After today’s training session, I wish I could. But my brothers come first. And I have no doubt Bran will kill them without a second thought.
The Primus watches me. He’s really mastered the art of silent intimidation and I’m sure he knows just how unsettling it is not to be able to see his eyes.
“I saw you training today,” the woman says. “The Primus is right. You shouldn’t be here.”
Maybe they truly don’t know why I’m here. But if the Primus doesn’t know I’ve been sent to kill the emperor, this interest in my welfare is strange.
“Why do you care?”
“Your incompetence reflects on all of us,” the woman says.
Ouch. If I was truly here to succeed as a gladian, that would definitely sting.
“Enough, Neris,” the Primus says brusquely.
I stuff another bite into my mouth. I’m no longer hungry, but I need the fuel to get through the rest of the day.
The Primus casually reaches out and takes an apple from my tray.He doesn’t remove his helmet, merely holds the apple up as if he’s never seen one before.
“Everyone else here fits in,” he says. “They’ve trained for this. They want to be here. You haven’t, and you don’t. That makes you a mystery. And I’m very good at solving mysteries.”
My scalp prickles. I was stupid. So, so stupid to think I could come here, survive the arena three times, and then get through the predator sitting next to me to kill the emperor.
Evren’s face flashes before my eyes, his lips blue as he suffocates in front of me. Pushing my tray away, I get to my feet.
Everyone has a weakness. Even the vampire watching me so intently.
I just need to find his.
CHAPTER SEVEN
The boy’s name is Ti. And he’s obsessed with the sun. He sits in the tree for hours, face turned up to the sky, basking in the weak rays.
“Maybe you should move north one day,” I say, wobbling precariously on my chosen branch. “It’s warmer there.”
He gives me a look I can’t understand. “Impossible.” Within minutes, he’s quiet and sullen.
When I grow tired of his attitude and attempt to leave, his jaw hardens and he shakes his head. “I’m not ready for you to go yet.”
My pulse pounds at my temples and I clench my fists. I have little oversight. When I’m not helping my mother with the twins, I run wild through the Thorn.
Andno onetells me what to do.
My feet are on the ground a moment later. Ti jumps down beside me, eyes lit with fury.
“I haven’t said you could leave.”
“I don’t care.”
“Don’t you want this?” He holds out his hand, showing me the button.
“Not enough to stay with you when you’re in this mood.”
He blinks. I step away, and his hand flies out, grabbing my wrist. It’s a strange movement. A desperate movement.
My fist plows into his cheek. It’s an instinctive reaction, and I immediately regret it.
He curses, letting me go. “What was that for?” he demands, cupping his face.
