Yet, even she made allowances for those she considered family. Dewdrop. Night. Ryu. Even Roslyn. Every one of them could get away with things others couldn’t. It was one of the reasons she placed such importance on them.
They dealt with her bad moods, giving her grace in her ugly moments and she did the same for them. If you couldn’t even do that much for the people you loved, what was the point?
Tate couldn’t see the duke suddenly changing his behavior. He was an autocrat, used to being in charge and ordering others around. Roslyn would have to make peace with that if she wanted a relationship with her father.
Tate thought the duke might be in for a bit of a surprise though. Roslyn was no longer the obedient child who’d put up with all manner of insults.
If he didn’t mend his ways, he ran the danger of losing her for a second time.
He seemed to realize it too, his lips flattening into a thin line. “Please.”
The words were bit off through gritted teeth, the effort seeming to have exhausted his small patience. As if that was all she’d been waiting for, Roslyn’s expression gentled. Her figure was graceful as she moved toward her father.
The duke’s gaze darted from his daughter to Tate before he twisted on his heel and stalked off.
That man is in for a rude awakening when he finds out his soft daughter has turned into a wolf.Night’s side brushed against Tate’s legs.
“I got the impression that was what he wanted.”
Reality often differs from our dreams.
Tate was rather looking forward to the duke’s reaction when he realized he’d gotten exactly what he’d wished for—just not in the way he thought. This version of Roslyn was going to be a lot harder to control and intimidate than the last. Tate hoped his family was ready for her.
Think he realizes you were planning to help her harness her relic even before he asked?
Tate allowed herself a tiny, smug smile as the two shared a conspiring look. If the duke was willing to let Tate off the hook for such a small price, who was she to argue?
Tate’s smile faded as she considered Vale and Night seriously. “I feel I owe you both an apology. I didn’t consult with you before doing what I did.”
Her actions were uncomfortably close to something an Ijiri would have done. They never once considered whether those they experimented on wanted the tampering, simply assuming their victims should be grateful.
If Night or Vale chose to view her actions as an unforgivable trespass, she didn’t know what she’d do. The type of relic she’d gifted them with couldn’t be taken back, except in death.
Vale answered first, bowing before her. “Please don’t say that. For someone like me, who has no family background and who never thought I’d get such a chance, this is an incomparable honor. The fact it came from one of my heroes makes it even better.”
Tate winced at that. “I’m not a hero.”
That title belonged to the other Saviors.
Vale lifted his head. “I have to disagree. You may not have been mentioned in name in the records kept by the other Saviors, but your influence could be felt. They never forgot you. I believe they kept your identity secret to protect you. That tells me everything I need to know about the person you are and the role you played.”
Tate’s solemn gaze landed on Night. If he didn’t forgive her, if he chose to break off his relationship with her, she didn’t know what she’d do.
Several seconds passed, Tate’s anxiety growing as she held her breath. After what felt like an eternity, his tail flicked.There’s nothing to forgive. You did what was necessary. I am not such a person that I would blame you for that.
Tate released a shaky breath, almost light-headed with gratitude.
I only wish the idiot boy could have been here. He needs this more than I do—especially in light of what happened today.
Tate couldn’t disagree. Even if the pandora’s box didn’t bestow a relic on Night or Vale, their bodies would have been nourished by the particles, making them stronger over all.
“Do either of you feel any different?” It was a question Tate should have asked Roslyn as well. She’d have to fix that oversight later when she had a moment again.
Vale frowned and touched the center of his chest. “A warmth. Right here. I’m not sure what it means, though.”
“Let me see it.”
The tips of Vale’s ears turned pink as he shrunk away from Tate, his arms coming up to protectively hover over his chest as if he feared what she’d do if he didn’t obey.
