Thaddeus sheathed the dagger and folded his hands behind his back once more, never waivering from Cael’s gaze. He watched his brother’s expression relax, as did hisarms, lowering to his sides. If Thaddeus wasn’t mistaken, Cael swallowed hard, a subtle sign of relief. A moment later, his brother lowered himself to sit on the edge of the sofa, clasping his hands between his spread knees.
“You know, brother, years have passed. Too many between blood kin. Our parents couldn’t possibly be happy with how things turned out between us. However, I have never forgotten the Thaddeus I grew up with. The man whose heart was that of gold, encompassing and empathetic. Selfless. The one who would do anything to help and sacrifice his own happiness for the sake of others. The brother who stepped in front of a magical assault to protect his little brother. The one who nursed injured animals back to health. A healer. A man who forged a name for himself for his loyalty to both pureblood and half-breed Fae. You appreciatedlife, the most basic ingredient toallof our existence. Fae, human, and all in between. And all races admired you for your kindness and gentleness. You were a leader then, and didn’t even realize how much of an impact you had on those around you. You and Shaye. You were a powerhouse.”
Cael’s eyes lowered before his head dropped. Thaddeus looked away, unable to bear the reminders of a past life, for ’twas all in the past. He wasn’t that man anymore.
He was a man who lived on borrowed time.
He wasn’t fool enough to believe otherwise.
“I don’t know what she did to you. What magic she used on you. You became her pitiable sidekick. Her sex slave and minion. You refused to see otherwise, as you still do. Turning a blind eye to one’s deceit is only deceiving oneself. Fooling a fool. It’s a dangerous, unforgiving path you are choosing to tread, and the consequences will surely be steep. Blood will be on your hands, and your hands only, because not a single person in this new movement will come to your rescue if itmeans their lives. The Goddess is not one who takes ruthless bloodshed lightly.”
Thaddeus closed his eyes, keeping his head turned away from Cael until he felt the heat of his brother’s gaze strike his cheek. He leveled his gaze once more, only this time, the churn of emotions in his brother’s silver eyes squeezed the cords and nerves in his chest. He struggled to maintain a flat affect and prayed it held.
“Word travels fast, Thad. Everyone in the Fae communities knows what’s going on. What has happened. Her failed attack on the Talaenians. Why do you believe the Goddess granted Shaye and his people her protection? Not a single Talaenian fell that day. The only fatalities were those of Daeanna’s army.” He lifted his tangled fingers and pointed to Thaddeus. “Andyounearly died, if rumor holds truth. Even after all you’ve done and all you plan to do, the Goddess still believes in you. Don’t take Her blessings lightly.”
Each breath turned into a battle to draw air into his lungs. He needed to escape this cramped box of an abode. He needed to get away from the high-charged air and these sullen fact-filled speeches. His brother, irritating as he was, stirred too much turmoil in his soul.
“Stay away from those humans, Cael. ’Tis my only warning.”
“Your threats fall on deaf ears, Thad. Your power doesn’t frighten me. Nor does your small squad of traitors to Dagda who hide because they are cowards. If you for a moment believe I’m a small minority who mingles with humans, you’ve fooled yourself. Many pureblooded Seelie mingle with humans. So if your new movement’s idea of killing off each and every one who does is the solution to their maniacal vision, buckle up and prepare for the genocide of Seelie Fae. Should you follow that path, brother, you’ll sacrifice yoursoul to the Netherworld for all eternity. You will lose whatever blessings the Goddess bestowed upon you.” Cael raised his hands in a show of uncertainty. “Your dead princess didn’t even propose such an absurd idea and claim it to be her vision, but you’re so quick to jump on this bandwagon in her name.”
“We shall see.”
Without further hesitation, he transported himself out of Cael’s home and into the corridor of the multifloored building. A spurt of weakness flooded his muscles. He stumbled and leaned against the rough wall, the heel of his palm pressed hard to his forehead. The sticky, humid air clung to his flesh like an unwelcome film of suffocation, molding his silk shirt to his body. His hair whipped around his waist and cut across his face in the corridor’s cross breeze, strands clinging to his neck. Heaviness poured into his chest, his soul, like infinite weight with no mercy. Using his magic drained him far too fast, an unnerving revelation, leaving him shaking and exhausted.
The haunting picture of the redheaded woman. The instant response from his cock. The unforgiving battle in his soul.
What in the Goddess’s name was happening to him?
His fingers curled into his palm before he pulled his hand away from his forehead. His vision blurred when he opened his eyes, but quickly cleared.
This eve had turned into an absolute disaster. He must still be healing from his wounds. His power overwhelmed him. Unless…
Nay. Nonsense. Grison could never tamper with his power.
Unless…
Follow through with your plan. ’Tis the only way now.
Aye.
One way or another, he’d discover Grison’s secrets and defeat him at his own game. He’d follow this mission through to the end.
Whatever the end may be.
5
Magic. Fae. Glamour
Rori squeezed her eyes shut against her memories from the night before. The droning lecture had long since turned into a slur of words she couldn’t decipher while she struggled with flashing images of Steve—no, no, Cael—turning from a familiar face into something altogether impossible. Beautiful in a most epic meaning of the word.
And his murderous, beastly brother.
Don’t think of him.
A dull pain ignited in her temples. She fought to suck in a slow, calming breath, to loosen the tension in her jaw. She’d barely slept after the events of the night before. She wanted to pull her hair out when she woke up and found Cassy singing happily in the kitchen. Her friend proceeded to go on about how delicious their gourmet meal had been the night before, right down to sighing over the decadent flavors of an herbed butter sauce on their steaks and the potatoes au gratin. The description made Rori’s stomach rumble even as a weight dropped in her gut. Cassy’s face beamed with love as sherecounted false events, but her eyes clouded over, a tiny detail Rori missed when she’d emerged from her bedroom.
Her friend’s memories had been altered.
