I would be grateful if I could feel anything but pain when I look at him.
96
ZADYN
1 DAY
“Well, this isn’t depressing at all,” Kai mumbles, drumming his fingers on the high-backed leather chair.
It’s been a quiet night. After dinner, all of us gathered in Sorscha’s rooms—all except Jace, who’s either been warned by Serena to stay the hell away from her, or he’s decided to outcast himself.
I was just as responsible for getting myself killed as he was, but Serena is clinging to her anger like it’s the last thing left on this earth. I wonder if that’s because without it, there would be nothing standing in their way.
I know she’s mine. But I also know that part of her is his. I either have to accept that, as Gnorr said, or walk away. And gods know I’m fully incapable of the latter.
The mood is somber, not even Kai wisecracking like his usual self. Two weeks is up tomorrow, and despite the coronation in the morning, no one seems remotely inclined to celebrate.
“So that’s it?” Kai prods. “We’re just giving up?”
The room is silent—heads low, spirits lower.
“We’re not giving up, Kai,” Serena says. “I’m just doing what I have to do.”
She tries to smile, but I catch the crack in it. The chink in the armor. And I realize that she is just as scared as the rest of us.
Kai’s brow ticks up. “Forgive me for saying so, but that doesn’t sound extremely confident.”
“I’m not sure what else we can do at this point,” Serena answers, her voice filled with quiet regret.
“Anything is better than sitting here sulking.” He pushes away from the chair, pacing over to the window. Rain slides down the glass in slow, heavy clumps.
“Zadyn has scoured that library. If there were something to find, he would have found it by now. Right?” She turns to me.
Sighing, I nod. “There was nothing there. I even checked with Gnorr. The deal is binding, short of death.”
“So we kill him,” Kai concludes. “Before he takes you.”
“That would require catching him first.”
Serena’s head snaps around like a whip. Jace is leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed over his leathers.
“I know you don’t want to see me right now, but I might have an idea.”
“Pass. Your ideas suck.” Serena turns back toward the group, folding her arms over her chest.
“Luckily, I care little for your opinion.”
She snorts. “If that ain’t the truth.”
He gives her a dark look and moves to stand beside us on the settee. “We know he’s coming. One way or another. So we set a trap.”
“He’s not a fucking mouse, Jace,” Serena snaps. “He’s a king. And a powerful one.”
“You think I don’t know that?” he retorts. “And what does he want? You. So we dangle the bait and watch him walk right into it.”
It’s my turn to interrupt. “We’re not luring him out with Serena as bait.”
“I can shield her. But if you’ve got a better suggestion, I’m all ears.”
