“What can I say?” Lilith laughs, releasing me as she straightens herself in her seat. “Fae may often be verbose tricksters, but sometimes words aren’t enough.”
Her hands linger near the edge of the table, her gift of silver gleaming in a splash of red light. The emerald shines, rendered near black in the light.
Eve’s eyes race to me before darting to Lilith. “He hasn’t even—”
“In due time, Eve,” Lilith interrupts with a rather sing-song cadence. She paints a pleasant smile upon her face. “The intent is tofamiliarize Ves with the long-standing tradition.”
There has to be a way I can steer today’s lesson in a more favorable direction. If I have to listen to Lilith drone on about the Joining and gifts of silver and rituals… My jaw tightens.
Eve kicks at me, landing a sharp strike against my shin and my eyes and attention snap to her.
“We can survive an hour,” she says, swinging a thumb toward the clock hung above the door.
I can… but no promisesLilithwill.
I heave a sigh, releasing the various schemes on silencing Lilith for our duration.
“Will you be participating in the Joining?” I ask and Lilith’s smile falls.
She quickly catches it, propping it upon her lips.
“No,” she answers, her voice rather reserved. “The Joining is for Nektos-chosen mates only.”
And Fenryn isn’t her mate.
“But you’ll ascend as Sovereign Queen of Sol?” I ask, my brows creasing.
With a small sigh, she reinforces the smile on her lips. “As long as the council permits it.”
Perfect, the opening I need.
And it’s too easy to tie my interests to hers.
“I could handle the High Council,” I say, leaning back in my seat as I hold Lilith’s stare. “Were I to learn more about the Sovereign Kings. I could turn your plight into peace.”
I almost laugh at my own words.
Spoken like a true demon.
Across the table, Eve’s dark brows are slow to rise as Lilith laughs.
“How nefariously silver your tongue, Ves,” she says, the spark in her eyes sharp.
“You want me to fight against the council? For you? For Fenryn?” I counter coolly as I lean forward, flattening my hands on the table. “Thenarmme. Give me what I need to ensure I can bend them.”
Hazel eyes search my face, scouring for the jest.
But there isn’t one.
“Perhaps the council should understand who they’re thrustinginto power against her will,” I add.
Eyes locked on mine, Lilith purses her lips.
“Is this a contract offer?” Lilith asks.
Smiling, I shake my head. “I couldn’t offer you a contract even if I wanted to. No innate, remember? This is more of an exchange betweenfriends. Potentially beneficial knowledge for the potential of a favored outcome.”
If people like Lilith and Rowen are going to use me to their benefit, making it worth my time strikes the same vein. I may not be able toguaranteean outcome—I’m no god—but that doesn’t mean I won’ttry.
