I grip the armrests of his chair, a cold, calm rage creeping over me.
“You misunderstand me. I called you here as a courtesy. But make no mistake, I am not asking. I am telling.” I lean in, letting my voice sink in volume. “This ends tonight. I will destroy him with my bare hands if I must.”
An image of my fingers wrapping around Kylian’s throat andsqueezing until he turns blue swirls around my mind. It’s a beautiful thought.
Max rises from his seat. “Say the word, and we’ll dispatch.”
I hold his gaze for a long moment. Straightening to my full height, I give him a curt nod.
“Do it.”
71
SERENA
11 DAYS
“You may now kiss your bride!”
The High Priest lifts his palms in exultation. Jace and Sorscha exchange an uncomfortable look.
“And then you will descend back down the aisle, and your ladies will follow behind alongside the males. Any questions?”
The seven of us hold our tongues as the Priest claps his hands together. “Excellent. Let us practice.”
“Is this really necessary?” Jace turns to him, a grimace on his face.
“It is choreography. It needs be rehearsed. One weak link will drag down the rest, so if you please, Highness.”
Jace rolls his eyes, threading Sorscha’s arm through his and leading her back down the stretch of white carpet already rolled out for the wedding in two days. I take Kai’s arm, and we fall into line behind them, making our way past the servants on ladders, stringing up flower garlands around the perimeter of the ornate chapel.
Cece and Sorscha continue out into the hall while the rest of us linger in the doorway.
“What time is this dinner? I’m starving,” Mar grouses.
“You’re always starving,” Dover mutters.
“What can I say? Being this attractive burns energy like you wouldn’t believe.”
I chuckle. “I’m going to check on Zadyn. He’s been in that library for days.”
He claims to be searching for a way to break this deal without horrific consequences. But I think he’s using it as an excuse to avoid me.
“If anyone can tempt him out, it’s you, savior.” Kai’s brows wag as he gives my hand a squeeze. I rip it away.
“That’s not funny.”
“It’s a little funny. Been meaning to ask—were we interrupting something when we burst into your room the night of the fire? You two seemed so…alarmed.” He slinks back against the marble pillar, a smirk twisting up the corners of his mouth.
“We were sleeping,” I lie.
He tosses his head back and laughs. “Sweetheart, those didn’t look like the faces of two people who’d been asleep?—”
“Who’s been asleep?”
I jump at the low rumble of Jace’s voice behind me.
“No one,” I say too quickly. His gaze skirts between me and Kai.
