“It was Fiora who broke the silence, digging into Wymond on your behalf,” Thaddeus explained. “I’ve never seen someone that soft-spoken make a point so clearly without raising their voice—her dominance was unquestionable.”
“Yeah, and the second the bastard went to open his mouth,” Tarrin said, “Myron snarled loud enough that the room shook. EvenIcould feel everyone rallying their power after that. Then Caius explained to Wymond, in no uncertain terms, that if the high lord so much as looked at you in a way that displeased him, he would have worn out his welcome and Caius would reconsider if their values were, and I quote,in alignment anymore.Myron seconded this. And then, get this,” Tarrin added dramatically, “Wymond apologized,actually apologized, to Caius.”
I had to laugh at the enthusiasm with which Tarrin recounted last night’s events.
“Then what?” I asked.
Surprisingly, it was Nevander who answered. “Endymion excused himself, and once he left, everyone continued visiting as if nothing had happened.”
“With exception to the conversation topic,” Tarrin added.
“Conversation topic?”
“You,”Tarrin said.
“Great,” I said, the word dripping with sarcasm.
“It was a good thing, Nyleeria,” Thaddeus said and placed a hand on my thigh. “After you left, the conversation favored your narrative. What you said hit home. In one night, they went from being suspiciousofyou to upsetforyou. Getting angry ended up being the best thing you could’ve done.”
“That’s not why I did it.”
“I know.” He gave me a soft smile.
“I’m done with this place,” I admitted, even as I was eating the most delicious fruit.
“I know,” he said again, and leaned over to kiss me. “We justhave to get through today. We’ll go home after your lunch with Caius.”
“Thank the stars for that,” Tarrin muttered, and I couldn’t have agreed more.
“Nyleeria?” Nevander asked. His cautious tone instantly put me on alert. “Where did you go last night before you came back here?”
“How do you know I didn’t come straight back?”
“Because I came to check on you, and you weren’t here. I found you more than an hour later, on the veranda, sleeping.”
Damn. How was I going to explain?
“I was with Endymion.”
“Doing what, exactly?” Thaddeus asked with deadly calm.
I gave him a warning look at the implication in his tone. He didn’t own me, had no right to demand answers if I didn’t want to give them, but I didn’t press the issue. Our time here had been intense, and all of us were on edge.
“Throwing.”
“Throwing what?” Tarrin asked.
One of Thaddeus’ blades was on the table. I grabbed it by the hilt, turned away from the table while standing up, and let it fly toward one of the mannequins clad in leather armor. It was a killing blow, and the mannequin fell back at the impact. I sat down and continued to eat my breakfast.
Silence.
I looked up to find them all gaping at me.
“Did that just happen?” Tarrin asked.
“It did.” Thaddeus’ tone was unreadable.
“How did you learn how to throw like that?” Nevander questioned.
