I winced.
“Poor girl, they weren’t able to salvage her voice, but the doctors say she may regain it once she heals. She should be able to remove the bandage in the next month or so,” Drago proclaimed.
My heart ached, the pain and suffering in the depths of Amelia’s eyes were unmistakable. It was clear that she was still in agony. That being here wasn’t what she wanted. I reached my hand out to her, I half-expected her to hate me, to turn and leave. But then she took mine. Squeezing it tightly. Offering a broken smile. Even the unbandaged parts of her face were damaged. As if acid had been literally poured over her head.
Maybe it had.
“Isn’t that cute.” Drago swept his long hair behind his ears, offering a cheeky grin, a devious dimple forming. “There’s one other person I need you all to meet. He has been my liaison between Violencia and Grypheem for quite some time. Come on in!”
The last newcomer stepped forward and offered a soft smile.
Shock hit my stomach hard and fast. A reminder of my past. Of the last person I expected to see here.
“Hey, Raven. It’s been a long time.”
Chapter 17
A Predator Studying its Prey
Griffin
Present Day - Grypheem
“Matty?” Raven croaked from beside him. She stepped forward before he could think to stop her.
Griffin froze in place, sizing the man up.Matty.Blond hair that was slicked back, bright chaotic robin’s egg eyes, dimples forming as he gave Raven a slight squeeze before releasing her. A long-sleeved sienna shirt and burgundy pants. He was wearing their country’s colors.
Griffin didn’t like him.
“It’s been years.” The man offered a sheepish smile. “I—Oh, hey Julian, you’re here too?”
Julian shouldered past Griffin wrapping the man in a big hug. “I couldn’t find you anywhere. I looked! I really did, but it was as if you disappeared.”
Griffin didn’t like this. He had never met this man before, didn’t know that his brother had been using him as a liaison at all.
Another secret his brother had been keeping.
But I guess I’m keeping my own, too.
“I was on the outside of the facility when the bomb went off, I got swept up and Drago found me on the outskirts. I stayed in Violencia as long as I could but…” The man released Julian. “It’s rough there right now. Nowhere is safe. They are clearing each Facility, one-by-one. The players from the disrupted Masquerade are fueling the fire, but Nightingale is leading the charge.”
Griffin narrowed his eyes. “Matty?” he asked cautiously. “I assume you all grew up together.” He grabbed hold of Raven’s wrist, tugging her back to his side, attempting to stymie his rage and distrust.
“We did,” Julian answered.
Griffin offered his hand toMatty.
“You can just call me Matt.” He reached out warily.
Griffin gave him a two-handed shake, applying excess pressure.
Matt eventually pulled back, his sleeve pushing up in the process. Griffin thought he saw something familiar there, but then Matt was brushing it back down again. “Nice to meet you, Prince Griffin.” He offered a slight bow, his voice level and even. “I need to get ready for this evening, but I will see you all tonight. We will need to catch up soon!” he suggested to Raven and Julian before turning and leaving.
Why does everything feel off? This entire encounter?
Amelia and Matt were similar, their aura pressing against Griffin in a dual nauseating manner, but he couldn’t determine why.
“Scared him off already?” Drago clapped Griffin’s shoulder. “No matter. The others are very keen to see Raven. I suggest you bring her down to eat before they flip the castle apart searching for her.”
