“Cadence?”
My gaze whipped to Callum, his brown eyes swimming with concern as he studied me.
“The Banshee?”
My eyes held everything I could not say, my silent plea for him to leave before it was too late. But I knew better than to expect my brother to flee.
“We should get back before his Royal Asshole realizes you are missing and chucks a fit.”
His deflection was the only response I would receive, and it spoke volumes.
He wouldn’t leave me, no matter the cost.
We left the library in silence, stepping into the wide corridor that would lead us to Ryker’s chambers. Laughter filled the hallway, but it was too sharp to be genuine.
And I knew exactly who it belonged to.
As soon as we rounded the corner, Celeste came into view. Her companion saw us first, nudging Celeste and whispering something only she could hear. She swung around to face us, her mouth twisted in a sneer.
She stood tall and elegant, clad in flowing blue silk that shimmered like icicles. Her pale hair was coiled like a crown, and her lips were painted the deep purple of fresh bruises.
“Well, isn’t this charming?” Celeste said, coming to a stop in front of us. “The traitorous whore and her mongrel brother, scurrying around the palace like rats in the sewer.”
Despite my best efforts, I flinched at the connection she had drawn between Callum and me, and Celeste’s smirk grew wider.
“Oh yes, I am quite aware who he is,” she said, gesturing toward my brother. “Or did you forget the pathetic display you put on for the entire court to see during your first trial?”
It wasn’t the fact that Celeste knew Callum was my brother that worried me. Rather, it was that she knew I was Seelie Fae, and by extension, so was he.
Celeste’s gaze raked over my body, her lips lifting into a sneer. “Desperation does not suit you,Lady Cadence.” The way she said my name was mocking, full of loathing and disgust.
“I don’t have time for your games, Celeste,” I sighed, feigning nonchalance.
She made a quiet sound of disapproval. “It’s rather unfortunate, really. I was very much looking forward to watching your demise during the trials.”
Callum took a step toward her, but I held out my arm, stopping him.
“I’m sorry to have disappointed you.” I lifted my chin, refusing to be unsettled by the venomous woman.
“Tell me, howdidyou survive The Morrígan? What happened beneath the cloud of mist?” Celeste surveyed me with suspicion, her eyes narrowing as if she could pry the answers from me with her glare.
My lips twitched with a smile as I recalled how The Morrígan had shielded me from their watchful gazes.
“I guess you’ll never know.”
“Your victory does not make you one of us,” she said, venom dripping from every word.
“You’re right, I’m not one of you.” I stepped closer, invading her space. “Nor would I want to be.”
Celeste scoffed. “And what, you think that makes you noble?” Her icy gaze roamed over my frame. “Ryker is a godsdamned fool. You aren’t bound by love, you’re bound by fate. Your union was doomed from the beginning. A bond without devotion tends to end in bloodshed.”
The harsh bark of laughter that fought its way up my throat startled her, and she stepped back.
“Don’t I know it,” I said.
Uncertainty clouded her features, and she ran her palms over her silk skirt, straightening it. “Sooner or later, you’ll be exposed for the traitor you are, and when that moment comes, I’m going to savor every second of it.”
With that, Celeste turned, her silks swishing around her ankles as she disappeared down the hall.
