“You must have lost your mind if you thought I’d be willing to put you in front of Hunter after everything you’d been through.” His fingers found my chin and tipped my head up so that I was looking at him again. “I lost you once. I wasn’t going to risk it again.”
“And what about me?” I asked. “You didn’t think about the fact I didn’t want to lose you?”
His mouth curled into a smirk. “You love me even when you hate me.”
“Grayson.” Our conversation was interrupted by Malachi, who was gathered with some of the other Gods. “A moment of your time, please.”
Gray gave a curt nod before turning back to me. “Listen carefully, Quen. Things will move quickly. You do not need to answer to anyone about anything. Understood? A few hours and Elysia will be mine, golden girl. And nothing will ever be able to hurt you again.” He pressed a kiss to my forehead. “Don’t move. I’ll be right back.”
He walked over to the group of Gods and my aura, now thin wisps, trailed after him as if unable to cope with a few feet of distance.
I sank to the floor, perching on the crumbling steps that led to the ruined dais. Resting my elbows on my knees, I droppedmy head into my hands and let out a long, shaky breath. The adrenaline was flooding out of me and all I wanted to do was close my eyes and forget about everything for a while.
“Why so down, Quentin Scott? Unsurprisingly, things have worked out in your favour.”
When I picked my head up, Archer was gazing at me. His wrists were in cuffs but the auras that bound him had disappeared as Gods and Goddesses were content he wasn’t going anywhere.
I sent a quick glance towards Gray, who seemed deep in conversation. His brow furrowed as he listened to the others. Picking myself up from my spot, I approached Archer. I wasn’t leaving the chambers, so it shouldn’t be a problem.
“They’re going to figure out you’re lying,” I told him quietly when I made it in front of him. My voice was only loud enough for the two of us to hear.
“You forget my responsibility.” He lifted his bound hands to place a finger to his lips. “I know how to keep a secret. Remember?”
It was so pointed. A reminder that he had done me a favour and that it would need to be repaid in kind.
“How did you and Larkin get your hands on more oleander?”
“We paid another trip to Mabel.” I turned my head towards the voice to see Larkin coming towards us. “She always has been an opportunist.”
“She kept some away from Hunter?” I asked.
“It appears so. I told you I thought there was more there, but I couldn’t get her to tell me about it,” Archer answered. “Larkin’s strength really is a terrifying gift when it is used against you. You’re forgiven for not realising that Mabel will always put herself before the cause. We’ve had several centuries with her, unfortunately.”
I nodded slowly before looking at Larkin. The raw, feral nature that flashes of lightning had highlighted on the cliff seemed like a figment of my imagination. Larkin’s expression was smooth and controlled, like it always had been.
“You used me,” I said, though the anger was tepid.
How could I blame her? She had one shot, and she made sure all the odds were stacked in her favour. I’d wanted to kill Hunter for less. It felt fitting that Larkin be the one to watch the life bleed from his eyes. To use her strength against him in an ultimate act when he had used it against her for so long.
“I would apologise, but it would be insincere and I’m sure we’ve both had enough of that.” It was a statement that held no remorse. “I trusted you, and now you have to trust me.”
“I understand,” I told her after a beat. “You did what you thought was best.”
“No—”
But Larkin’s words were cut off when an arm came around my middle and Gray pulled me behind him.
“I thought I told you to stay put,” he said, looking over his shoulder. He didn’t wait for an answer before he addressed Archer. “I think it’s best you keep your distance from her until everything is finished. I don’t want Quentin being caught in any more crossfire.”
“How noble of you,” Archer drawled.
Thankfully, Gray ignored him and looked at Larkin. “Are you okay?”
“Elysia has been at war and my scumbag ex-husband has finally been murdered. I’m just peachy, Grayson.”
The response was a mutter. “I don’t know why I bother.” And then louder, “I’ll see you both tomorrow?”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Larkin replied.
