Dragging my eyes from him, I face everyone. My hands rub down my pants nervously. “It’s silly, really.”
“Don’t do that,” Raiden snaps. “Your fear should not be diminished or trivialized.”
“Right.” My eyes drop to the floor. “Look, I’m scared of being trapped in small spaces, especially in the dark.”
“You have claustrophobia?” Maxon asks gently.
“Yes, it stems from my childhood. My foster brother frequently locked me away, sometimes for long periods of time. He enjoyed–” I pause, feeling the tension in the room grow. Maxon’s eyes are glowing, and not just the violet and silver combination I’m used to. Flames swirl and twirl in their depths, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
His attention snaps to Raiden. “You knew about this?”
“Don’t blame him. I asked him not to tell anyone. He was being a good friend,” I answer before Raiden can.
Maxon storms over to me, taking my hand in his. “Where does he live?”
“What?”
“This foster brother.”
“What? No.”
“Tell me.”
Instead, I push up on my toes, my lips meeting his in a soft embrace. “It’s very sexy of you, wanting to avenge me, but please just forget it. He isn’t worth it.”
“But you are,” Maxon states firmly, his expression softening as he stares down at me. His fingers thread through my hair as he pulls me closer. Butterflies swarm my stomach and I rest my cheek on his chest, listening to his heartbeat as it beats in sync with mine.
“Everly.” Kian’s tone is low, pleading.
Reluctantly, I shift my body in Maxon's arms, unsure of what to expect.
Kian's eyes hold a deep remorse, a silent admission of regret. “I’m so sorry I put you in there. Had I known, we never would have done that.”
“I know,” I whisper.
“We are truly remorseful, and are ashamed of our actions,” Tristan adds softly.
‘Want me to put them in the dungeons for the night?’Maxon offers, his deep voice caressing my mind.
‘No, we have more important things to do.’
‘You sure? Because I really want to see them in there for upsetting you.’
I squeeze his arm, which is still wrapped around my waist. ‘I’m sure.’
The door to Maxon’s chambers bangs open, making all of us jump. Within a second, I am swiftly maneuvered behind Maxon, and his sword is drawn.
“Thank the goddess Aine, you're all here!” Zaria says.
“We’ve been looking everywhere!” Nix agrees.
As I step out from behind Maxon, my eyes land on a disheveled-looking Zaria, flanked by Nix and Rayna.
“What are you guys doing back already?” Nix asks, glancing from Maxon to Raiden.
“We heard about Alivar,” Maxon growls.
“How?” Zaria asks.
