Page 22 of Dark Reign

My phone sounded with an alert, and I removed it from my lapel to read the short message.

‘Bet confirmed.’

I shoved it back into the hidden pocket, and could practically smell the money. The motorcycle races synonymous with the East Quadrant were illegal, yes, but the hefty payouts were worth it. Maybe not for the riders themselves, but definitely for those of us whose interest fueled them from behind the scenes. I’d never attended in person, but there was something about taking part in local traditions that always made visiting other parts of the world feel more authentic.

At least, this was the excuse I made to justify the obscene amount of cash I’d just thrown in the pot. I was informed my usual sure thing had sat out the last several races, but that hadn’t stopped me. I chose a new rider off a hunch, and would find out soon enough if it paid off.

I looked up to find Silas checking his watch with a sigh, an impatient gaze shifting toward Roman’s door right after.

“Relax, he’ll be out to join us any moment,” I asserted. “Besides, no one expects us at the gala on time anyway.”

Leaning deeper into the cushion, I crossed one foot over the other where they rested on the mirrored coffee table. While I couldn’t have cared less when we made our entrance, Silas and Julian were both sticklers for time. Hence the reason I was certain our brother from the East would be arriving any moment, at eight o-clock on the nose, just like we discussed.

“I just prefer not to keep our dates waiting,” Silas breathed, adjusting the lapel of his tux as his eyes drifted to his watch again. “It’s … poor form.”

I held in a laugh, positive the women I lined up for the evening were at least an hour out from being prepared for the event anyway. However, pointing this out would only unnerve Silas more, so I kept the details to myself.

“Perhaps Roman being behind schedule is kismet.” My statement earned me Silas’ attention. “It gives you and I a moment to chat.”

I couldn’t help the menacing grin that crossed my face right after.

“Tonight’s important, wouldn’t you agree?” I asked.

Silas was mildly skeptical when nodding, which was probably the reason he said nothing.

“It’s a celebration of Ianite victory, yes, but it’s more than that to us four,” I stated first. “It’s no small feat we convinced our brothers to attend. And with dates, no less,” I added. “Julian can hardly take his mind off his duties, and Roman has … other things he deals with,” was the wording I chose. “Don’t you think it would be nice if, for a night, they … I don’t know … loosen up a bit? Behave a little less logically, and a bit more … spontaneously?”

When my gaze shifted to Silas again, it appeared he knew the conversation was about to get interesting. Perhaps, because he knew me so well.

“You have my attention,” he replied, leaning forward in his seat.

I listened for Roman before going on, confirming the shower still ran inside his suite.

I thought it best to just say what I was thinking instead of beating around the bush.

“What do you say we put your gift to use for the evening?” I asked. “We could use your abilities to blind them to their hang-ups, help them follow what their hearts truly want?”

After speaking, I pictured the beauties I’d gone out of my way to set us all up with for the gala. If ever there was a time to follow one’s heart, it was now. They’d thank me later for ensuring they didn’t get in their own way and miss out on where the evening could lead. With Silas’ help, the night would be inhibition-free, and my Dynasty Brothers would awaken in the morning with smiles on their faces, and hopefully, beautiful women in their beds.

“You’re talking about true sight?” Silas asked.

I gave a nod. “Yes. I want you to bestow that small portion of your gift on them—discreetly, of course.”

When he didn’t respond right away, I feared he might not agree.

“Are you in?” I asked.

A long glare passed my way before he finally sighed. “A bestowal might not work like you think, Levi. Whichever of my gifts I grant doesn’t just wear off in twenty-four-hours like a hangover,” he snickered. “It takes a full week to run its course and once it’s done, it can’t be reversed. It’s with the recipient anywhere from seven to ten days.”

I considered the possibilities for a moment before shrugging. “It’s not like you’re taking away their ability to choose, their ability to make sound decisions,” I reasoned. “You’d simply be … opening their minds to new possibilities, their innermost thoughts and desires, free from the burden of living up to their own expectations, or anyone else’s.”

I took his silence as a sign he just needed a little more convincing before agreeing.

“If it makes you feel better, we’ll stay in town until the true sight bestowal has worn off, an added precaution just to make sure both stay out of trouble,” I reasoned.

I could see it now, both finally free. With Roman no longer a prisoner to his pain, and Julian no longer living for those around him, but finally for himself—even if only for a short time. For however long the bestowal lasted, he would only bend to hisownwill.

No one else’s.

---