Page 62 of Hunted by the Fallen
“What will the council do if Adrian and Zeke don’t helpthem?”
Sarah doesn’t waver. “They will come after you, or those you love. What that entails, I am not sure. They may simply abduct you and keep you until my sons comply. Or they might torture you if they think extra motivation is what’s needed. I will not know which tactic they will use until the timecomes.”
Anger thrums from the Fallen. Neither of them try to block their emotions from me. I know they are dangerously close to losingcontrol.
I speak before they have the chance, “And what will happen if they comply with the councilsdemands?”
“Ron.”
“Angel.”
Both of them disapprove of the question, but I keep my attention on their mother. I wait for heranswer.
“The Dark Council will want to keep tabs on all three of you. If Adrian and Ezekiel do what the council requests, no harm will come to you. Any ofyou.”
I wait until I know the brothers register what she’s said. There is a way to keep me safe, which I know is what they want more than anything. Their anger remains, but a tendril of acceptance flits into theirfeelings.
Only then do I say, “Can we have a minute totalk?”
“Of course.” Sarah spares each of her sons a lingering look. It’s obvious she regrets the strain between them. I’m interested to learn what’s happened to cause such coldness between them. Their mother lifts the hood back over her head and disappears through the nearest sidedoor.
I count to ten before saying, “I can’t let anything happen to myparents.”
“We can’t let anything happen toyou.” Adrian replies. “The council is bluffing. They wouldn’t dare lay a hand onyou.”
“Are you sure about that?” I think about the Fallen with the raspy voice. I got the sense he wasn’t one who shied away from violence if it meant getting hisway.
“We will protect you,” Zeke’s gaze urges me to believe him. “All of us. You aren’talone.”
I know he’s referencing the Light Fallen. And I believe him. My protectors will do everything in their power to keep me and my loved ones safe. But I can’t ignore the voice in the back of my mind telling me they won’t be enough. They cannot stand up against the power of the DarkCouncil.
My voice pitches low, “They don’t know about my parents. Do you think your mom will keep my secretsafe?”
“Yes.” They both reply. Though there is obvious tension amongst the family of three, they trust her. That’s all I need toknow.
“Hear me out,” I take a fortifying breath, bracing myself for the inevitable argument. “Let’s go along with the Dark Council’s demands. Just for now. Let them think they’ve gotten their way. I don’t blame them for wanting help with fighting the Darkness, and I honestly cannot handle the thought of my parents being in danger again because of me.” I rush the words, afraid I wouldn’t be able to get them out before the Fallen interruptme.
The brothers share a glance, debating theirresponse.
“Alright.”
“Really?” I can’t believe it. I think I’ve misheard them. But they’ve really agreed. “That’sit?”
“That’s it,” Adrian nods. “If it means you will rest easy, we can go along with the Dark Council for a period oftime.”
I’m touched. They are willing to align themselves with an organization they, clearly, don’t want to have any part of. All for me. My heart swells with affection. I feel tears gather in myeyes.
“Thank you,” I chokeout.
“There are conditions, of course.” A mischievous gleam enters Adrian’seyes.
Of course, there are. “Whatconditions?”
Zeke clears his throat. I look his direction. He wears an apologetic expression. “All of the council’s associates must live near theirembassy.”
I look around at the fresco-ceiling room. “Are we in theirembassy?”
“Yes.”
