CHAPTER 28 #2
I sniff away the last of my tears when a realization hits me. “If they took down the mansion’s barriers, what’s stopping them from getting in here?”
Ace doesn’t look at me when he speaks, his eyes busy scanning the papers in front of him. “This vault operates on different principles than the outer defenses. It’s older, deeper magic. It’ll take time for them to figure it out.”
I move to a quiet corner of the vault, sinking down against the wall, willing my usefulness to be spent.
With my eyes closed, I try to block out the sounds of murmured strategies and whispered concerns around me.
There are mentions of illusion potions and the like, but they are quickly dismissed as ineffective given the circumstances.
Whatever happens next, whatever price must be paid, I know one thing with absolute certainty: I will not lose my brother again, not now that I just got him back.
My mind goes back to where it all started, reflecting on the sequence of events following that moment.
That pendant was meant for me. To be bound to me.
Had Max not worn it first—an incident born of my doing yet again—I would’ve walked straight into Cain’s lair, unaware of every step.
I would’ve been nothing but a passenger in my own body.
The mere thought of it sends ice cold chills down my spine.
No less cruelty lies in this new plan, where Max is being used against me.
They know I wouldn’t harm him, let alone have him die, which gives them all the free rein they need.
So long as Cain’s witch sidekick, Lucien, is able to work through Max unchecked, they have me entirely at their mercy. But that’s not what truly scares me.
It’s how long those around me will hold out before they decide Max is expendable, that it’s only a matter of time before he’ll be written off as collateral damage. Just like my father.
When I open my eyes, Ace stands before me, offering me his hand. Not for comfort, but for purpose—an invitation to join the fight that’s coming. I take it, allowing him to pull me to my feet.
He beckons me with a sharp gesture to follow him back to the table. The map in front of us shows the mansion and surrounding grounds, with various marks and notations I don’t understand.
Ace taps a finger against a section marked with a red circle.
“This is our next stop,” he says, addressing the group as he outlines the plan.
“We gather every ally we can find, starting with the Corvi.” He traces a line to another red circle, much bigger this time, indicative of their scatteredness.
“Then, the Malvagi. They’ve both remained neutral thus far, but with what’s at stake, they can’t afford to stay on the sidelines.
” As he speaks, I notice how the others lean in, hanging onto his every word. “This is bigger than any of us now.”
When they start discussing details, a thought forms in my mind, solidifying with each passing second. I wait for a lull in the conversation before speaking. “What about Redmoore?”
The room falls silent, all eyes turning to me.
Reece lets out a disbelieving laugh, but Ace silences him with a look.
“Redmoore?” Palina repeats, frowning. “What about them?”
“They have the numbers, resources, weapons, technology, and most importantly, daylight on their side. And they hate Cain as much as we do. Together, we can push in on him from every possible angle.”
“Redmoore hates us all,” Irene says, wincing as she shifts her weight. “They don’t discriminate.”
“Some understand the nuance,” I argue, looking directly at Ace. “I can convince them. I know the stakes now. I won’t betray you. As you said, this is bigger than any of us.”
He studies me, probably assessing the truth behind my words. But I’m not lying, not this time. The others watch our exchange in strained silence.
“It’s not your betrayal I’m concerned about,” he finally says, voice low. “It’s your impulsiveness. Your lack of tact.”
The accusation stings, but I can’t deny its truth. My actions have cost others dearly before.
Ace moves around the table until he’s standing close enough that I can see the flecks of darker gray in his eyes.
“Do you understand what happens if you stray from the plan? If you’re not careful enough and get yourself captured again?
” I open my mouth to respond, but he cuts me off, clearly not expecting an answer.
“Best case scenario, Cain will have no further use for his leverages. Everyone, including your mother and brother, will become disposable. And in the hands of a sadist like him, that’s seldom a good thing.
Especially once he’s a daywalker and can do as he pleases, whenever he pleases.
” He leans in close, his voice dropping to a threatening whisper.
“Worst case scenario, you’ll wish you were never born. ”
My blood runs cold at the thought. A thought I can’t even begin to fathom. “I understand.”
“Good.” He straightens and addresses the group again. “First stop, Redmoore. We leave at dusk.”
As Irene leads me toward a small recess where I can rest, I glimpse Ace bent over the maps again, his shoulders bearing the weight of leadership.
For all his faults and the bloody history between us, I can’t deny his dedication to his people, willing to sacrifice everything for those under his protection.
I settle onto a narrow cot, mentally preparing for the journey ahead. This time, I won’t fail them. I’ll be smarter, more careful, and bring my family home. Even if that means standing beside the man I once swore to kill.