I stare at her, realizing there is more. I don’t move, and bore my gaze into hers. What’s left seems harder to speak about than the previously revealed information. She seems afraid to let the words leave her lips.
“And…”
“Yes?” I reply, and this time I can’t suppress the quiver that runs through my hands.
“Malachi isn’t Silas and Fenmore’s real father.”
Chapter 19
My body feels like it’s dragging as I shift, using all my strength to get back to Silas. I played it cool as best I could leaving Yara’s room, but the moment I heard the lock click from the inside, I bolted faster than ever. The cool air whips against my face, but I press on. My chest heaves, and I know it isn’t the exhaustion hitting me—it’s the information I now hold like a crushing weight.
I land outside the deceptively small house, and despite my throbbing head, a sense of calm washes over me, knowing I made it. I’m close to Silas, and I have to tell him about being my tether. I quickly decide not to inform him about his father just yet; I need to speak with Aerona first. The small lanterns outside flicker in the rain, and I swear that before my feet even fully touch the ground, the front door swings open.
Silas steps out of the dark doorway and sprints toward me, as though he felt my presence. I freeze at his sudden appearance, watching his figure grow larger with each passing second. He looks frantic, his hair falling messily over his forehead, and relief washes over him completely when we lock eyes. I can’t imagine the horror he felt at leaving me alone with the man who had tormented him his entire life.
His arms wrap around my entire body as he crashes against me with a force that makes me stumble backward—yet he keeps me steady. His face falls into the curve of my neck, and he breathes deeply. The rain continues to fall, soaking us both. He pulls away and runs his hands up and down my body, checking every inch of me for even the slightest scratch.
“Are you alright?”
“Yes,” I breathe. “I’m fine.”
He freezes when he sees the fresh claw mark on my bare shoulder. “What the fuck is this?”
“I told you, I’m okay,” I say, trying to reassure him. “Nothing to worry about.”
“Briar,” he seethes, and his eyes darken. “Did he touch you?”
“No. One of his guard dogs tried to scare me, and succeeded, I might add. I promise I’m alright, though.” I cup his face, and his eyes are wild with rage. “Calm down, Nastronde. I’m here and in one piece.”
I rest my forehead against his and place my hands on his strong chest. I give him a moment to calm his pounding heart. It beats erratically beneath my hands, and I fear it might beat right out of his chest.
“I’ve been going fucking insane since I left you,” he whispers.
“I can tell.” I grin against him, but it quickly fades.
“The outcome,” Silas says, interpreting my body language, “isn’t what we wanted.”
“He won’t fight with us. He’s choosing not to because of me.”
Silas exhales heavily and replies, “Hux told me the decision was made before you ever went. Had I known that, I would have never let you meet with him to begin with.”
“How did Hux know?” I can’t help but snap.
“He knows how to get my father to talk to him. He’s been our insider for many years now. You can trust him.”
My breath catches, and fury makes my fists tighten as they fall to my sides. Silas may trust him, but everything in me screams to get this man away from us.
Hux knows.
He knows everything, and he’s hidden it from Silas for years. My shadows begin to thunder around me, deepening into darkness that rivals the night surrounding us.
Not quite understanding my reaction, Silas places both hands on my shoulders. “You are here—safe with me—quiet your shadows.”
I gaze up at his strong face and can’t hide the anger I feel bubbling in my veins. Mess with me, that’s one thing. But jeopardize those I love, and I’ll fucking end them. Hux doesn’t know it, but he just gained a new enemy, and I don’t see it ending well.
Silas wraps his arms around me once more and pulls me close. His warmth envelops me, battling the freezing rain falling around us. I feel his lips press against my head, and without even trying, my body relaxes into him. My shadows dim, and the feeling of losing control fades with each passing second. I close my eyes against his strong chest and take a deep breath.
“I could tell you were frightened,” Silas confesses. “I could feel it.”
