Laylani angled her chin up as she stayed where she was. “I didn’t have anything to do with what happened tonight. You’re making a mistake—”
“Funny your first reaction wasn’t to say that about my dad’s death,” hissed Scarlett. She grabbed Beni’s hand, needing the physical reminder of why she couldn’t get violent. “I don’t care what you say. I don’t care! I don’tcare.It’syourfault my parents are dead, and I want you fucking out of here. This is my house. I’ll give you half an hour to pack your essentials. The rest of yourthings will be shipped to your sister’s house within the week. Just get out!”
The color drained from Laylani’s face. She glanced at her son, who still held Scarlett’s hand firmly in his. “Beni, let’s go. You’re coming with me.”
Beni’s grip on Scarlett’s hand tightened. “Scar said you’re leaving. Not me. I’m staying.”
Scarlett squeezed back. “There’s no way I’m letting you take my brother.”
For the first time in Scarlett’s memory, Laylani’s face crumpled for a brief second before her mask returned. She pointed a finger at Scarlett. “You’ll regret turning my son against me.”
Baffled, Scarlett nearly laughed. “You have no one to blame for that but yourself. You think I wanted it this way? I’m just like Beni. All I wanted was a loving family, and you ruined any possibility of that for meandyour son. Now do as I said and getout.”
Laylani glared at her but was silent as she turned and hurried down the stairs.
“Cass, watch her pack and make sure she gets a taxi without coming back up here,” said Scarlett. “Don’t let her take anything other than her own clothing—nothing of my dad’s.”
Cass rushed after Laylani.
Scarlett faced her brother and Tyler. “I’m sorry you had to hear that.”
Tyler’s eyes were wide, but he looked impressed. “Don’t apologize. I do suggest we sage the house once she’s gone.”
Beni let out a long breath, his shoulders collapsing inward. “She’s leaving? For good?”
Scarlett looked at her brother with concern. “I had to get rid of her. I know I said I wanted to keep her close, but now that Brayden’s in jail, I just can’t risk it anymore. Are you okay?”
Beni scooted closer and wrapped his arms around Scarlett.“I’m glad she’s gone. Now we don’t have to pretend anymore.”
She held her brother close. “Things will be a lot easier at home from now on. We can build the loving home she never gave us.”
He let out a sigh that was almost a sob, and she squeezed him tighter.
“They’ll be keen to make him the poster child for magical abuse,” said Manon. She and Lachlan were sitting in Lachlan’s office in the castle, looking at Scarlett through the mirror.
“We could extradite him back to Clair de Lune,” said Lachlan.
Scarlett shook her head, her exhaustion weighing her down. The fight with Laylani had drained her body of any energy reserves she’d had left after the National Theater, but she didn’t want Manon to worry, so she tried to sit up and keep her eyes open. “They won’t allow that, given how high-profile this is.” She leaned in closer to the mirror. “I know you could get him out, but he’d never be able to come back. Please, Lachlan, let me work on this from my side. If I fail, you can do what needs to be done, but at least let me see what my lawyer can do for him first.”
Lachlan’s expression was pinched. “We’ll wait a few days. But I hate the idea of him sitting in a Soleil jail cell.”
She met his gaze but had to quickly look away, rubbing her eyes to hide the tears forming. “I know. It kills me too. All he did was protect us. Whoever sent those men is probably overjoyed he’s locked up right now.”
“You’re both alive and unharmed,” said Manon. “That’s the important thing. You’ll find a way to free him.”
It was true. Earlier, she’d believed death had come for her. As long as they were alive, there was still hope.
Elestine called Scarlett early the next morning. “I wanted to check if you’re all right.”
Scarlett rose from her bed, where she’d been lying awake for some time, and moved to sit at her desk. “I’m glad you called. We have a lot to discuss.”
“We do, unfortunately. I assume you’ve been watching the news.”
“Of course. Some of it is totally off base, but I’m relieved there are some neutral and sympathetic perspectives.” As the police had released more information, the account had shifted from focusing on the fire to the masked men who’d infiltrated the National Theater. “Today I’ll call the reporters I know to help push the narrative even further our way.”
“Excellent. The public adores the star-crossed lovers story. Make sure they know Brayden was defending you,” said Elestine. “Which reporters do you know?”
“One at theSoleil Timesand one atCitizen. If you have any others, send them my way.”
