Daire’s eyes gleam with fury.
If looks could kill, then I’d be a pile of ash.
I straighten, feeling in command of the situation again.
My eyes darken with dominance. “I will grovel in any way you both wish. But first, know that I did not plot to attack Lanlin at White Lotus.”
I notice Daire and Freya exchanging a glance.
I know that I wanted them to become close, but sometimes, I wonder if the two soulmates are closer than even I know.
“You swear to me,” Freya presses as near to the barrier as she can, “that you didn’t try to destroy Lanlin by attacking his sacred village, destroying the tombs of his family and ancestors, when his defenses were down and he was at his happiest.”
I tilt up my chin. “You think that I would do that?”
That glance between Daire and Freya again.
“You did to Daire.”
“That was war.”
“Isn’t this?”
“Then I wouldn’t do it, when it risked my Omega.”
Freya’s mouth twists. “Now that I do believe.”
I take a step closer to the barrier. “Don’t you understand? Lan didn’t only betray me and murder my brother. That monster attacked my capital, killing my people and friend, whenwewere happiest, remember?”
Why can’t Freya see how much I lost?
My friend Vicious.
The confidence of my kingdom that I could keep them safe.
My chance at a life with Freya, after her heat hit in the middle of the battle.
“Don’t call himmonster,” Freya snaps. I startle. “He’s pack, part of the Golden fated mates. And if you’re so keen to talk, how about telling me why Lanlin was in Bael to start with? He was searching for me, right?”
I nod.
When Freya rests her hand against the barrier, I raise mine to mirror hers on the other side.
Her eyes are bright and fierce.
“Or was he also searching for the prisoners that he asked about when he bent the knee to you?” I wince. I can’t escape the intensity of her gaze or how our hands are almost touching. “The one that youburned.”
“I didn’t know.” My heart is beating too fast. My mouth is dry. “I don’t even remember…”
“But he’s still dead.” Freya’s gaze is sharp. “Who is he?”
“Maximinus has more secrets in his private dungeons than even Wraith can discover. That Blood was one of them.”
When Freya lowers her hand and steps away from the barrier, it physically hurts. “Let Daire go, or I won’t say another word.”
“If I do, then he’ll just attack me, and we don’t have time to fight.”
Freya snorts. “Kicking your ass seems a good use of our time.”
