Page 192 of Filthy Rich Vampires: For Eternity

But before I could cross that threshold of joy, Lysander approached. Aurelia trailed him, her shoulders tense. I searched for proof of what Thea had told me, but any trace of Fae was hidden again. Aurelia kept her hands balled into fists at her sides, her knuckles white as she stayed a step behind. I raised an eyebrow at Thea.

“Some of the Vampire Council want an audience,” Lysander told us in a low voice. “Mom is trying to distract them, but...”

“It’s fine,” Thea cut in. “The sooner we get this over with, the better.”

“You don’t have to justify what you did,” I said.

“I’m an expert on justifying myself to the Council,” she deadpanned, leaning her weight against me. “And it’s better if I tell them.”

I inclined my head. It was her decision. “Whatever you wish.”

Lysander glanced at Aurelia. “What about her?”

Thea and I shared a look, and she asked slowly, “What about her?”

“Are you going to tell them the truth?”

Aurelia flinched, her eyes darting around like she wanted to escape, but she didn’t move.

Thea shook her head. “I don’t think it’s necessary. If Aurelia doesn’t want them to know about her involvement, that’s up to her. Quinn won’t say anything.” She leveled a hard gaze at my brother. I pitied his ability to withstand her glittering emerald eyes. “Will you?”

“No,” he said in a tone made firm by the ice coating it. “It’s none of my business what she is.”

“Lysander,” I said gently, reaching for his shoulder, but he shrugged it off.

“I need some air.” He strode toward the doorway that led to the canal.

Aurelia watched him leave, her face contorting with a feeling I knew all too well. Pain mixed with longing. She finally tore her eyes away. “I should have expected that,” she said bitterly.

“We won’t say anything either,” Thea promised, and I nodded. “Your secret is safe with us.” She hesitated. “About my mother...”

“I took her to the Hallow Court. From what Ginerva taught me, they were most likely to help her,” Aurelia explained. “They did. As far as the bargain she made, I don’t know. I will check on her later.”

“Thank you.” Thea grabbed her hand and squeezed it. “I owe you.”

“No, you freed me. Our bargain is fulfilled.” Her eyes strayed in the direction Lysander had exited. “Now I’m free to live my own life.” She didn’t sound happy about that. She smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “If you don’t need me at the Council audience, I think I’d like to be alone.”

“Of course.” Thea watched her leave, sighing as she disappeared inside. “Should I go after her?”

“Give her space,” I murmured, drawing her back into my arms. “Give them both space.”

“Lysander is being a dick,” she said flatly. “I’m... surprised.”

“So is he. But they need to sort this out on their own.”

She scowled, but finally agreed. “And we’ll have to find my mother again.”

“We will,” I swore. “The Hallow Court is one of the light courts. She is safe. I’ll have Benedict reach out.”

“Thank you.” Something drew her attention over my shoulder.

I turned to find my mother approaching, followed by the remaining Council members.

“I guess it’s time to face the music.”

“We need to speak with you.” Sabine sighed as she appraised Thea’s bloody wedding dress. “That gown was from Paris.”

“Priorities,” I muttered.

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