“What if they don’t want to work with you?”
“We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.”
There’s a long pause before Gray speaks again, his voice quiet and persuasive. “You still have time to withdraw Order Five.”
Kallister cocks his head at him. “Is that what you want me to do? Or is that what she wants?”
“Shehas a name,” I say, my voice tight. “And yes, I believe shaking up the leadership structure right now is a bad idea. People are angry and afraid.”
“That’s exactly why they need one strong leader to take over. But it won’t be Adrienne. After what she did, she is not fit to lead anymore.”
Gray voices a protest. “I agree with Wren. I think we can show Adrienne some grace. How about we take some time before you call a vote to reorganize our entire way of life?”
“You sure about that, Gray?” Kallister’s tone raises my hackles, a note of politeness that borders on condescending. “Are you sure you want to take the advice of the woman whose parents killed your family?”
Chapter 57
Kallister’s question hangs in the air like a ticking bomb.
Tick tick tick.
Why would he say that?
Why would he. Fucking. Say that.
As my chest clenches, I lock my gaze with Kallister’s, feeling sick to my stomach. He’s kept my secret formonths,and now he’s using it against me to get his way?
Kallister offers a weary shrug. “As much as it pains me, I think it’s about time he knows, don’t you?”
Screw you,I almost spit out. This isn’t “paining” him. He’s been waiting for this moment, I realize. Holding on to this secret so he can use it when it’s most advantageous to him.
“Wren…” Gray is staring at me. I can see his mind working. “What’s he talking about?”
“I…” My voice sounds weak in the cavern. I rub my cheek, wanting to bury my face in my hands.
The longer I stay quiet, the more frustrated Gray becomes. Finally, he turns to Kallister, who’s more than happy to share all the details.
“Wren’s parents were the Tin Block Traitors.”
I see the confusion in Gray’s expression first, and then the slow, agonizing shift—the anger creeping in, the rush of betrayal.
“How is that possible?” he demands.
“I’m sure Wren can give you the backstory, but she wasn’t born Wren, was she?” Kallister gives me an expectant look, and I want to cry. “Isn’t that right, Stella?”
Gray’s jaw tightens. “Your name is Stella?”
“Stella Hess.” Shame swirls in my stomach like poison. “But I didn’t know until recently.”
His resulting silence feels suffocating. I want him to say something. But he dismisses me from his gaze, focusing on Kallister instead.
“The Tin Block Traitors,” Gray repeats.
“Jakob Hess and Marina Serrano,” Kallister confirms. “My brother, Julian, my stupid, pathetic brother—”
I flinch at the disgust dripping from his voice.
“He let himself get led around by his cock.” Kallister shakes his head in disapproval. “I told him Marina was against us, but Julian didn’t believe me. He was so godfucking arrogant, he thought he knew better than everyone. He chose her. Over his own blood. He risked everything, not just his life, and my life, but the lives of every single Mod on the Continent.”
