Page 51 of Uncrowned

“Yeah.” My tone was deep and full of authority as I stepped into my role as the future Unavowed.

“There you are. We really need to talk. Is now a good time?”

“As good as it’s going to get.”

“How’s Penelope?”

Her eyes flared as she looked between me and the phone.

“Better. We started training today. We’re taking it slow.”

“It’s for the best. I’m sorry to keep calling, but I don’t have good news.”

“I figured as much.” I sat up, turning more to Penelope so I could watch her. “What happened?”

“I think I… You’re not going to be happy with me.”

My head jerked to the side and my eyes narrowed. “And why is that?”

Hesitation. “I’ve been talking with others. You’re aware of Red Island.”

“Of course. There’s a fortress there. They run sea slaves.”

“Yes. The Main Master, Gavin Draper… he’s fallen in love. He’s married the woman. She’s pregnant with twins.”

“Okay. What seems to be the problem?”

He cleared his throat. “Vaughn.” My jaw tightened as I looked over at Penelope. She hadn’t missed my name. “High Masters, Main Masters, we don’t have babies or wives. Especially where we rule. It goes against the code. After Whitlock…. No. We don’t—Dammit.”

“What did you do,” I ground out, threateningly.

“It wasn’t just me. A few of us, we decided a while back to⁠—”

“To what,” I exploded. Penelope jumped back in my peripheral, but all I could see was blood red. I could see my mother. My father. … Penelope. “Are you telling me you interfered in the life of another Main Master? Is she dead?”

“…From what I hear, yes, she is. The babies as well. And I think he knows.”

My hand curled into a fist, and I brought it to my mouth.

“You killed his wife and children.” This was not the phone call I wanted Penelope hearing, but there was no going back. If she was ever going to know, she might as well hear the worst of it.

“I assure you I never thought⁠—”

“That he’d find out it was you? Fool. And now I must clean up your mess, is that right?”

“I’m not sure that’s possible.”

“Because he means to kill you. Good. He should. Or maybe I will.”

“Vaughn—”

“Do not beg me over the phone like a coward. You represent me. I don’t remember agreeing to any of this. When I get done with you⁠—”

Movement had me looking over. Penelope was as pale as a ghost, inching back from me on the bed as if I were the devil, himself.

“I don’t deserve mercy. I made a mistake.”

“You did, and you better believe you’re going to pay for it. I have to go.”