Chapter 40
Dev
I hated this house.
I always had. Even when I lived here.
It was post-modern, with monstrous windows and heavy doors. My father had built a sprawling mansion that sat on nearly five acres.
It stood on top of a hill, overlooking Telluride. Ian Redgrave had paid for the nearby houses to be bought and torn down so we had nothing obscuring the view.
I could see the Temple of Light from my bedroom, looming over the city like a blight.
The house was gated, guarded by Soldiers of Light. As the mouthpiece of the Council, my father lived an opulent existence within the Light community.
All I could see was a home built on the blood of the Dark.
Sable sat next to me in the car, invisible to the naked eye. Her power was impressive.
I kept the window down, despite the cold. Cameras were locked on every entrance of the property, so Sable would have to slip out through the window.
I wished it didn’t have to be her.
Her very presence irritated me.
“Remember the plan,” she muttered.
“I know what I’m doing. You don’t get caught.”
“Give me some credit. This isn’t my first rodeo,” I felt her looking at me.
“It’s not mine either,” I snapped.
“You’re missing a dagger,” she gestured to the small shapes under my shirt.
I tensed. “No. I’m not.”
“Hmm,” she murmured.
Armed guards met us at the top of the driveway. I recognised them both as my father’s favourites.
I stopped the car and put on my most rakish smile. “Tom, Eddie.”
Tom nodded, but Eddie scowled. I never did like him.
“Please step out of the car Mr Redgrave.”
I sighed, making a big show of it. As Tom went to examine the car, I ‘tripped’ and slammed into him.
Eddie growled. “Watch yourself!” he said.
I stepped between them and my car, inspecting my shoe. “You know, that rock could’ve broken my ankle. I would’ve thought my father’s good boys would keep the driveway clear and safe.”
Tom rolled his eyes and shook his head.
“Still the same Dev I see, despite your lock up.”
I smiled. “What can I say. Prison air agrees with me.”
Eddie just snarled and moved to my car, turning it over inside.
“What exactly are you looking for? I wouldn’t be so stupid as to bring someone here,” I said.
Eddie just flicked his narrowed eyes at me and continued throwing my stuff around.
Tom approached me reluctantly. “Sorry man. I have to search you,” he gestured to my dagger belt.
“What? A man can’t protect himself these days?”
“I know. But there are skirmishes all over at the moment. Not to mention ferals.”
“So why can’t I keep my weapons?”
“Council orders. I’ll look after them, I swear,” Tom added.
I sighed, reluctant. “Let me keep one.”
Tom looked at Eddie, who shook his head. But Tom was clearly torn.
“If a feral broke in, wouldn’t it be better to be protected?” I wheedled.
“Fine,” Tom sighed.
“Tom!”
“I said it’s fine. Everyone is entitled to one weapon. Just keep it visible at all times, clear?”
“That’s why you’re my favourite Tom.”
“Yeah, well you’re lucky Mr Redgrave put me in charge. Or there would be no chance. Just don’t let me regret this.”
“Scouts honour,” I said.
We walked up to the front steps, the whole lobby glowing with white light.
Soft piano music drifted through the air. I straightened my shirt and pants, aware that my parents would be watching. I took a deep breath.
Mother was waiting in the living room in a long red gown that curved her body. Her black hair was pulled up in a tidy chignon and her gems sparkled with their own light. She was speaking to a tall imposing figure I recognised immediately.
Dominic Lightwood.
When she saw me, she smiled so wide, I almost believed it.
“Devon!” she walked over to take my hands. I allowed her to kiss my cheek.
“Mother,” I said calmly.
“Oh, it’s been an age, has it not? Dominic, do you remember my son, Devon?”
“Dev,” I said. “I prefer it.”
“You look absolutely scrumptious, my darling boy.”
“Thank you.”
Dominic held out his hand to shake it. I hesitated, then obeyed.
“Dev, then.” Dominic said. “Your parents talk of you often.”
“They do? That’s a surprise to me.”
“I heard about your unfortunate incident that landed you in Darkmoor.”
“Ah,” I looked at Mother who was blinking rapidly, sending me dagger-like glares.
“Yes, that was unfortunate .”
“A shame really. I’ve been looking over your school transcripts. Your teachers were very impressed with your work. I’ve been told you rated in the 99 th percentile in English, mathematics, biology, chemistry. All on an APA of 46D. Incredible.”
I fought the urge to narrow my eyes. “I’m a conundrum, I suppose.”
“Terrible thing that happened at Darkmoor. Those Equinox soldiers will stop at nothing for their own gains, will they. That institute had great potential.”
“I’m sure it did.”
“Thankfully, many of the technologies that were in development on site there were saved. Have you heard of our most recent invention?”
“I can’t say that I have sir.”
Dominic smiled, his eyes dark.
“A device capable of shielding those in need from dark magic attacks. It works almost like a pulse gun. If someone attacks, we can repel them with the press of a button. Isn’t that wonderful?”
I thought of Ash — how he almost died because of that machine.
“Yeah. Sounds great.”
“Devon!”
Ian Redgrave approached us, his rotund belly more pronounced than when I last saw him. His hair had gone white with age, his beard gruff. He wore a navy suit that probably cost more than a small house, buttoned so tightly I thought the seams might burst.
My father patted me on the back with more affection than he had shown me my whole life.
His grin was wide, his teeth white.
“It’s so good to see you safe!”
“Hello Father,” I nodded.
“So, should we go to dinner?” Mother said, “because something smells yummy!”
“New vehicle, incoming,” I heard Kieran say through my earpiece.
“Are we expecting someone else?” I asked, gesturing outside to the headlights coming down the driveway.
“Ah, if I may. I invited a friend to join us tonight, if that is to your liking. She should be here at any moment – ah, there she is.”
I turned and felt my stomach drop.
There, entering the house draped in sparkling blue lamé was none other than Georgina Quinn.
She stepped forward, offering a long-taloned hand towards Dominic.
“Sorry I am late, it’s so hard these days, you know. What with Gideon being gone.”
Don’t panic.
“No trouble at all, Georgina you are always welcome here. May I present to you my son, Devon.”
Georgina looked at me, her head tilted. She offered me her hand.
I took it and kissed the top. “Mrs Quinn.”
“What the fuck is Georgina doing here?” Kieran hissed.
“Charm her.” Elliot said quietly. “She never saw your face before.”
I plastered on my most flirtatious smile. “I have to say, Mrs Quinn, you look lovely tonight.”
Georgina positively beamed. “Well, how lovely. A gentleman. How have I not met you before?”
Towards the side table something clattered to the ground. I looked up to see the opened door.
The rest of the party looked too.
When nothing else happened, I smiled.
“Do we still get those winds around here, mother?” I asked.
She smiled. “Oh yes. All the time. The problem with living on a mountain top.”
“That must be it,” Georgina said, still watching me. “You are handsome, young man. How old are you?”
“Twenty-seven, ma’am,” I said, tilting my head.
She looked me up and down, devouring me with her eyes.
“My you are strapping,” she murmured. I let a slow smile move across my face.
“Thank you.”
“Well! Shall we eat?” Father said.
I took the seat next to Georgina. I felt her fingers brush my sleeve as she sat at the table.
I fought to suppress my shudder.
The table stretched the length of the room, covered in platters of roasted meat and expensive wine. The smell of spice hung heavy in the air.
Dominic sat across from me.
“So, Dev. How did you fare when Darkmoor came under attack?”
“You were at Darkmoor?” Georgina asked me, stiffening slightly.
“I was yes. My young exploits got me into a bit of trouble a few years back.”
Father snorted. “If that’s what you call trashing my motorcycle collection.”
The table chuckled. I looked at Father and smiled. “Didn’t you just replace it the next day?”
“That’s not the point.”
“Now Ian,” Mother said. The look she sent me could’ve melted steel. “We don’t need to rehash the past, do we? I’m sure Dominic and Georgina don’t wish to hear about it.”
“So, you’re a bit of a bad boy then,” Georgina said. She kept staring at me, but something in her eyes was calculating. “I do feel like I have seen you somewhere before.”
Dominic was still watching me closely.
“So, what happened to you after the raid at Darkmoor? Where did you go?”
“I have a few apartments around Telluride,” I said lightly. “One of the perks of having money.”
“Which one did you use?”
“Depends on the week,” I said with a shrug.
“Keep him talking, Dev. Sable almost has the files.”
I reached for my wine and forced myself to take a slow sip.
Dominic just kept his gaze on me.
“Did you know many people at Darkmoor?”
“A few,” I said lightly. “Why the interest?”
Dominic smiled over the rim of his glass. “Just curious. I’ve heard some of the inmates are less than savoury.”
“Inmates? You make it sound like a jail. Darkmoor was an opportunity for Dev to learn and change. It’s such a shame what happened to it. But I’ve heard they plan to reopen,” Mother said.
I flicked my eyes her way. “Is that true? There was a lot of damage.”
“Well of course. Darkmoor is a fine institution. They have some of the best minds working there to benefit the Light,” Father said.
I felt the familiar heat of anger crawl up my spine. I leaned back in my chair. “Of course. Why would we ever want to help anyone else.”
“So, you don’t believe the Light should be protected?” Dominic said.
“I don’t think that’s what I said,” I replied.
“More wine?” Mother interrupted loudly.
I looked at her and nodded.
Georgina looked troubled beside me. “Did you meet anyone else there? Kieran Hawthorne was there, correct?”
“Maybe. Darkmoor wasn’t exactly a social club.”
“You never were much for friends,” Mother said with a tight smile, “even as a child.”
“It was terrible what happened to the Donahue boy. I heard he had an awful accident in the quad, broke his neck!” Father said.
“Did you know Oliver Donahue?” Dominic asked.
For a moment Seph’s face filled my thoughts, pale and shaking, blood running down her skin.
Then Ollie’s body, grey and shrivelled, carried away by the guards.
“In passing,” I replied. “Like I said, I don’t do friends.”
Dominic nodded, but I could feel him measuring me from his seat.
“So, son. As per my letter, Dominic here, has asked me to consider joining the Council of Light. I thought it best you meet each other if you will be working with each other in the future.”
“Is that a fact?” I asked.
Dominic smiled at me, predatory. “I have been given the media portfolio for the Council of Light. It is a great honour. Your father tells me you intend to take over Redgrave Publishing.”
“Did he?” I asked, casting a glare his way. “He mentioned it was something to think about.”
“What’s to consider, Devon? You’re a Redgrave. It’s your duty to carry the family name and business forward,” Ian said firmly, like it was already settled.
I leaned back slightly. “And when does this change come into play?”
“You would start training immediately. The board is already waiting to fill you in. You’ll meet them next week.”
“Dev, Sable is having trouble opening one of the locks in your father’s office. It’s a code safe. She needs help,” Kieran said.
“Well, it’s nice to know you have planned my life without my consent again, Father. Excuse me if I don’t jump for joy immediately.”
I stood up.
“Where are you going?”
“Well, if I’m about to be handcuffed to the publishing house, I should at least make sure my wrists are clean.”
“Devon.” Mother sighed, but I was already heading to the bathroom.
I stalked down the hall, passing my old room. My father’s office door sat slightly ajar. I grabbed a piece of paper from a side table, scribbled a number down, and slid it through the gap before stepping into the ornate bathroom.
I turned on the taps and splashed water over my face.
When I stepped out, I passed my room again and saw the door was open. Georgina stood inside, running her fingers over my old dresser.
“Mrs Quinn? Can I help you?”
She looked up and smoothed her hair back. “So sorry, I was trying to find the bathroom.”
“It’s just down the hall.”
“Thank you, I must have gotten turned around.”
I studied her face. Tears glistened in her eyes. “Are you okay?”
“Oh yes, of course. I was just thinking of Gideon. He’s been missing a long time now. I miss him. I miss how he made me feel.”
Her hands drifted slowly over her shoulders, down to her collarbone.
I stepped back. “Mrs Quinn.”
“Georgina, please.” She moved toward me, slow and deliberate.
“Georgina, then,” I said. “This isn’t really the best place.”
“No? I’ve been so lonely, Devon. And you look very much like a man who understands loneliness.”
I glanced down the corridor, swallowing hard. I could hear the faint rustle from the office.
Come on, Sable.
I turned slightly, putting my back to the office door, and gently pushed her shoulders back.
“You are a very attractive woman, Georgina. But right now isn’t the best timing, not with everyone downstairs.”
She moved closer. “I can be quick,” she said, and kissed me.
Something fell down the hall. Georgina flinched.
I pulled her closer and kissed her.
She tasted like ash and stale perfume.
When I finally heard the click of the office closing, I pulled back.
I made myself smile. Georgina’s eyes were dark and full of heat. Her lips were swollen.
She touched them lightly. “Well, well, well. He can kiss.”
“We should probably go back down,” I said, keeping my voice low.
“You know, I work very closely with much of the board. I could arrange some time off for you. If you like.”
Georgina’s gaze lingered on me a fraction too long before she turned toward the stairs.
“Sounds wonderful,” I murmured beside her.
On the surface I looked charming, but inside I felt filthy.
This better be worth it.