Page 16 of The Hunt of Night

“To plant a Kenner wolf in the castle.” His eyes pinch as he looks back at me. “She shifted before my eyes.” I gape in surprise as a ghost of a smile touches his lips. “She was beautiful, but it was clear she wasn’t mine. Not my Queen. Not anymore, maybe never at all. There was something different.”

“Dad,” I rasp, my chest aching at his pain.

“I asked her to come with me.” He shakes his head. “Ibeggedher.”

“Dad,” I whisper, choking on the truth.

“I had been aware there was a traitor in my inner circle, but the moment I realized it was her, I didn’t care anymore. We had to leave, and I was too blinded by my love for her and our family to see the kingdom crumbling around me. It was too late.”

“And she didn’t want to,” I confirm, and he sags. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be, Addi. You never did anything but be you, just as I wished. But to answer your question, you are a half-breed, even though I despise that terminology. You are half fae, half wolf, and I’ve never been more proud.” His words warm my aching heart, but there’s still more to understand.

“Why haven’t I ever?—”

He offers me a soft smile. “Honestly, I don’t know. I kept waiting, but nothing happened. Your mother always told me that it would come when you were ready, but I’m not sure if they did something to stop it from happening,” he admits, making my spine stiffen.

I’m fed up with people doing things to my body without my consent.

A knock comes from my bedroom door, making my father clear his throat. “Go, focus on you. I’ve got us covered here. I’ll see if I can find anything out for you.”

“Thank you.” I smile, despite the pain glistening in my eyes.

“I love you, Addi.”

“I love you too.”

The screen falls dark a breath later as another knock comes from my door.

Flora has no patience.

Connecting with my magic, I effortlessly change into my uniform, shoes and all, while shifting my hair into a tight braid. By the time I reach the door, I’m ready for the day. Even if it’s only physically. Mentally, I’m not ready for anything.

I swing the door open, lips parted, ready to comment on her lack of patience, when I’m stalled in place.

There isn’t one person.

There are four.

And none of them are Flora.

Brody.

Cassian.

Raiden.

Kryll.

Fuck this.

I’m not dealing with their shit before breakfast. Not today.

A breeze flutters over my body, reminding me my bedroom window is still wide open, and I decide to use it to my advantage.

Slamming my bedroom door shut behind me, I turn and run for the opening. The sensation of freefalling takes my breath as I hurtle toward the ground, but before I accidentally hurt myself, I connect with the wind around me and soften my fall. Landing safely on my feet, I straighten my cloak, glancing back at the fae building with a grin on my lips. I flick my wrist, channeling my magic to shut my bedroom window before I take off toward the academy.

Excitement tingles along my skin at escaping them, but it doesn’t last long as the fountain has barely come into view when I’m stopped in my tracks.

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