Page 113 of Dance of Deception

I hold his gaze for a moment longer before nodding. “Keep me updated.”

Nico grins. “Wouldn’t dream of doing anything else.”

Then, as easily as he entered, he pushes up from the chair and strolls toward the door, the tension in the room melting, his tone becoming light, almost amused.

“Hey, where’s your wifey by the way? Or should I just assume she’s out buying new underwear?”

He only barely dodges the book I hurl at his head.

It’s only after Nico’s gone that I let out a slow breath, my fingers tapping on the desk.

Kir is making moves, has the Black Court in his sights. If he rallies enough support…if he learns who we are…

No. That’s not going to happen.

I turn back to my desk, picking up the report I never finished reading. My eyes skim the numbers, but they still don’t register.

Because the second I try to focus, I hear it again.

You’re a monster.

Lyra’s voice cuts through my thoughts like a blade, sharper than Kir’s threats, more disquieting than any war brewing outside these walls.

I exhale, staring at the desk in front of me. My fingers tighten slightly.

I tell myself it doesn't matter. That I don’t care.

But the way my jaw clenches, and my stomach twists…

I think I do.

22

LYRA

I wakewith a choked cry withering in my throat, my pulse punching at my veins.

Fuck.

It’s the same dream I’ve been having almost nightly for the last few weeks. No, not dream.

Nightmare.

It always starts the same. I’m back in that sub-basement, in the shadows of horror, my bare feet sticky with blood, my ears ringing with the sound of screams.

Chains rattle in the distance. A girl’s voice sobs and pleads.

Andhelooms in front of me.

Arkadi.

His hands are covered in blood, and his eyes flicker in the dim light; hungry and cold.

“You’re a monster,” I whisper, my voice hoarse, barely audible over the screams.

Arkadi tilts his head, his eyes narrowing with amusement. "But you’re my daughter," His voice is soft, almost pitying. "You'll always be of my blood."

My body locks up, nausea curling in my gut. I take a step back. He takes one forward.

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