Page 65 of A Crown Without Mercy

Sylvana choked on her drink. “Calista!” she whispered.

“Tell me. The only side of the Acherons I know is nothing short of brutal.”

“They were amazing. I have to give it them.”

“It appears you alreadygave it to them,” Calista joked.

Sylvana laughed aloud. “It’s not funny!”

“It’s really not. I see this ending in misery where you are concerned. What are you going to do when they find a mate?”

“I do not know. I don’t let myself ponder the thought and you could be a little supportive.”

“I’m being realistic. But I have to know, what is their brother Riordan like?”

“He’s unreadable. There is something behind the chill in his eyes and his face is vacant of emotion. However, there is more.”

“What do you mean?”Unless,Calista thought.“Do you think he suspects who you are?”

“I think he has his suspicions.”

“Sylvana, this is bad. What gives you that idea?”

“He was there for part of the evening as well. He was very polite, but there was a lot residing beneath his friendly demeanor.” Sylvana explained all that occurred in the library, the games, and the bathhouse.

“Father is going to lose his shit,” Calista stated.

“He won’t find out.”

“Do not underestimate him. He is a member of the Legion in case you’ve forgotten.”

“I haven’t forgotten.”

“You are playing with fire, Sylvie.”

“Yes, I am well aware. Nicolai came by today and they want me to go to them tonight.”

“Are you?”

“Obviously not or I wouldn’t be sitting here.”

“How does this work? The turning part?” Muriel asked as she and Lupine walked arm in arm.

“There are only two ways to be turned. You either have to be born into it or you have to be bitten by an original.”

“You said you are an original, so there is no way this can go wrong? I won’t end up as some sort of mixed breed?”

Lupine chuckled. “No. As you know, my pack came here on the old ships, and I am one of five remaining originals. The Acherons beheaded my great grandfather, Bastan.”

“I had no idea.”

“You don’t know about the original war and all that followed?”

“I only know the basics. I’m not a member of the court, so I suppose no one thought it important.”

“I will tell you all you need to know.”

“I would appreciate it.” She looked up and stared at the moon. “Lupine, how will I change? Other than the obvious.”

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