Leo’s cousin because—

I stop my mind from going there. I haven’t seen something so sick in my life. I’m surprised the old man can even get it up anymore. Though, with money like his, he can purchase all the Viagra he wants.

“Thank you, Sir Jarvis.”

The smile she gives him turns my stomach, and Eden stiffens next to me. I’m sure she’s thinking the same thing I am. What we saw was disgusting, and I don’t know how they can even stand to be in the same room with each other, let alone be content. Anne-Marie looks as if she’s going to skip off into the sunset, but not before she stares daggers at Edie as she leaves.

Next, the Knights address the other Pledge in her group, but I zone out as Anne-Marie leaves the building. Leo’s cousin requested she not be in the Knights? The disdain these people have for women never ceases to amaze me.

Eden doesn’t belong anywhere near here.

Next, Sir Jarvis addresses another grouping. Leo was right when he said they embarrass the hell out of people who don’t make it. The number of awful words the girl is called makes my fists clench and hackles rise. Alongside me, Eden gets redder and redder like she’s about to explode. Neither one of us can do anything as the girl is dismissed in the most awful way imaginable, all the Knights jeering and yelling how mediocre she is.

I swear if they attempt to do that to my Edie, I will murder them all. They won’t even get the words out.

Leo shuffles behind us. It’s clear he’s not liking this either, but most likely because it’s bringing him back to his own ridicule. I can only imagine what got him tossed out.

Another grouping is called forward afterwards, and both of the male Pledges make it to Fledgling status.

My stomach squeezes. It’s so odd to be rooting for something I don’t really care about, but I’m just doing it all for Eden. She could talk me into walking off a cliff, I swear. Or those cock piercings she was joking about. They might have to sedate me, but if she wanted me to, I would.

I only draw the line where her safety is concerned.

“Eden Astor.”

My heart skips a beat. I take Eden’s hand, and we wait for our determinations. I berate myself for even being back in front of the Knights. How could I have allowed this to happen?

I thought they were going to kill her. For a bleak moment, I had to imagine my life without this girl by my side, and I felt all the desperate loneliness and longing. I knew that whether she loved me or not, all I needed was for her to live. I’d continue to be her best friend if that’s what she wanted, but I’d love her still. She’s captured me body and soul.

I peer down at her, watching as she stands with her chin in the air, ready to take on anything, and I know exactly why I gave in.

I realized I can’t keep her from doing this. This is who Eden Astor is. And if she wants to go track down bad guys, I’ll be there with her. The Watson to her Sherlock Holmes.

Just as long as they don’t touch her again.

It seems like I’m lost in my thoughts forever before the demented Elder talks again. Sir Jarvis looks like a God perched on high while his subjects congregate below. At least, I’m sure that’s how he likes to see it.

“The Elders were pleased with your performance in the strength, loyalty, and fear tests.” His words are positive, but they aren’t delivered in that fashion. He sounds as if he’d rather be saying anything else. “We’d like to invite you forward as a Fledgling of the Knights of Arcadia. Do you wish to accept?”

Eden squeezes my hand, and my heart jumps a little in my chest. It’s like she’s reaching out for my strength, and I squeeze her back, trying to infuse her with everything I have in me. “Yes,” she finally says, her voice as steady as I’ve ever heard it.

Behind us, there’s an audible release of breath from either Leo or Alaric, I’m not sure which. Those two confuse the fuck out of me, so it’s a good thing they’re of no concern anymore.

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