Page 153 of The Forsaken Heir
Titus pulled up a video.
“This video was sent, via secure encryption, to every pack, clan, and tribe. Shifter and fae alike. All across the world. You’ll enjoy this,” Dad grumbled.
Bastien’s leering face appeared on the screen, sending another flash of memory flooding my brain. The way that awful potion had felt as it went coursing through my body. The agony of it made me shiver. Elle wrapped an arm around me, and I put those thoughts aside as Bastien began to speak.
“Good afternoon. As many of you know, House Decimus has gone out of their way to create problems for every race of the magical world. For centuries, we’ve heard how ruthless and unscrupulous they are. I am here to give new and rather unfortunate news.
“Not only has the House Decimus brainwashed and stolen my dearest sister, they have also resorted to terrorism.”
“What the hell is he talking about?” I looked at Elle. “Is he serious?”
She nodded. “It wouldn’t look good if a member of the Laurent familyactuallychose to live with dragons. If they can’t prove I’m a skinwalker, then they’ll say it’s some kind of Stockholm syndrome bullshit.”
“Shhh,” Dad hissed. “This is the best part.”
Bastien continued on. “During averyold and honorable ceremony at the ancestral home place of my family, Aurelius Decimus himself led a team of terrorists to attack our home. Many are dead. Many more wounded. We arrested the criminal prince. Yet, even then, the Dragon King Cassius Decimus could not allow even this bit of justice to be wrought on his precious son. A secret mission was undertaken to try and free Aurelius Decimus.”
Bastien pulled his shoulders back and raised his head high. He was doing his best to appear regal.
“Despite this treachery, his team was found and stopped, but not before even more innocent wolf shifter lives were lost. Prince Aurelius Decimus is scheduled for execution due to high crimes against shifters: murder, terrorism, and property destruction. He awaits this fate in our family dungeons. His death will not heal the wounds his heartless and soulless family has brought to us, but it will be a start. The Laurent family thanks all of you for your support during this trying time. Soon, the scourge that is Aurelius Decimus will be no more. Thank you.”
The video ended. I stared at the black screen for several seconds before turning to look at the others.
“What the fuck is he going on about? Why is he lying about still having me in custody? I know he’s crazy, but does this mean Bastien’s a moron as well?”
There were a few lighthearted chuckles around the room, but the overall mood was tense. In the far corner, the Hikshil were huddled together, whispering in faint hissing voices. Whatever they were discussing looked intense. My family, friends, and clan mates all had that same haunted and exhausted look in their eyes. Apparently, some new and awful surprise would be sprung on us every day.
“He’s lying,” Elle said. “The same way he did with me.”
“There was an additional notice that came with the emailed video. An announcement that the execution would be recorded so that any who wanted could see the…uh…prince be killed,” Titus said.
“A shapeshifter,” Elle said. “A skinwalker or something. It’s exactly what they accused you of doing with me. Maybe theyactuallyhave one this time and are using it as a stand-in for you?”
“We’ll find out,” Sahalie said, drawing our attention away from each other.
Every eye in the room turned to gaze at the young fae woman. The rest of the people stood behind her.
“We will demand a meeting to ascertain the veracity of Bastien’s words,” she said. “A neutral site, where we might see this captive Aurelius, they say they have.”
“Why would they agree to that?” Decimus said.
“They killed our most-revered tribe member,” Kaskawan said, stepping forward. “Jolon was powerful, kind, and wise. His loss sent shockwaves through our tribe. The Laurents owe us this. They know what they did.”
“There’s no proof,” Elle said miserably. “The arrow that killed Jolon came from outside the conservatory. Bastien will say the dragons did it.”
“We’ll make it impossible for him to say no,” Sahalie said. “We can make sure our demand is known to the entire magical world.”
Elle stepped away and voiced the exact thought going through my mind. “Let’s say that Bastien agrees. How do you know this meeting won’t be another trap?”
Sahalie clasped her hands in front of her and smiled wanly. “It most certainlywillbe a trap. Unlike last time, we’ll be ready. We can plan for it.”
35
BRIELLE
Sahalie wasn’t making much sense to me or anyone else in the room, for that matter—it was clear from the looks on their faces. The only person who appeared to have some idea of what she was saying was Aurelius. He nodded slowly as if agreeing with something.
“Like a reverse ambush?” he asked.
