Page 107

“Use your words, Ryneth. Do you understand?” As if proving his point, Daven’s fingers dug deeper into Ryneth’s cheeks, raising goosebumps.

“I understand,” he choked.

“Good.” Daven released the hold on his face, the imprints of his fingers replaced by cool air.

Around them, there was practiced movement that filled up the shadows. Ryneth didn’t dare turn his head, afraid their presence, right outside the hospital, would be noticed.

They should never have left the penthouse.

Ryneth would have given good coin if he could still be in bed with Daven, snuggled up and warm under the sheets.

“Baby,” Daven warned, squeezing his hand. “Your static is stabbing me. Stop attacking me.”

“Sorry,” Ryneth mumbled, but he couldn’t help his pulse slam into his throat as he watched the hatch tremble.

More men were coming down now.

Don't look at me. Don't see me.

“Why land here?”

Daven spat on the ground and kept his eyes on the craft. “That’s what I’d like to know.” He stared past the hospital wing toward the stretch of land beyond it. “There’s nothing beyond this. Just the graves and the coast.”

The hatch lowered the rest of the way.

Men in black stepped out one after another, masks catching the light as they spread across the open ground with practiced ease, already scanning the hospital, the graveyard, the road.

A faint tremor ran through the road just before two black hover cars rolled into view behind the shuttle.

“What the fuck?” Daven snarled. “How the fuck do they have transport?” His fingers were already moving over his multi-slate.

“They’re cleared to be here.”

Both of them turned at the sound of Milanov’s voice.

The Imperial stood behind them, his expression composed, though there was the faintest edge of dry amusement in his eyes. “I didn’t mean to startle you. You both looked rather occupied.”

Daven stared at him. “Cleared?”

Milanov held his gaze. “As I already told the Luminary, their arrival was approved.”

“Approved?” Daven snapped. “They’re Concordant. They’re our enemy.”

The two hover cars rolled up beside the shuttle, and Concordant soldiers started filing into them.

“They’ll bring more terror,” Daven said. “Why, uncle? Why are you letting this happen?”

Ryneth looked past him then and finally saw the Luminary line waiting near the road, guards already in position, weapons holstered, every one of them watching and doing nothing.

They’d been standing by the whole time.

Milanov kept his hand on Daven’s shoulder. “In case you’ve forgotten, nephew, we don’t have one enemy right now. We have two.”

Daven held his uncle’s gaze. “So?”

“We have no proof against Concordant. If we strike first, we hand them a war they can carry through the entire alliance.” Milanov looked toward the road where the cars were already disappearing. “So we wait. We watch. And while they play whatever game they came here to play, we learn what they’re really after.”

“What game?” Daven tore himself free and pointed after the cars. “If this is a game to you while my bonded is standing right here and they’re still after him⁠—”