Page 97 of A Dagger in the Ivy

Torbin nods to his men, and Dante and I are removed of our weapons.

“Celeste.” Torbin has an almost-amused expression dancing on his face. It’s as if he’s pleased I found him. Like he’s proud of me or something. His gaze drifts to Dante. “Brother.”

“What is this?” Dante’s jaw is stiff, his brows pulled so low, they touch his lashes.

Torbin smirks. “This is the beginning of a revolution.”

“No.” Dante grinds his teeth. “This is madness.”

Torbin studies his brother for a moment before letting out a small laugh. “I wasn’t sure you would understand. Which is why I never told you. Now I can see I was right in my decision.”

Dante slowly shakes his head. “Or perhaps you knew I would call you on this bullshit and talk sense into you.”

Torbin chuckles. “Brother, you have no idea how wrong you are.”

I inch forward. “Torbin, this isn’t you. I know you. Someone is manipulating you.”

“Celeste,” he begins, his voice a low, persuasive murmur, “you will see. The world can be ours. Just think about what we could achieve together. We could be unstoppable. You could have power beyond your wildest dreams, command armies, shape the fate of nations.”

Fury bubbles to the surface. “I won’t be a pawn in your game. I won’t sacrifice my principles for power, no matter the cost.”

“You might not be given the option of a choice.” Torbin reaches forward, his fingers brushing past my cheek until his hands are in my hair, where he grabs my brunette strands in his fists.

“Mind your hands.” Dante’s voice is a low growl.

Torbin’s brow furrows as he scowls at Dante. “You would choose her over me?”

“Let’s not speak of misplaced loyalties, Brother.”

Torbin releases my hair and takes a step back. “You think you know how those who are supposed to be loyal to you act? How they treat you? No, Brother. You have no idea. You live your life believing you must devote yourself to those who have control over you, who treat you like you’re unworthy. But then someone more powerful than those you used to trust opens your eyes to reality. Opens your mind to the possibilities. Promises you the freedom of power. And then you see that your loyalties are better served elsewhere.”

I shake my head. “You mean the tsar? Torbin, this isn’t you. You must be under a spell.”

“No, Celeste. I see so clearly now. And you will too.” He takes a step closer to me. “Maybe you just need time to change your mind.”

Torbin’s gaze drifts over me as he comes nearer. He pushes back a strand of my hair that’s fallen over my eye in my struggles.

Dante’s loud voice cuts through the air. “Back off, Torbin.”

Torbin swivels his head, glaring at Dante. “What?”

“Touch her again, and things could get ugly.”

Torbin’s lips curl into a smirk that quickly disappears. “Are you threatening me?”

“I’mwarningyou.” Dante’s eyes meet mine for a second before focusing back on his brother. “I’ve seen what she can do with her dagger.”

Torbin stretches his arms out. “Alas, your weapons are no longer within reach. And just to make sure neither of you gets any foolish ideas…”

Torbin motions to another set of guards, who march forward with metal manacles.

I squirm, summoning my fae strength to break free before the guards can shackle me, but they’re stronger than I assumed. Unusually strong for mere men. Could they be fae? Why would fae be working for the Shadow Tsar?

“And where is this tsar of yours?” I ask, clenching and unclenching my fists.

“Tending to the rest of our army and preparing the ultimate weapon.”

Army? He means the carnoraxis. I can’t believe my childhood friend is involved with such a tyrant.

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