Kilara’s mouth curves into a knowing smile. It makes me want to hit something.
“What?” I demand. “What is so funny?”
“Terra told me the Shadowfae King had fallen in love.” She tilts her head, watching me the way a cat watches a mouse. “I didn’t believe it. Until right now.”
Heat floods my face. “I am not in love with the half-breed.”
“Aren’t you?”
“No.” I force my voice to stay level. “I don’t know what Terra told you, but she’s wrong. Isla and I are not together. We never were.”
“That is good for us.” Kilara holds my gaze. “Either way,” she says, “we will be inviting her to stay. The half-human can decide for herself. You are not her keeper.”
I want to argue. I want to demand that she refuse Isla the option. I want to make her understand that Isla cannot stay here, cannot throw in her lot with the shifterfae, cannot become part of some resistance army that I won’t be able to protect.
“You will need to find another half-breed to do your bidding,” I tell her, my voice hard.
“It would not be our bidding. It would be working together with us. Be careful how you tread, Sebastian.”
“I am in your court, so I must remain respectful, but I would ask you to leave Isla out of this.”
Something shifts in Kilara’s expression. She leans back, regarding me with new intensity.
“It will be up to her to decide what she wants to do. She is not yours, and therefore you do not have a say.”
Kilara is right. I want to argue. I want to pound my fist into the wall, but neither would do me any good.
I tighten my jaw and nod once. “Isla is an intelligent woman. I am sure she will make the right decision.”
“You mean she’ll choose to leave.”
I incline my head for a second, but I don’t say anything. My face feels hot with anger, and I can’t seem to unclench my jaw.
“There is something else we should discuss,” she says. “Your parents.”
Every muscle in my body goes rigid.
“I understand your mistrust of us. I know you will not believe me.” Kilara’s voice is softer now. “But for what it is worth, we were not involved in the attack on your parents. As a species, we would never resort to something so cowardly. Assassination is not our way. Using a human to carry out a kill is absurd.” She shakes her head, looking angry for the first time.
I feel something shift inside me.
She’s right. I don’t want to believe it, but what she says holds truth. I’ve only seen the shifterfae in passing. I disliked Salvorne almost on sight.
There is no denying that shifterfae are bold and brazen. They attack head-on. They challenge their enemies face-to-face. Lurking in the shadows, sending assassins in the dead of night… That’snothow they operate.
I’ve always believed it was them. That is what I was told as a young boy. Was it a seed that took root when it should have died?
“I’m not going to spend time trying to convince you. You are looking in the wrong direction. Perhaps if you look in the right place, you will actually see the truth for what it is.”
“I am not sure what to make of all of it,” I tell her truthfully.
“That is understandable. I hope you will think on all I have said.” Kilara rises to her feet, and I follow suit. “We offer our services as a species. I am working hard to find my brother. The information I have gleaned from you today will help me in my quest.” She meets my eyes. “We need to work together to stop Snow before it is too late.” She takes my hand, desperation in her eyes. “It won’t be long before the rot takes hold here, too. Before we are all dust.” She lets me go.
I stand as well. “I will think on it.”
“You are free to go,” Kilara says. “We will provide you with supplies and transport. Whatever you need for your journey.” She inclines her head. “I wish you well on your quest to find the Lost Kings, Sebastian. I hope our paths cross again.”
I return the gesture. “Good luck on your quest to find Salvorne.”
