Page 97 of Lady of Darkness

“We may not see eye-to-eye on things, but we are currently united against a common threat.” Sorin’s gaze remained on the map.

“The one who is oppressing your people?”

“Yes.”

“The Prince of Fire?”

“The Fire Prince does not want to be under the queen’s rule and does not believe she should decide the fate of all the Courts, but no, Scarlett, he is not the one oppressing our people. Even he and the queen have managed to somewhat set aside their differences for those in their care. Although once we have secured the weapon, how and when it will be wielded is an argument that has not yet been settled,” Sorin answered.

Scarlett snorted. “Anything has to be better than living under the Prince of Fire’s control.”

“I am sure some would agree with you,” Sorin answered. “Others would argue that living under the rule of kings who locked away entire races of people would be far worse and totalitarian.”

Scarlett straightened at the statement. “You… You think the human kings are the oppressors of your people? The weapon you seek is to be used againstus?”

“No. I would never harm humans if I can help it, Scarlett. Mortals are nearly as defenseless as a newborn fawn in a meadow.”

Sorin had turned to face her now. His body was rigid. His words, though, did something to her. He wouldn’t harm humans if he could help it?

“You are different from other Fae I have met,” she said slowly.

“Considering you were likely torturing the other Fae you have ‘met,’ I would venture to guess you do not have much to compare me to,” he retorted.

Scarlett clamped her mouth shut. That was probably true. Still…

“But the mortal kings are not those who established the wards and boundaries,”Scarlett argued. “King Deimas and Queen Esmeray did that. To protect the mortals.”

“True. Deimas and Esmeray did do that.”

“Then…how can you exact vengeance against oppressors who are no longer alive?”

“Who said anything about exacting vengeance?” Sorin asked, his head tilting to the side.

“You are searching for a weapon. To free your people.”

“I am,” Sorin replied, reaching up and twirling some of her hair around his finger.

Ignoring the gesture, Scarlett pressed on. “By so-called freeing your people, will they not push into these lands?”

“Or they would just be free to move about the continents. To visit other territories,” Sorin countered.

That made sense. Sort of.

“They would just leave the mortals alone?”

“Many of the Fae do blame the humans for their isolation. So do many of the Witches and Shifters and Night Children. The thing is, before the war, we did all live amongst each other with little conflict.”

“Until the Fae decided they were better than the humans and tried to make us slaves,” Scarlett reminded him, pushing his hand from her hair.

Sorin shrugged. “Perhaps.”

Perhaps?

“You cannot rewrite history, Sorin. That is what happened.”

Sorin arched a brow. “No, one cannot rewrite history, but the truth of that history can be erased and forgotten over the course of decades and centuries, depending on who is telling and recording it.”

“That doesn’t make sense,” Scarlett said, shaking her head.

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