Page 33 of Rev

Silently, I admonish myself, but I can tell the men behind me are simmering with rage, and I can feel Hadrian’s warmth at my back. A reminder of the support I have.

I draw strength from it and refuse to back down.

“You’re wrong,” I tell Gordon firmly as I place my hands on the table in front of me. “I’ve already proved I can lead. I’ve kept us together through this crisis. You’re the one who’s failed, Gordon. Not me.”

It’s Gordon’s turn to flinch at my words. He knows he’s lost this war. There’s nothing he can do to stop us now. He will die today, and there’s a part of me that wants to witness it, but my father has made me promise not to get involved. He may trust me to lead, but there are still things he prefers his men to handle.

Hadrian steps forwards, his voice calm but authoritative.

“Harley is more of a leader than you’ll ever be, Gordon. She’s shown courage, resilience, and wisdom far beyond her years. You, on the other hand, have only shown cowardice and treachery. It’s time for you to pay for your sins. You know what happens to men who are disloyal to the Hunt organisation.”

Gordon’s sneer falters, his eyes shifting to Hadrian. “You’re as blind as she is. The Hunt organisation needs someone strong. Someone ruthless. Not a foolish, little girl who thinks she can play with the big boys.”

“Strength and ruthlessness aren’t the same as leadership,” Hadrian says, his voice like steel. “Harley has the loyalty and respect of everyone here. What do you have, Gordon? A failed coup and a lot of enemies.”

Gordon’s eyes narrow, but he doesn’t respond. He knows Hadrian is right. The silence stretches, heavy with the weight of unspoken truths.

Finally, Hades speaks up. His tone is almost conversational. “You made a mistake, Gordon. You underestimated Harley, and now you’re going to pay the price.”

Racer steps forwards, and I glance up to see a smirk on his face. “You’re an idiot for thinking you could take us all on. We’re stronger together, and Harley’s responsible for keeping us that way.”

I take a deep breath, feeling a mix of satisfaction and sadness. This confrontation was necessary, but it also reveals the deep fractures within our organisation.

“You’ll answer for your crimes, Gordon,” I say quietly. “You betrayed us, and you’ll pay the price for that.”

Gordon’s defiance flickers, replaced by a hint of fear. He knows there’s no way out of this.

“Do what you want,” he mutters, his voice losing its edge. “But don’t think for a second that you’re fit to lead. This organisation will crumble under you.”

I feel a sudden surge of determination, and standing up, I place my hands on the table and lean towards him. “We’ll see about that, Gordon. We’ll see.”

As I leave the room, I feel the weight of the encounter lift slightly. We’ve confronted a traitor, but the road ahead is still uncertain. Hadrian falls into step beside me, his hand brushing mine in a gesture of silent support.

“You did well in there,” he murmurs, his voice low and reassuring. “You showed him what real leadership looks like.”

I nod, feeling the warmth of pride spread through me at his words. “Thank you,” I say softly. “It means a lot to hear that from you.”

We’ve left Racer and Hades in the room with Gordon. I don’t hear any screams, so I’m not sure if they’re just watching him, or if they’ve already killed him.

“I am so feckin’ proud of you, Harley. I didn’t envision this life for you, but you’ve stepped up and showed that you’re more than capable.”

“Thank you, Hadrian.” I’m grateful for his faith in me.

“Hades and Racer know what to do with that traitor for the next few minutes.” His voice sounds cold and harsh, but I know it’s directed at the bastard in that room.

We walk out into the cool night air, and the stars above are a reminder of the vast world beyond our struggles. We’re met by the group of men who remained loyal to me and my father and who came to fight alongside us tonight. I feel a sense of unity and resolve among them, and as each one, in turn, comes up to me to take my hand and shake it, I realise they respect me. There’s a shared commitment to rebuild and strengthen our organisation.

“I need to go back inside and help the others with Gordon and then confront my father,” Hadrian tells me, and I nod.

“I know.” Leaning up onto my tiptoes, I press my lips to his cheek and his beard tickles my face.

Hadrian has bound his long hair in a bun, which is a sure sign that more blood is about to be shed. He leaves me outside, but I’m not alone. The men are still with me, surrounding the perimeter, so I’m safe.

FOURTEEN

REV

The sensation of blood running through my fingers has always been a welcome distraction for most of my life.

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