“Later. The point is, he’s powerful, and people are afraid to stand against him. I need you to promise me you won’t keep antagonizing him, Callum.”
“It doesn’t matter how strong he is, Cadence. If he threatens you, I won’t shy away from a fight.”
“Brute strength is not the only answer. We have to be smart, Callum, and I can’t focus on the next steps if I am worried you are going to run your mouth and get yourself killed.”
When my brother remained silent, I said, “Please, Callum. It will all be for nothing if I lose you.”
My brother studied me for the longest moment before his shoulders slumped.
“Fine,” he grumbled. “But this plan better be good.”
“Say you promise.”
Callum rolled his eyes, but he repeated the words I needed to hear. “I promise, Little Sister.”
Relief washed over me, but it was short-lived. I glanced over my shoulder to make sure we were still alone before turning back to my brother.
“The council meeting I attended was convened to discuss raids on the food supplies.”
“And how does that help us?”
My tongue darted out to wet my lips, and my mind scrambled to sort through the information I had gleaned during the meeting.
“The council believes that there is a traitor inside the palace feeding intel back to a rebel group.” The thought of the Crimson Enclave sent a shudder through me. “Ryker has been tasked with rooting them out.”
“I still don’t understand how this helps us?”
“If we undermine those efforts by coordinating a raid of our own, Ryker will fail. He’ll face increased scrutiny to find a solution, distracting him enough that we may have a chance to get out alive.”
“How would we pull that off? It’s not like we know anyone in the Unseelie Kingdom. Who’s going to help us?”
I gnawed on my bottom lip, considering my options. There was one person who might aid us, though it needed to be handled delicately.
“I’m working on it, but the situation is complicated. You must be patient, Callum.”
My brother ran his hand over his jaw as he contemplated my words. “All right, I trust your judgement.”
Without warning, I threw myself into his arms, and his hands circled my back as he chuckled.
“This looks cozy,” Riordan called from the doorway. “Mind if I join?”
He moved toward us, arms outstretched. When he was close enough, Callum placed his palm over his face, pushing him away.
“Not a chance.”
Riordan pouted. “So cold, Killer.”
“I told you to stop calling me that,” Callum said between clenched teeth.
“And why would I when you’re so… responsive.”
Riordan sucked his bottom lip into his mouth as he let his gaze trail the length of my brother. When he raised his eyes again, they were full of heat.
“Riordan, stop looking at my brother like that!” Even secondhand, his scorching gaze left me feeling exposed.
“But he’s so delectable.”
“As his sister, I don’t want to bear witness to it.”
