Erik stepped up to Gray’s side. “Ignore him. He doesn’t know anything.”
“I don’t need your pity, Erik.”
“It’s not pity, Gray.”
“Just leave me alone!” Gray raged, aura pulsing out uncontrollably and causing people to scatter. “I want to be alone.”
* * *
The memory faded away,and I pressed my nose against Gray’s cheek, processing what I’d seen.
“He’s always wanted me gone,” Gray said quietly. “The fact I still exist must truly be a thorn in his side.”
“You were so young,” I whispered.
“Age is nothing when you’re immortal.”
“He still shouldn’t have spoken to you like that. He’s your brother. Cass would never —"
“I didn’t show you for pity,” Grayson said sharply, but I didn’t flinch. “I showed you, so what I show you next might have some context.”
His palm rested against my face, and the room around us fell out of focus as another memory took over.
* * *
Gray walked hurriedlythrough the council chambers, descending some stairs down into the depths. He threw curious glances over his shoulder before heading down a hallway. His footsteps echoed around the space and eventually he came to a stop.
Sitting on the floor, back resting against the wall, was Elara. Her blonde hair was stuck to her face and dark circles coloured beneath her eyes.
Gray strode over to her, sinking to his knees. “Nothing I say will make him listen.”
“You tried,” Elara told him, tilting her head up to meet his eyes. “I know you did.”
“He’s forcing Elva to help. He’s asked her directly for the use of her gift.”
Elara nodded. “Grayson, please don’t let Hunter do this. I don’t want to die by his hands.”
“I can’t stop him. Elva will take control tomorrow. She won’t be able to stop it.”
“I need it to be you. I need it to be someone I trust. Who isn’t being tricked into it and will need to live with that guilt.”
“No.” Gray went to get to his feet, but Elara reached out, grabbing his hand with a surprising strength for how weak she looked. “You can’t ask me to do this.”
“Grayson, how long have we known each other?” When he didn’t answer, she continued, “Wherever you go, who cleans up after you?”
“Hope is always needed after chaos,” he said tightly.
“And I have always done what is needed of me. I need this one thing from you.”
“I won’t do it. I spent years thinking he was looking after us all, but this is madness. He’s tarring you all with the same brush without proof. Forcing the rest of us to do his dirty work.”
“And you plan to challenge him?” Elara asked. The words seemed to be an effort, and she took a deep breath. “You see what lower Elysians see, Gray. Your brother has never been a leader. He’s manipulated everything he could to work in his favour.”
“I won’t allow him to do it anymore.”
“You get yourself thrown off the council or killed and he will do whatever he wants.” Elara closed her eyes. “You’re in a position most of us would have craved. You’re right there to vote against him and to change the opinion of others. Offer them another option.”
“It’ll be too late by then.”
