A flicker of surprise rippled through themarekem, and I steeled myself not to look over at Fallon.
His nostrils flared, and for a moment, he was silent, as if chasing a calm he wasn’t capable of.
Finally, he spoke. “Arrow Fitzroy.” His voice was clipped, controlled. “There will be a strategy meeting conducted this evening in the war room. You will attend.”
I clenched my fists, my jaw tightening. My eyes locked onto his, searching for something—anything—that would make this feel less like a command from a stranger and more like a father’s words.
I found nothing.
This time, the anger burning through my skin felt like sparks.
“Do not let him get the best of you,” Lakota growled.
I let out an incredulous scoff, smirking as I stepped back. Shaking my head, I turned on my heel and made for the exit, Rhodes trailing close behind.
Just before reaching the door, I stopped.
Without looking back, I spoke. “Oh, and Arrow? I have two conditions.”
Silence stretched between us. I could feel his attention locked on me.
“The Hollow will welcome my friends from Mageia with hospitality. And you will let Shayde Wylder out of his cell,” I said, glancing over my shoulder. “Find some use for him—anywhere—but let him go.” I held his gaze, letting the weight of my words settle. “Do that, and I’ll join your mission.”
“Fine to the cadets. But absolutely not to Wylder.” Arrow’s face turned molten red. “Not when we don’t know where his loyalties lie.”
I shrugged, exaggerating a pout. “Then Lakota and I will leave.”
At the mention of Lakota’s name, his expression faltered—just for a second.
“You’ll have nowhere to go,” he said, voice tight. “Mageia won’t takeyou back in.”
I smirked. “You don’t know me very well.” I turned toward the door, my tone light but laced with steel. “Starting over from nothing? That’s kind of my specialty. Suit yourself.”
Rhodes pulled the door open, and as it swung shut behind us, Arrow’s voice cut through the space.
“Done.”
Chapter 14
Today was turning out to be one of my favorite days.
First, Scarlet put our father in his place—and he crumbled. I had to bite back my laughter, but oh,elements, did I want to scream from the rooftops that our mighty General had just been scolded by a girl.
And now? I got to play with my pet snake.
Humming softly, I skipped through the dimly lit corridor, twirling the ring of keys around my finger with practiced ease. When I reached his cell, Shayde was already at the bars, hands gripping the metal, waiting.
I caught a flicker of hope in his eyes. And then—oh, how quickly itdied.
“Aw, don’t look too happy to see me, Snake,” I cooed, tilting my head. “Today’s your lucky day.”
“Any day withyouin it is a waste of light,” he deadpanned.
I gasped, clutching my chest in mock injury. Then, with deliberate slowness, I lifted the keys. His brows knit in confusion,his gaze flicking from the keys back to me. Without breaking eye contact, I slid one into the lock and turned it with a softclick.
The door creaked open, and I stepped aside, gesturing grandly. “Go on, then. Freedom awaits.”
Shayde didn’t move. “This has got to be some fucking joke.”
