“The question now is, what are you going to do now that youdoknow?”
What am I going to do?
My mind races with my options, all of them insane and practically suicide. But not doing anything isn’t possible either.
“Whatever it takes,” I say, set on my decision.
Lysander nods, understanding. “If you feel like this is something you must do, I will help you any way I can.”
“I don’t want to drag you into anything else.”
“Oh, enough of that. I’m volunteering.”
Even though I know this will be extremely dangerous,and I’d rather not have Lysander involved, I also don’t have an idea of where to start. I don’t have the knowledge that comes with our kind. Having his help could make all the difference.
“Okay, then tell me what to do.”
“You do what you believe is right.”
My gaze drops to Lysander’s slender fingers, which are tapping against his sword’s bronze handle. If I know anything about Lysander, it’s that he’s an expert with the weapon. He treats it like an extension of his arm. With skills like that, I could have a better chance at defending Haven, if it came down to a fight.
An idea comes to me.
Following my eyes to his sword, a sly smile tugs at Lysander’s lips as he catches on.
“Lysander,” I begin, “do you think you could show me how to wield a sword like you?”
He pulls out his sword again, twirling it in his hand and slicing it through the air with great speed and little effort. Excited, he laughs.
“Why, Avrum, I can do even better than that.”
We stroll into the manor with a new kind of fire burning inside me. My insides tingle with excitement and new purpose. I’m ready to learn all Lysander can teach me about dueling. Then I’ll be able to help Haven get away from Greystone safely. While I…
Well, I’m not sure what I’ll do after, but returning won’t be an option, either. I’ll have to figure outsomething for myself when the time comes. My main priority now is Haven. Freeing her.
Lysander has offered his daylight hours during his guard to teach me. Although I’m hesitant to practice inside the manor, he assures me that the only men that would be awake at that time would be the youngest of the guards—novices and humans who barely knew how to pick up a sword correctly, let alone fight with one. And that he has a special spot where we won’t be found, one he practiced in often.
“So, when you learn all you can from me,” Lysander asks, slowing his pace, “what will you do? Stand against Henri?”
“Not so loud,” I whisper back harshly. “Henri won’t take treason lightly.”
He shrugs, and I wonder why he doesn’t see Henri as much of a threat.
“And that’s why you, out of everyone under his roof, will be the ideal man to do it. You are the closest one to him. You know his weaknesses better than I or anyone else.”
I suppose that’s true. Henri has put a huge amount of trust in me. And now, being his second, I can use the power that brings to my advantage.
“I’m sure that Irishbâtardwas furious he appointed you next in line over him,” he says, talking about Keagan. “He’s been trying to weasel his way into that spot since he got here.”
“I didn’t know.”
“I expected as much.”
As the night goes by, I’m finding more and more about how little I really know.
When we reach the foyer, soft footsteps come from the landing above. We pause at the bottom of the staircase and a second later, Emma’s familiar round face and green eyes appear. She descends the stairs carefully, holding a full tray of china cups and bowls and trying not to teeter over.
“Emma,” I call to her, and hurry up to meet her. “I’m glad I found you.”
