Page 78 of The Order: Rise of the New Empire

Staring at Fallan, the power he holds right now is unprecedented.

He could blow the lid on my secret and finally gain some favor from the man.

"Forest was just laying out the rules one more time for me," Fallan whispers, looking me up and down. "It would seem she was scared my Unfortunate roots would hinder my ability toappreciate the hospitality you both have offered," Fallan lies, my lungs finally taking in air.

"A fair assumption," Elyon scoffs. "Xavier's door is still locked," he sighs, tossing something through the air.

Grabbing the key, I look it over, throwing the man a look of question.

"Xavier nearly broke down the door trying to get to you. I explained from the other side once he had calmed down, then you would be seeing him. Don't take this as an opportunity to explore all of your sexual urges and cloud your mind with foolish emotion," Elyon scoffs, glancing down at my torso. "I would hate to kill off two children caught in the crossfire of your inability to close your legs."

Clutching the key, Elyon is satisfied with my silence.

"You two enjoy your night."

Slamming the door shut, I stare forward, nausea churning in my stomach.

"Forest-"

Doubling over with a gag, I hold Fallan back, doing my best to stomach all the vile actions I have allowed myself to do over the past several days. Taking shallow breaths, Fallan hesitantly rubs my back, my mind racing with a million thoughts.

"She doesn't like the blood," I sob, covering my mouth. "It's all Elyon has been forcing me to consume for months. It's why my face is so hollow," I whisper, touching my deep cheekbones. "I'm allowing her to take all the nutrients I can."

Looking me over, his hand cups my cheek, his thumb rolling over my skin.

"You did all of this for her?" he questions, glancing down at his arm.

"Elyon asked me to kill you or prove I was willing to harm you. Your hand was the only thing I could think of that wouldn't make you bleed out on the spot. I had to show force I was willingto exert," I sniffle, trying to hold it together. "I knew about her at conception. A few days after me and Xavier had..." I trail off, letting Fallan put together what I am suggesting. "It was like a new energy flooded my system, growing as the weeks went by. Initially, I thought it was just a result of Xavier's absence, but when I still felt a part of him with me, and felt her presence grow, I knew that the deal Elyon had offered me all the way back at the compound was something I'd have to take in order to keep her, Xavier, and Kai safe."

Staying still, his hand drops from my face.

"She's why Xavier has been losing it ever since you gave him the surprise visit?"

"Xavier didn't know for sure, not until his deceptive ass snuck into that brothel. She feels her father's presence, it lights her up. She is not whole unless he is around. What strength she carries increases tenfold when he is around. What the hell do you think Elyon will do if he knows a child conceived from such power might have a chance to walk the planes of this Earth?" I question, Fallan's head dropping.

"The concoction you were speaking about-"

"Elyon had suspicions and killed them with the drink. Any traditional Marked fetus would have died moments after consumption. The worst effect I got was nausea and a brutal headache. She rejected his poison. Any child strong enough for that before they are even born, will be a threat to Elyon in ways only those closest to him can see coming. I'd much rather her father be in the loop when it comes time to protect my family."

"And how do you plan on doing that?" Fallan questions, the scary truth breathing down my neck.

"I have to wait until she is strong enough to be taken from my uterus. Then, when the time is right, I need you to do something for me," I whisper, taking a step closer. "Mason did not find that metal by accident, nor did he pick up the thought pattern on hisown to create the blade. I slipped into his mind while I spoke to you, seeing the metals while I was below the water's surface bleeding out."

"Then after she is out?" Fallan questions, his eyes wide as I speak.

"Do you feel remorse for what you allowed to happen to me?" I question, his head slowly nodding.

"Can you see I am sorry for what I have done to you?" I question. Once more, his head nods.

"Then we will be killing two birds with one stone. Once my girl is out and safe, and my family is out of the crossfire, you may do the one thing you have always wanted to do," I whisper, taking a step closer to the man.

"And what's that, Forest?" he questions quietly.

"You're going to take the blade from Mason, and, when the time is right, you are going to drive it through mine and Elyon's hearts, ending the reign of the Marked once and for all."

Saying nothing, his body shakes.

"It is my birth right," I whisper touching the man's throat. "And you, Fallan Markswood, have no choice," I whisper, dragging my finger down his throat. "Why else do you think I gave you a bind?"

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