I rub my temple. This makes me question everything I’ve ever known—my happy childhood and the perception of my parents. The way my mother used to sing to me at bedtime. The mornings I spent practicing archery with my father. Back then, I thought they could do no wrong. I thought they were endless sources of wisdom, patience, and love.

Now, I question their integrity.

Worst of all, I question Keryth. How could he possibly love me? After knowing my family took his?

I glance up, and my gaze lands on a group of women across the room. Their eyes are hard and fixed on me. One of them whispers something behind her hand, and they all nod solemnly.

They really do hate me.

And I can’t blame them. No amount of Day Realm dances will change their minds.

I’ve never felt so out of place.

“I have to get out of here,” I say, half to myself and partly to Tehya.

“Wait,” she calls after me. “Keryth wouldn’t want you wandering by yourself.”

“Too bad,” I bite out.

Walking through the open double doors to the outside, I take a deep breath.

Crisp night air kisses my skin, and I soak in the scent of midnight roses. The floral smell is clean and heady. I go down the steps and walk toward the courtyard and gardens. There’s a fountain, countless rose bushes, and a maze made from ivy-covered hedges.

Wanting to get lost, I enter the labyrinth.

“It isn’t safe to be out here.” Catching up to me, Tehya throws a concerned look back at the great hall far behind us.

Probably trying to see if anyone’s following.

I don’t care.

I need a second to digest this new information without everyone glaring at me. And if someone decides to come after me? Well, my firepower is still high from the new bond. I can protect myself.

CHAPTER 13

Keryth

Something doesn’t feel right.

I stop mid-sentence when a burst of anger and confusion come at me.

Zella.

Pushing past Silas, I bolt from the secret office.

“Uh, you weren’t finished yet,” he protests, chasing me through the corridor.

“You’ve heard enough.”

And it’s true. He knows the details of King Zed’s death—how Zarid took him out to gain the throne. I also told him of Zarid’s no-interference request. Silas didn’t agree with allowing the kidnappings to continue, but the only alternative is war, which we don’t want.

The only part I didn’t get to is how devastated Zella was on the way back, but her sorrow is personal. It’s none of his business.

Silas still doesn’t trust her, but he’s going to have to get over it. In time, he will. He’ll get to know her.