Page 47 of Blood Currents
The small talk felt like acid in my throat.Academy gossip, weather observations, meaningless pleasantries—all while I sat across from the woman who had developed the psychological torture techniques that nearly destroyed Keane’s mind.
“Our dinner was quite successful,” Father said, watching me carefully.“Your contributions were… noted.”
My stomach clenched, but I kept my expression interested.Eager, even.The perfect son awaiting praise.“I hope I represented the family appropriately.”
“More than appropriately.”Mother’s smile sharpened with genuine pride, and I hated how that approval still warmed something deep in my chest.“Several members commented on your maturity.Your understanding of the… complexities involved in maintaining order.”
They meant the way I’d agreed that Keane was dangerous.The way I’d offered to monitor Marigold.The way I’d played their game perfectly while my soul died a little more with each word.
The worst part?I’d beengoodat it.Naturally, effortlessly good at being exactly what they needed me to be.
“I’ve always understood the importance of stability,” I said.
“Good.”Father leaned back in his chair, studying me with those cold blue eyes that had evaluated my every move since childhood.“Because there may be additional opportunities for you to demonstrate that understanding over the coming months.”
Additional opportunities.More chances to betray the people I cared about while wearing a smile.
“I look forward to being of service,” I said and hated how easily the lies came.How perfectly I could embody the dutiful heir even while my conscience screamed.
Mother set down her teacup with delicate precision.“Actually, there have been some… developments… regarding your monitoring assignment.”
Ice flooded my veins.“Oh?”
“Miss Grimley’s associations continue to concern us,” she said, her tone conversational.Clinical.“Particularly her friendship with Miss Singer and Mr.Maddock.”
Raven and Lucas.My hands tightened imperceptibly on my cup.They were targeting Marigold’s friends—the people she trusted, the support system I’d been trying to preserve by keeping her at arm’s length.
“We’ve taken some preliminary steps to… assess their loyalty,” Mother continued.“Miss Singer especially shows concerning signs of magical instability.Her familiar’s behavior has been erratic.”
The world tilted sideways.“What kind of steps?”
“Nothing dramatic,” Father said smoothly.“Simple observation spells.Background magical resonance testing.We need to understand if Miss Grimley’s influence is spreading to her circle, or if outside forces are at work.”
They were already moving against her circle.All my careful distance, all my protective lies, all the trust I’d sacrificed had bought her nothing.Nothing at all.
“Of course,” Mother continued, her tone carrying the faintest edge of criticism, “if your monitoring had provided more comprehensive intelligence, such measures might not have been necessary.”
The implication was clear: I had failed.My half-measures, my attempts to protect Marigold while still maintaining my cover, had been inadequate.They were taking direct action because I hadn’t given them enough.
“I understand,” I said quietly, the familiar shame flooding through me.Even now, even knowing they were monsters, disappointing them felt like dying.
A soft knock interrupted us.A servant appeared, bowing low.
“Lord Alstone to see you,” he announced.
My blood turned to ice water.Mother and Father exchanged a look—pleased, expectant.
“Perfect timing,” Father murmured as Lord Alstone entered.
He looked exactly as I remembered from the dinner—pale, distinguished, radiating cold authority.But now I knew what lay beneath that polished exterior.Now I knew he was the monster who’d spent months systematically destroying Keane’s mind.
“Elio,” he said, his voice carrying faint warmth.“How good to see you again.”
“Lord Alstone.”I rose, offering a respectful bow.I played the perfect heir while my skin crawled.
“Sit, please.”He settled into the chair across from me with fluid grace.“I was just updating your parents on recent developments.The situation with my nephew has created some… complications.”
Keane.They were talking about Keane like he was a problem to be solved rather than a victim they’d tortured.
