The door opens on its own, revealing only darkness.
Silas gives Larkin a look to back off. I glance at Larkin and try to smile, but my nerves take over, a worried expression overtaking my face.
“Be smart, Briar. You can do this,” he whispers, squeezing my arm.
Silas enters the room first. He disappears into the darkness before I have time to cross the threshold. The dense black fog begins to fade as I make my way deeper into the study. Silas’s silhouette comes into view, and the room opens up.
He stands before a large black desk encrusted in gold that is clear of clutter. In fact, the entire room is pristine. Thick drapes hang from each tall window, and a chandelier of a thousand candles sways gently in the breeze. The room is hauntingly beautiful, and I can’t stop myself from looking around.
I join Silas at the desk and notice the empty leather chair. Malachi isn’t here. Silas grabs my hand and holds tight. My heart pounds so intensely that I can hear it throbbing in my head. Even my eyes seem to pulse from the anticipation building in my system.
“Glad you could make it,” Malachi’s devilish voice calls from behind us. “You were nearly late.”
Silas whips around, never releasing my hand, and my breath hitches in my chest as I catch sight of him.
“We aren’t here to play your fucking games, Malachi,” Silas fumes.
“Oh, did I startle you? You scare so easily.” His eyes shine in the light of the roaring fire. “I thought we could have a bit of fun before diving into the serious topics.” He laughs and moves around the large desk, sitting down with an unruly grace.
“I’m serious,” Silas snarls. “Cut the shit.”
Malachi slams his hands against the table, rising to eye level. “You cut the shit, Silas. I know why you are here. I know what you seek.” His outburst fades as quickly as it sparked, and a sinister calmness runs over him once more. “And don’t think for a second that I’m not aware of what sails toward Andorwood, or what you are about to dangle over my head. I’m the King of Andorwood. Your fucking king.” He settles back in his chair, adjusting his fitted shirt.
Silas huffs a sarcastic laugh.
“But,” Malachi interjects. “I will give Briar her time to speak. Once you are gone from the castle grounds.” Malachi points to the door. “Tell your guard dog, Larkin, he can leave as well. I know he’s here.”
Silas’s eyes darken, and his jaw clenches so tight I fear his teeth will shatter.
“You are a fucking fool if you think I’m leaving her in this castle alone.”
“Haven’t you once already?” Malachi laughs. “Last night?”
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Silas getting ready to lunge. I quickly grab his arm and dig my nails in deep to pull him out of the blind rage. He calms down—barely—but takes a deep, shuddering breath.
"Looks like Briar is your guard dog, not Larkin,” Malachi observes, keeping an eye on the rapid exchange. “Mind if I borrow her?”
“I will fucking kill you,” Silas barely whispers.
“Hurry up,” Malachi says to Silas. “I have other things to do after this.”
Silas turns to me, pulling me slightly away from the desk and behind his body. “Briar, this is your call. I told you, no fear, but this is up to you.” His eyes burn with intense focus. “I will not leave you if you tell me not to. We can come up with another plan.”
“It’s just a conversation,” I assure him. “Go.”
Silas stares at me for a long moment, and I can only imagine the internal struggle he’s facing about this plan. He closes his eyes and rests his forehead against mine. “Alright.”
He turns to his father, and nothing but hatred shows on his face.
“Tick-tock,” Malachi says, sarcastically.
“Briar will walk out of this castle unscathed,” Silas fumes. “Understood?”
Malachi nods, smiling.
“And while we are at it, tell your fucking invisible guard dogs to back down. If they continue to stalk her, we will have bigger problems than we already do.”
“Ugh, you are so dramatic, Silas.” Malachi snaps his fingers, and the room instantly feels lighter. “Done.”
