“This isn’t a bargain. I am not really giving either of you an option,” I said. When Kaden stayed silent, my gaze swung to Isaiah. “I regret to inform you, but this is not a democracy.”
Isaiah laughed, preparing another insult when Kaden said, “I’ll go.”
“Are you serious?” Isaiah gaped at him.
“Yes,” Kaden said. “I have no more ill will toward any of you, let alone Dianna.”
I scoffed. “And why should we believe you? You’ve done nothing since the beginning but hurt her and try to take her from me.”
Kaden’s eyes locked onto her again, and I stepped in front of her, trying to block her from his view. My Dianna was strong, but to be in the presence of one who had caused so much pain would wear on anyone, no matter their strength.
“Do you know what happened on that battlefield? What happened at that eatery?” Kaden asked.
“You mean when I killed you?” I asked. “Apparently, nothing, since you are here.”
“You have no idea what you wield. What power you created.” Kaden let out a dry laugh, but the edges of his mouth tightened in pain. “You completed your mission. You did exactly what you set out to do. Oblivion ran through my throat, and I died. You killed me. There was nothing, no noise or light, no pain, nothing. I no longer existed.”
The room grew deathly quiet. Even Isaiah remained silent, listening intently as if he did not know this already.
“I don’t want pity,” Kaden said, glancing at me. “But I will offer you my help, unburdened of ill intentions, in exchange for Isaiah’s life.”
“What?” Isaiah and I snapped at the same time.
Kaden only stared at me. “That’s your whole thing, isn’t it? Peace and justice for all? That’s what I want. Kill me again when it’s done or torture me until your heart’s content, but I want Isaiah’s freedom.”
“You’re out of your godsdamn mind.”
“Perhaps, but that’s what I want. Do it and release him after. I swear to you he’ll never bother any of you ever again.”
I laughed, a full, aching laugh as I tilted my head back. Dianna did not. She only stared at Kaden or the shell of the once formidable man.
“You cannot be serious?” I asked once I got my mirth under control.
He just stared at me.
“You think you deserve freedom after this is over? After everything you’ve done? Taken? Maimed and killed? You took Dianna’s sister from this world, and you think I’d spare your brother? You mistake just how far my kindness stretches. If you think—”
“He’s telling the truth.”
My head whipped toward Dianna. If I didn’t feel her assurance through our bond, I would assume she hadn’t even spoken. Her hand tightened on mine as she stared at him with intense burning hatred.
“What?”
“He is,” she said.
“He’s a liar, Dianna,” I snapped, waving my free hand toward him. “He has taught us that over and over. It is a fact. He is incapable of truth or remorse.”
Dianna’s eyes cut to mine. “And I’m telling you, he’s not lying right now.”
My nostrils flared as I regarded her for a long moment. I gently gripped her elbow and backed her out of the cell, leading her from the dungeon. As soon as the door shut behind us, I turned her toward me.
“What’s going on?” I asked, my voice low.
“He’s telling the truth,” she said again. “I know Kaden. I know when he lies, and he’s not now. He would truly let you do whatever you wanted to him after the bond breaks. I think he intends to force Isaiah into exile.”
“How can you be so sure?” I asked. “After everything?”
“Because I can feel it. Him,” she answered truthfully, making my blood boil again.
