“Everything is our business. We are the rulers of the entire universe, Nova Tershetta.”
How could I forget when you remind me so often?
“We are choosing to ignore your attitude today.”
In favor of what?Was something going on somewhere else? Would they tell me if it was?
“Ask nicely, and you’ll see.”
Fine. Will you please tell me what has you all in such a good mood?
“Of course we will. We’re nothing if not kind to our faithful servants.”I scoffed out loud at that, Altair’s pale brow rising as he watched me.“Iblis Altair has taken control of the Kawkeb District. The core families plan to enslave all eadi by the year’s end. What fun times, yes?”
A strained gasp dug down my throat, my eyes locking on Altair’s.
“What?” he asked, his brows furrowing.
“Do tell Azazel Altair we say hello before you kill him.”With that, an eerie silence overtook my mind, mirroring nightfall.
“When were you going to tell me that you’re planning to enslave the eadi?” My voice didn’t break or waver, instead it remained strong and deep. Because, for once, things made sense.
Why kill the of eadi who held the stars when it allowed them to take more planets? When it gave them the opportunity to convince the eadi they were changing? When it made the rebels pause? I was, as always, a tool. A weapon. Something to be used and abused.
And Altairknew.
His eyes widened, hands rising as he took steps, notawayfrom me, buttowardsme. Did he truly not fear me in the slightest?
“Tershetta, let me explain.” He continued closing the distance between us, forcing me to step backwards.
“Why, so you can lie to me some more? Is that why you’re letting me stay here? So you can turn me over to your father and use me to enslave my own people?” Despite my harsh words, Altair didn’t grow angry. He looked exhausted at that moment, though his dark circles had faded and his skin had gained a bit of color in the last few days. It was in his abnormally open stance.In the way he left his hands up and his shoulders forward. Altair didn’t look as if he was ready to fight, and that was not normal.
Nothing about him was normal anymore, not unless I was right, and it was all an act. My back hit the wall between Altair’s kitchen table and his bed, the small space feeling like a prison as his towering frame stopped in front of me.
“Little Void,” he whispered as he placed each hand against the wall on either side of my face.
“Don’t call me that.” Unable to stop myself, I lifted my chin, staring him in his eyes and daring him to say it again.
As always, I didn’t scare him. If anything, I tempted him to say it just for fun. His face lowered, nose grazing mine and causing my head to fling back into the wall.What was wrong with him? Did he just like making me upset?
“Maybe he just likes you. Have you ever thought of that?”
He followed me, our lips nearly touching, and even though I knew it was crazy, for a moment I believed the stars. For a split second, I feared he didn’t seek touse me,rather, hewanted me.
“I’ll tell you everything. I swear. Come on my run with me. We can talk. I’ll be honest about it all. Give me just one chance to show you that I can be trusted.” There was a husky rasp to his voice as he looked into my eyes. A faint sound of what my delusional side identified aslust.
I almost wished that was the case, because then at least I’d have leverage. Maybe I’d even be able to fuck him and get something from it. But I knew better than to let the stars trick me. They loved playing games, and I wasn’t going to entertain them today.
“Fine.”
“Fine,” he repeated, smiling down at me and letting one of his hands slide lower, a single finger twirling around one of my curls.
“Fine! Now get off me!” Shoving him away, I took unnecessarily large gulps of air, hating how it tasted like him.
“Oh, we bet he tastes much better than air, sweet catalyst. Will you take a bite? Just so we can see?”
Get out of my head, you deranged perverts!
“Why? So you can pretend like you don’t wonder too?”
