Malachi pinches the bridge of his nose in annoyance. “Briar isn’t the only vessel.”
Silas goes rigid.
“And you aren’t the only tether,” I whisper, glancing at Silas.
I grimace as I put the pieces together. I open my mouth to speak again, but stop as another voice speaks.
“If this is a Nastronde thing…” Larkin cuts in. “And Silas is Briar’s tether. That means...”
He trails off, and a heavy silence sits in the air, threatening to take the oxygen out of the room. Silas pans his gaze slowly in my direction as the words sink in. I don’t break eye contact with him as I speak the words I’m fearful to let out.
“Then, Fenmore is Rohhit’s.”
“Ah. Maybe you are smarter than I thought,” Malachi says.
Silas’s stance shakes, and I grab his arm, steadying him.
“You are fucking lying,” Silas says, letting his rage fuel him. “We would know this if it were true.”
“Oh, Silas. You don’t even know the half of it.” He points at me. “But Briar knows. Well, at least more than you. Like always.”
Silas slowly turns his head back to me and gives me a puzzled look, and guilt floods me.
Yara stirs once more on the couch and slowly opens her eyes. She sluggishly lifts her arms toward her face, rubbing her head for a moment before snapping to attention. In one smooth motion, she sits upright on the couch, her eyes widening—filled with desperation—as she sees us all standing before her.
“Finally,” Malachi says, as he claps his hands together. “Now, the fun can begin.”
Yara attempts to push off the couch toward us, but Malachi slaps both hands around her shoulders, stopping her.
“Silas can tell you how much I hate being disobeyed or lied to. Isn’t that right?” Malachi asks.
Silas doesn’t respond.
"As I mentioned, I know Yara was actively trying to betray me, which doesn’t really sit well with me. It’s alright, though, I was growing tired of her anyway.” An unnatural grin spread across his face. “She can always be replaced.”
“You are disgusting.”
“Briar, are you available? Or possibly Maines?” Malachi pets Yara’s head. “I know she hides just outside that door. She would work just fine, too.”
“I’ll fucking kill you before you could ever attempt to touch either of them,” Silas rages.
“Fuck. Stop being so dramatic all the time. You know you can’t stop the plans I already have in motion. But the torturous moments you three made me wait sparked new ideas in my twisted mind.” Malachi raises a brow and glances toward the exit. “You’ll regret coming here, Briar. I’ll make sure of that. We didn’t have to be enemies, but I quite like it. You’ve started a new war.”
I disregard Malachi’s hollow threats and can only imagine that Maines stiffened upon hearing her name in the hallway. I narrow my eyes at Malachi and vow to myself that if he lays a hand on Maines, he will die.
I look to Yara. Tears fall down her flushed cheeks. She was right about everything. Horror floods me, and I try to step forward once more.
Malachi clicks his tongue, and his haunting voice travels into my mind.
“If you move an inch, I will murder Silas and Larkin. It’s fun having creatures you can’t see at your mercy. Two Travelers are right behind them, ready to drive their claws through their hearts. Should I give the order?”
I freeze and try to stifle a sob, cupping my hand over my mouth.
“Now, sweet Yara, should we show the Queen of Daramveer what happens when you betray me? Should we really give her a show?” Malachi walks around the couch and drags his finger down her arm.
He snaps his fingers again, and Yara stands abruptly, her body barely able to remain upright from the wobble in her legs. Her long white hair falls beside her, with a few stray strands crossing her face, and Malachi moves each piece like a predator toying with its prey.
“He’s controlling her, Silas,”I say in my mind. “Don’t move.”
