“I don’t know. She has never shown an interest in me before, and she did seem pushy.”
My pulse quickens, and I leap to my feet. “She could be the traitor. We need to find her.”
Tristan appears in front of me. “Hold your horses. Let’s think about this. I need to speak with Nolan and the queen first before we approach Madeline.”
“Why?”
“Because if it is her, then we will need to go about this in the right way.”
Frustration wells up, and I can feel tears building in my eyes, making my nose burn. Nymeria and Anika circle around me and gently nudge me back toward the sofa. I drop down and rest my head in my hands.
“This sucks.”
“Here, this will help you relax,” Zaria offers, handing me a cup of herbal tea.
I bring it to my nose and sniff it.
“One of us will stay in here with you. Alivar has already portalled in once, nothing is stopping him from trying again.”
“Well, he saw I was mated, and he can’t claim me, so he should leave me alone, right?” I reply, taking a sip.
“Not necessarily. The mating bond can be broken, or there are ways around it. He could kill Maxon, though that would prove extremely difficult.”
“He wouldn’t though, right?” By the time the words are out, my heart is thundering in my chest.
“No, he wouldn’t do that,” Kian rushes to reassure me.
Tristan folds his arms. “The fact you are mated is only a hurdle, not a roadblock.”
“Well, that’s just great, isn’t it?” I reply, throwing my hands in the air.
“No, I don’t know if you were listening, but it is terrible.” Tristan eyes me as if I were a little crazy.
“I was being sarcastic, you douche.”
“Okay, I think Everly needs rest. Why don’t you two head out?” Zaria steps between us.
“That’s fine. I’m going to find Nolan and see if I can get in to see the queen.” Tristan squeezes my shoulder as he passes.
“Fine, but I’m sleeping in these clothes,” I reply.
“I will stay right here.” Kian plonks down on the sofa.
“Whatever,” I grumble.
Chapter forty-three
Maxon
Islam my fist into the closest tree, feeling the flames dance along my skin as my fury overpowers my emotions.
“That fucker!” I bellow, my voice echoing around the clearing.
I need to get back to the castle. I should never have left Everly behind. The weight of my decision presses on me like a stone in my chest. I was aware that Alivar had a spy within the castle’s walls, but the betrayal stings more sharply than I could have anticipated. How could they allow him access, jeopardizing the safety of everyone within?
Fury surges through me, a seething anger that threatens to consume my soul. The mere thought of someone in the castle aiding Alivar in his nefarious plans fuels my desire for vengeance. Whoever betrayed me will pay a heavy price, and the castle’s halls will echo with their cries formercy.
The thought of Alivar’s failed attempt to take Everly flashes in my mind, mingling with the emotions I felt from her. Relief blends with the rage, a strange concoction of emotions.
