Page 68 of Tears of Tungsten
I shot a glance at my sister, wondering if Stella could provide us with clearer answers. She looked back at me, meeting my eyes without flinching.
I hadn’t told her I didn’t blame her for her choice. I wanted to. I wanted to tell her so many things, to clear the air between us at least a little. But when our gazes locked, a sudden knowledge invaded my mind.
I turned toward Jared, finally knowing what I needed to do. “In the name of the Grand Chimera Unit, I challenge you and yours to a trial by fire. You’ve stolen a valued member of our team and that trespass cannot go unpunished.”
Jared’s ice-blue eyes flashed with sharp anger. “I accept your challenge. I will fight you.”
I was more than ready to wipe the floor with him, to crush him from the inside out. Brendan refused to allow it. “No,” he said, taking a step forward. “You will fight me. I am the one responsible for Selene, and for all of this. If it has to end in a battle, it’s better for it to be just between the two of us.”
He was trying to protect Stella, and perhaps keep me and August from having to face my sister. I appreciated it more than I could ever say. And maybe Jared acknowledged this necessity too, because he agreed.
“Very well. Let’s fight then, Your Highness. But be advised. This time, I won’t be holding back.”
Brendan grinned, and just like that, all signs of his previous calm demeanor vanished. “I’m counting on it.”
Shit.
