“Furthermore, Vivian is more impartial than most, since she is connected to three realms. She has ties to the Otherworld, as well as the Mortal and Shadow Realms through either her birth or her mate.”
“Four,” Ragna corrects. “She’s connected to four.”
My eyes widen, and Morgana’s face mirrors mine. We all agreed to keep my Reaper powers a secret until after the war. Ragna can’t seriously be about to tell everyone.
Ragna doesn’t look concerned as she casually adds, “Her father is from the Beast Realm.”
Chapter 54
Vivian’s Point of View
Rule fifty-four:If you’re going to claim a chair, do it with style.
Ragna has been conveniently surrounded by rebel army leaders since she dropped the bomb about my father.
Part of me is convinced she was lying. I always figured I was fathered by a one-night stand that my mother was too embarrassed to bring up.
Sin is seething, and I’m not doing much better, but we’ve both agreed to wait until after the conclave to get answers. Tonight is too important. We need to present a solid front, or we might lose the few people who are willing to stand with us. Given how painfully outnumbered we are in this war, every person is crucial.
Need’s throne room has been converted into something between a dinner party and a meeting hall tohost the event. Small tables are interspersed around the lower floor, and the atmosphere feels forcibly casual.
It’s as if everyone is on edge, but we’re all trying to ignore it.
The castle’s usual dress code is back in full force. I think ball gowns are a bit over the top, but people get comfort from the familiar. Or at least, that’s what Rosie said when I visited her in the infirmary. Her face was even paler today, the circles under her eyes almost indigo.
When I expressed my concern, Sarah assured me that they were taking care of her. I offered to stay and help, but Rosie’s voice was like steel when she handed me a garment bag and ordered me to go get ready.
Conner blew me a kiss before I left, and Isaac gave me a thumbs-up, wishing me luck. Then, for some reason, Sarah threw a bandage at his head, only to dissolve into a fit of giggles when Rosie whispered something to her.
Their banter warmed my heart. I knew Rosie and Sarah would be thick as thieves. With their bubbly personalities, it’s like getting an instant dose of joy when you talk to them.
Thankfully, the gown Rosie picked for me isn’t a poofy monstrosity. Instead, I’m draped in a deep red silk gown. It has a high halter neck, an open back, and hangs softly down my legs. There are two parallel slits on each side that reach my upper thighs.
Is it a professional look?
No.
But I’m just here to cast a vote. So, I’m not too concerned about looking like a politician.
Sin and I have claimed a small table in the far back corner of the room. It was my idea, and I explained that it would help us keep a closer eye on Ragna.
Am I also hiding, just in case someone gets a stupid idea about trying to nominate me?
Yes.
But only because I’m a terrible choice, and we really need a strong leader.
“I’m still waiting to collect my prize, kitten,” Sin notes, his eyes dragging over the exposed skin of my back, yet again.
I don’t think he’s stopped since I put it on.
My body heats under his gaze, but the topic is enough to keep me lust-free. “Later,” I grumble, not looking forward to the conversation.
Rough fingers trail down my spine, and I curl back into them. Sin looks roguishly handsome tonight. The sleeves of his black shirt are rolled up, and there’s something about the veins in his forearms that are doing things to me.
He smirks, pressing closer. “I want everything, every last truth behind your emotions,” he whispers. “Will you let me in?”
My heart skips a beat, and I freeze as I realize exactly what he’s asking.
