Page 25 of Nun’s Prayer

Seconds ticked past, and then I deliberately turned my back on them.

“Sparrow,” I said. I grinned as they all disappeared moments after. Moments later, they stormed in again; Warden was furious.

“That was your first warning. Next time you won’t like where you end up,” I stated calmly.

Vogue’s hands lit, and she began raising them before freezing. A look of fear crossed her face. Dagger’s fingers twitched.

“Poker,” I murmured. Her eyes turned white as everyone in the Harlots with powers literally electrified. Poker could amplify them.

“Sapphire,” Warden inclined his head finally. I nodded regally, watching Priest, who looked shocked.

“I believe you’re here for several things. One, to make us bow our heads. Two, to force us to hand over a girl. Three, to declare war. Four, to threaten us with expulsion from the Harlots,” I announced.

“One, we bow to no one. Never. Two, we don’t have your nomad’s cousin. He’s been told that twice and continues to issue threats. Now I’m deciding whether to call Duchess to explain the lack of respect and declare war. Three, if you think you’ve got the fuckin’ balls, announce your intentions immediately. I can guarantee you won’t leave here alive. Four, if Duchess expels us, we don’t give a shit. She doesn’t own this land, this clubhouse, or our businesses. We respect the hell out of Duchess, but we can and will stand alone.” I took an armchair, folded my legs and held Warden’s eyes.

“You won’t win a war,” Warden stated.

“No? We’ve neutralised Vogue already. You want a show?” I clicked my fingers.

Vengeance burst into motion. We had numerous plants in the clubhouse for a reason. The damn things exploded out of their plant pots and grew exponentially within seconds. They wrapped around the Royal Bastards, trapping them. Blade activated her Umbrakinesis, confining them in shadows that moved of their own accord. Dagger spread her Visualisation, and terror wafted from the Royal Bastards.

Heart amplified that, and even I felt it. Candle sent several jolts of electricity through them, and then Sparrow teleported them.

“Belladonna, open a link. Blade and Dagger, free them for a moment,” I ordered.

“Now, Warden. You came to me with a distinct lack of respect. We’ve been here before, haven’t we? It ends immediately. I can, of course, have Sparrow relax.” On that word, Sparrow let them drop towards the ocean before catching them. “We are not under your protection. This club owes you no allegiance. The Harlots are allies, not your victims. This chapter can fully protect and defend itself, and will do so, even against you. If you wish to declare war, you will be the first casualties. Am I clear?”

Silence met my words, and Sparrow let them drop towards the sharp rocks a bit more.

“Fine,” Warden finally gritted out.

“Return them, Sparrow,” I said while still seated in my armchair.

Warden and the others appeared, still wrapped in their vines. Vengeance clenched her hand, and the plants returned to normal size. Sparrow put everything back in its place as I held Warden’s gaze.

“Priest says you have his cousin, Sapphire.”

“Well, I don’t. Nun and I have told him that twice. Yet Priest, for some unfathomable reason, refuses to believe that,” I replied.

“That’s because—”

“Excuse me, I hadn’t finished.” I cut Warden off. He shut his mouth and inclined his head. He was coldly furious, but Warden wouldn’t show another linked club this level of disrespect, and I wouldn’t accept it. “Your nomad thinks we peddle flesh. This club would never traffic children.”

“Seeker has seen Brielle here,” Warden said.

“When? Because no teenage girl is allowed in this clubhouse.”

“No. I mean, she’s psychically seen Brielle here,” Warden continued.

Even angrier, I rose. “Are you telling me you’ve nearly started a war because of a vision? Every idiot knows visions aren’t linear and apt to change!” I yelled.

Priest looked away. “The RHMC peddle flesh.”

“Male whores. Not females. And none of them is under twenty-one, and they are treated with the utmost respect,” Nun snapped. “And frankly, I find the fact that you think we’d sell children disgusting and insulting!”

“I agree with Nun. Keep your nomad under control, or I will,” I warned.

Priest bristled, but Warden held up a hand.