I know Caleb probably isn’t going to be crazy about the idea, but I can’t just leave Vaellen and Briall hanging in this situation.
“I know it’s a lot to ask,” Vaellen rushes to say, misinterpreting my pause. “We don’t know each other, and I already owe you-”
I don’t know what that relic is, but I don’t like how much power it’s given Karinn. I’ve seen the way her red pendant alone has enhanced her powers. Allowing her to keep the relic, and grow even stronger, would be a mistake.
My eyes lock on the pendant, and it’s hard to look away. There’s something alluring about it.
I bet it would be more useful to the Silent Blades.
More useful to me.
“Fine,” I say, after weighing my options. “I will serve you.”
I’m tired of getting screwed. Playing by the rules has given’ me nothing but betrayal. It’s time to try something new.
At least Karinn is honest about what she is.
“Ilara…” I hear Jeremiah’s voice next to my ear, and a wave of revulsion sweeps through me. “I can practically hear the wheels turning in that head of yours. Don’t be foolish.”
Caleb laughs darkly, reading my expression. “She’s not the foolish one here.”
“I guess it never occurred to you,” Sylas adds, sneering at Jeremiah like he wants nothing more than to crush his skull. “The only reason she never fought you before is because she used to love you.”
As much as I hate him, I do see the importance of taking the relic from Karinn. If things are as bad as they sound, based on Jeremiah and Briall’s information, I shouldn’t take any chances.
“Fine,” I say, trying to remain still in Jeremiah’s grasp, despite the disgust I feel. “Now let go of me.”
“Don’t leave me here,” Vaellen quietly repeats, as though he can read my mind. Deep down, even he knows it’s too dangerous for him to come with us.
That leaves only two options, and I don’t like either of them.
Leave him here, or put him out of his misery.
Guilt is eating away at me, and I can’t seem to break away from Vaellen’s stare. I’m not usually so indecisive, but I can’t make myself draw my blade to do what I know I have to.
“We’re not murderers,” I say, watching Vaellen carefully. I’m still not sure what to make of him.
He doesn’t seem possessed.
Vaellen frowns slightly, knuckles going white as he grips the bars of his cell. “Please, don’t-”
“We’re not leaving you here,” Sylas quickly says, knowing my intentions. I would never leave this man caged here.
“I have a better idea,” I say, signaling Sylas and Caleb as I take a casual step forward, hiding the motion of my hand from Karinn’s view.
She tilts her head, studying me with narrowed eyes. “There’s a third choice here?”
“Yes,” I say, mimicking her fake smile. “We could just force you to take us to Jeremiah.”
“Fine,” I say, and Karinn’s answering smile makes my skin crawl.
“You can’t be serious?!” Sylas grabs my arm, but I shake him off, unable to look at him. The ends justify the means. We’re too close to finding Jeremiah. I have to see this through, even if that means siding with Karinn.
“Sounds good to me,” Caleb says, shrugging. “I don’t see the problem.”
“I’m sorry for your losses,” I say, shaking my head. “But I want no part of this.”
“Ilara, we can’t just turn a blind eye,” Sylas says, predictably taking Briall’s side.
“We didn’t come here for this,” I insist, crossing my arms. It stings to know I’m disappointing him, but it can’t be helped. “Getting mixed up with a magister can only make things worse.” I look to Briall again. “Thank you, but we’ll find him on our own.”
paigeaddams 