Chapter 19 #2
“It’s not that simple,” I cut in, treading carefully. “We already used the passages to get Ezra out. Because of that, they have doubled the number of guards stationed throughout the palace.”
“Not to mention whatever is going on with Ambrose,” Daelan chimed.
Kieran’s gaze cut to Daelan with a menacing glint. “What does that mean?”
“It means that Ambrose has been acting odd lately. His mind is taking him elsewhere, and he is becoming more violent. Even today with Sybil. There’s something going on with him that he’s hiding.”
Kieran frowned and slowly turned to Sybil. The red in his eyes seemed darker, erring toward something dangerous. “What did the bastard do to you?”
Sybil swallowed hard, grabbing the hem of her shirt. I’ve seen her do that when her nerves were becoming too much, so I answered for her. “Ambrose used his magic against her after the meeting today. She spoke out of turn, which angered him.”
In his quiet fury, Kieran seemed to grow taller, the air heavier.
“This is why you will stay away from the missions,” Kieran stated, his voice signaling the end of the discussion.
He looked away from her, opening his mouth to move on when the shadows rippled around Sybil’s feet.
Her shadow creature came into view beside her leg, stretching as if it had just awoken.
“No, I refuse to let that be it,” Sybil seethed. The shadow cat stared up at Kieran, daring him to make a move.
Kieran growled at the creature but looked at Sybil, taking in the flare of her nostrils and the way she raised her chin to stare him down, though he towered over her.
“You are too close to this, and it’s making you not see things clearly.
This would make you dangerous to your team if you were to join.
Therefore, I am telling you that you will sit this one out.
We are all aware of how important it is to save innocent lives, but I will not allow your emotional state to jeopardize the safety of my people and you.
You are my mate, Sybil. Your safety is more important to me than your need to help in missions. ”
“Fuck you,” Sybil spat, causing mine and Kieran’s eyes to widen in shock. “This is bullshit, and you know it, Kieran. Samian, tell him.” Sybil looked at me, her eyes full of pleading. I opened my mouth to respond, but then shut it. “Samian,” she breathed, her voice breaking. “Tell him he is wrong.”
I rubbed the back of my neck and cringed.
I understood her need to be a part of this.
Each of us had our roles. We knew and played them well.
However, she was forced into this world and pushed into a corner with no way out.
But as my mate, as Kieran’s mate, our need to protect her from danger was fierce, even if it was directed toward Sybil herself.
As much as I hated my next words, I forced them out.
“I agree with Kieran,” I said quietly, my chest aching when her shoulders dropped.
“Kieran has been the leader of this rebellion since it started.
He has led countless missions, most of which were successful.
If he believes it's safer for you to sit this mission out, then I agree with him.”
Sybil stood there, stunned, as if her mind couldn’t understand what was happening.
Regret instantly coursed through me, creating a deep ache in my chest. Finally, she looked around the group, only to find the others in agreement with Kieran.
“You’re pushing me to the side because I’m being too emotional? ”
“No,” Kieran snapped. “I’m having you sit this one mission out because you are not thinking clearly.
You’re being reckless and not listening.
We have been doing this for a long time, Sybil.
Since before you were born. You should be heeding our counsel, not arguing with us because we disagreed with your timeline and plan. ”
“Take me back,” Sybil whispered furiously, her face turning toward me, though she kept her eyes on the ground.
“Sybil,” Kieran sighed, reaching his hand to hers.
“Take me back,” Sybil demanded, her voice echoing through the trees. She stepped up to me, her hand outstretched, waiting for me to take it. “Take. Me. Back.” She repeated once more, catching me glancing behind her at Kieran.
Kieran’s jaw clenched, his chest rising and falling rapidly, before he nodded and looked away from Sybil.
Taking a deep breath, I took Sybil’s hand, calling up my magic to transfer us back to the entry for the palace.
As soon as I felt the ground beneath my feet, Sybil ripped her hand from mine, pulled the door open, and marched into the darkness.
I raked my hand through my hair and followed behind her, giving her some space to cool off.
Once we returned to her room, Sybil marched into her bedroom, slamming the door shut in my face. Growling, I shoved the door open.
“Get out,” Sybil breathed, her voice shaking with anger. The shadow creature placed itself between us, growing in size. It hissed, the thick blackness wafting off its body in waves.
“No,” I growled. “I know you’re upset, but I will not allow you to distance yourself from a fight again.
” Sybil glared at me but stayed silent. The lights around us brightened from her magic.
“You’re not happy with Kieran’s decision, and I know it’s hard, but can you truly not see Kieran’s point?
Aside from the fact that he believes you’re too close to this, can you honestly say that Ambrose isn’t suspicious of you—of me—with Ezra’s escape?
You saw the look in his eyes when he told us, you saw the questioning in them when he stared us down, yes? ”
“I saw it,” Sybil sighed, the anger deflating from her body. “Fuck. I saw it, okay? I know that with Ezra’s escape and with me speaking out in opposition, Ambrose is skeptical of me. But what am I supposed to do?”
“Continue speaking out. You will be punished for it, but speak out. You’ll keep his attention away from the rebels so that Kieran and the others can work, hidden from view. Ambrose’s focus will be solely on you, and that will allow Kieran to do what he needs to do.”
The creature returned to its normal size as Sybil fell back to the bed with a long exhale. Closing her eyes and raising her hands, Sybil covered her face with her palms. “Alright.”