Page 23 of The Path of Blood and Betrayals
Max
“You’re insane.”
“I assure you,” the king levels a hard look on one of his cowering lords, “I am not.”
The King called an early morning meeting between the fractions, and as the night air still hangs around the castle, we—Humans, Fae, Witches, sit huddled together, around a wooden table, walls surrounded by bookcases of old leather-bound books. Leaning against the wall, heavy cloak covering my body, I keep silently to the side, hiding inside my hood to avoid attention.
Apprehension curls around the group. No one trusts the other and prejudices run deep.
Not to mention, the pounding of hearts in my ears, my magic sliding along my veins, seeking to crush enemies around me.
Rubbing my forehead, I close my eyes, ignoring the dark look from one Fae in particular. He’s not stopped staring at me since we came together and I don’t have the strength to deal with him.
My head hurts, nerves frazzles. All because of his little warning and my inability to stop looking over my shoulder. What was I looking for, I didn’t know. But he planted the seed of worry that took over my mind, not allowing for any rest.
Because of that, and interacting with so many people, my control is weak, at best. It’s only a matter of time before my shields fall and my power consumes those around me.
Glancing up, I catch his eyes and he winks.
Thoughts of murder consume me as he turns to address Griffin.
“You cannot enter the Eternal Night Forest, King,” the heir drawls, opposite end from the Griffin. They are two sides of one coin: one light and promising peace, the other dark and depraved.
Griffin shakes his head. “We can, with the proper guidance and the proper equipment. The forest is large, but we can prepare for it.”
“No,” Kaden scoffs. He sits with one knee bent on the padded cushion as he stares the king down. “Youcannot enter the forest. The Dark Fae are accustomed to those woods. Have been for centuries.”
“Then, that’s a start. A promising start. If you know the forest, you can guide us?—”
“And what would that do forus?” The Fae sneers. “You think we would willingly follow you orders into those cursed woods and guide your people? We will be hunted by the beasts that roam that dark territory, looking for a meal.” Kaden tsks. “After everything your kind has done to mine, you really think we’d help?” He laughs coldly. “No. I think not.”
“It’s cursed for a reason.” Reid chuckles at the heir’s back, arms crossed. “And you think you can waltz right in. Human ignorance isfascinating.”
I’ve missed something. Something important. Why are they talking about the Eternal Night Forest?
Tay leans back, his large form dwarfing the high back chair. “We do not know for certain there are beasts there, heir. Nor that it’s cursed. It’s a myth.”
Kaden rolls his eyes. “Your mother must have kept you suckling longer than most,” he insults and I take a step forward, as if to attack. Tay’s hand on my wrist stops me from spewing curses at the Fae.
Hecontinues, his sister huffing on his right. “You’re young so I’ll overlook your ignorance. As it is, I’m sure the Covens do not understand much and need a refresher on how this worldworks.
“Quick history lesson, Taylay. It is no myth that beasts haunt the forest—this is stated fact. The most fearsome of creatures reside within those woods, cursed to remain there.” Kaden taps the table, drawing a crude circle. “A barrier prevents them from leaving their prison. Anyone who steps inside that forest, though? Becomes dinner.” Amber eyes lock onto mine, and I flinch from the searing intensity. “Especially weak Witches who do not understand they are prey.”
Well, that was directed at me. Frowning, I narrow my eyes and he grins.Bastard.
“You think I don’t know of the threats in this world?”Tayasks, voice edged with challenge. “You assume the Coven doesn’t have foes. That we have no worries. You’d be wrong.”
Blood thrashes in my head, fingers inching to give in. If not for the very real fear of what would happen to me if this room knew of my magic, I would.
“I am rarely wrong,” Kaden drawls. “Besides, it’s not your fault. When the Covens pulled back from the fractions after the Great War, scared of all the dangers in the world, they lost their common sense. You were conditioned to be ignorant. Blame your leaders for their limited foresight.”
I growl, mouth retorting before I realize the repercussions.
“Says the Dark Fae heir who is called a monster for his prowess in battle,” I sneer. “Tell me, do you truly believe the Covens are ignorant or are you bitter for our refusal to trade with you and your kind?”
Tay’s sharp intake echoes around me as it cuts through my haze of anger and irritation.
I was supposed to be mute.
