“Yes,” he scoffed. “I was surprised to see him at Vaukore. But he loves stepping in to save the day. Too bad he didn’t save you.”
Maeve watched him carefully. He spoke with such certainty, such conviction. She knew better than to believe him, but what he said had some truth to it. The Immortals did not offer refuge to the Magicals.
“Sleep on it,” said Kietel. “My offer. I don’t care who the Dread Descendant is. My purpose is the destruction of our sham Magical Government. And your Dread Prince is welcome in my cause, too.”
Maeve shook her head. “Mal will never forgive you. Nor will my father.”
“But you might?”
“I am not concerned with forgiveness. My allegiance, however, is not so easily bought.”
Kietel nodded. He pointed his fork at her. “Affection will lose you this war, Sinclair.”
She looked down. The meat on her plate ran into her vegetables. They were soggy now.
She opened her mouth to speak-
But her hand shot to the ring around her neck-
Her eyes went wide. Kietel’s did as well. The windows in the study exploded as emerald green and red swirling night filled the study.
Chapter 37
Mal emerged from the darkness, his eyes on Maeve. She pushed out of her chair and bolted for him. Kietel’s chair flew backwards behind him.
Maeve slammed into a solid wall of air. She hit the ground, her fists banging against the shield. The wall remained. Kietel obscured behind her and placed one finger at her temple, drawing her to her feet.
Darkness crept from Mal’s side of the room. It slithered from the ceiling and across the floors in long tendrils and began penetrating Kietel’s wall.
He walked calmly towards her until he was at that invisible barrier. Steps away from them.
Did he hurt you?Mal said into her mind.
His voice caused an audible breath to rise in her chest.
Not badly.She replied.
A pause. Then he spoke into her mind with incredible control.
Did he touch you?
No.
Those bands holding your magic back will snap with his neck shortly.
Maeve had to suppress a smile.
Mal’s full lips parted slightly, and Maeve realized they had been apart for only four days, but it felt like weeks since his lips had pressed against hers.
From the red and green swirling nebula behind Mal stepped Ambrose.
“The entire Magical Militia is a portal away, Kietel. At least the ones still loyal to me.” He spoke bitterly, his eyes filled with hatred as Kietel held his youngest daughter threateningly.
“I have no doubt, Ambrose. Reeve couldn’t deign to join us, or is he spending another week in the form of a beast? I’ve heard he prefers the scales to skin these days.”
Ambrose didn’t answer. “Step away from her and let us discuss these terms.”
“That deal is off the table,” said Kietel.
