Page 95 of A Game of Love and Betrayal

Ryker wasn’t in the mood to referee a fight between his mother and sister. Instead, he put his hands on River’s shoulders and angled her away from their mother. “How’s school going, Shortie?”

River was in her fourth year of pre-med at the University of Balance. The oldest of the five universities on the continent, the school had been founded by the High Ladies of Life and Death soon after the Battle of Balance. It was the most prestigious academic institution on this side of the Obsidian Coast.

“Good.” River smiled tightly. “I’m acing all my classes.”

“Your sister is on track to graduate at the top of her class, as she should be,” their mother added. “She wouldn’t be a Waterborn if she didn’t perform to the best of her abilities.”

They’d heard the same refrain their entire lives. Waterborns did not fail. Waterborns did not cause scenes. Waterborns were chosen by the gods to lead the fae, and as such, they had to keep their heads on their shoulders at all times.

Being a Waterborn was fucking exhausting.

“Of course, Mother,” Ryker and River said simultaneously.

Tertia studied them both for another moment before dipping her head. She returned to her work, but the air remained tense.

“I’ve been watching you, Ryker.” His sister returned her attention to him. “Every day, whenever I’m not in class or studying. You’re a star.”

He chuckled. “I’m still your brother, River.”

“I know you are.” She punched his arm, and he faked being hurt.

River laughed and called him a baby.

“Well, children, I think that’s my cue to leave.” Tertia stood, tucking her tablet under her arm. “I have to call the Council.” She glared at them both. “Behave, young ones. I’ll return soon.”

“Of course, Mother,” the siblings said in unison.

Tertia was a good parent, and she wanted the best for her children, but the only person Ryker had ever seen his mother be affectionate with was his father. She wasn’t built like the rest of them. Luckily, their father had enough love for them all.

Tertia smiled at them, the expression verging on cold, before gliding into the third bedroom in the suite. She moved with a grace that spoke of her age and power.

Once the door closed behind her, Ryker turned to his sister.

“How are you doing?” he asked seriously. He hadn’t wanted to bring this up in front of their mother, but now that they were alone, the question pressed on his mind. “Have there been any more incidents while I was gone?”

River’s face paled, making her piercings stand out even more. “No, none.”

“You’ve been doing your exercises? Is it under control?”

“I haven’t missed a single day, like I promised.” River’s brows rose and nearly touched her forehead. “You know, Ryker, I am twenty-one. Just because I haven’t hit my Maturation doesn’t mean I can’t manage it.”

All fae Matured around twenty-five years old. Maturation brought them to their full power and slowed their aging until they were practically immortal. Having undergone his own Maturation thirteen years ago, Ryker knew this, but he still worried about his sister. She was the most important person in his world. Well. Now, she was the second most important person.

He needed to make sure she was alright. “If it starts to get too bad?—”

“I’ll go to Isolation Lake and let the magic out,” River finished his sentence, repeating the words he’d said to her each time they spoke over the past six years. “I know. Under no circumstances am I to go near any inhabited towns or villages, especially if I haven’t released my magic recently.”

Ryker exhaled. “Good. And if something does happen?—”

“It won’t,” she said firmly. “Not again.”

Ryker placed a hand on River’s shoulder and waited until her gaze met his. “If it does, you tell me.”

“So, you can fix it again?”

“Yes,” he said gravely.

“I can take care of myself,” she protested. “I won’t lose control again, I promise. Gabriel and Carson have been teaching me, just like you asked them.”

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