Page 26 of Blood Freed

“Why don’t you get your answers from the traitor?” I ask. “I’m sure that he’ll be happy to cooperate if it gets him some leniency.” I make my way to the bunk across the room and settle into it, looking as nonchalant as possible, considering I’m practically wrapped in silver.

“This isn’t the end of this, Daire,” Shadowmaster snarls. He strides to the door, his lackeys falling in behind him. “Let’s see if your next guest can talk some sense into you.”

Guest?

I frown. Who else could possibly want to see me now?

My answer comes almost immediately as Maxwell walks into the room. I’m on my feet immediately.

“Master.”

The door closes behind Maxwell with a heavy thud. He waits until the guards’ footsteps fade before turning to me.

“You look terrible,” he says softly.

“Silver will do that.” I shift, metal links clinking. “What game are you playing, Maxwell?”

He paces the length of my cell, his hair catching the dim light. His shoulders carry tension I’ve rarely seen in our centuries together.

“The Assembly meets tomorrow at midnight.” He stops, facing the wall. “Lucien has gathered significant support.”

“So I’m to be the scapegoat.” I fight to control my voice as anger rises. “And you’re just going to let that happen?”

Maxwell turns, his gray eyes haunted. “Sometimes sacrifices must be made for the greater good. One life to save many.”

“Don’t.” I grit my teeth. “Don’t give me those cryptic warnings again. If you know something, tell me.”

“I can’t.” His voice cracks slightly. “But know that what comes next…it’s necessary.”

“Necessary?” I surge forward despite the bonds. “Like it was necessary to keep witches captive? To let Lucien experiment on them?”

Maxwell’s face tightens. “You don’t understand the complexities—”

“Then explain them!” The chains sear my flesh as I yank against them. “You’ve been feeding me these vague hints for months. If Lucien has something on you, tell me. Let me help.”

For a moment, something flickers in Maxwell’s eyes – pain, fear, something I’ve never seen before in my maker. But then it’s gone, replaced by that same controlled mask.

“The sacrifice of one can prevent the suffering of many,” he repeats softly. “Remember that tomorrow.”

I stare at Maxwell, rage and frustration burning hot within me. “Remember that tomorrow? That’s all you have to say to me?”

“Soren—” He takes a step toward me, then stops as if hitting an invisible wall.

“After everything.” My voice comes out raw. “After centuries of loyalty, of following your lead, trusting your judgment. And now you stand there spouting riddles while Lucien frames me for his crimes?”

Maxwell’s shoulders stiffen. “You broke the Maker’s Bond.”

“To save an innocent woman from torture!” The chains rattle as I gesture sharply. “You knew what was happening in that facility. You knew what Lucien was doing to those witches.”

“There are things you don’t understand.” His voice drops lower. “Forces at work that—”

“Then make me understand!” I slam my bound hands against the wall, welcoming the searing pain. “Stop with the cryptic warnings and half-truths. If you’re going to betray me, at least have the courage to tell me why.”

Pain flashes across Maxwell’s face. For a moment, I think he might actually explain – might finally tell me what hold Lucien has over him. But then his expression hardens.

“You have twenty-four hours until the Assembly meets,” he repeats. “I suggest you consider carefully what you’ll say.”

“I’ll tell them the truth,” I snarl. “Every detail of Lucien’s operation. Every witch he captured, every experiment he ran. How long he’s known about the Bloodbane spreading through the clans.”

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