Page 32 of Heir of Illusion

The reaper did it.

I’d hoped I was calling his bluff, but clearly, he followed through on his threat to tell the king that I’m the Angel of Mercy. Underneath the shock is anger. I’m furious with myself for misjudging the situation. This is the kind of mistake I can’t afford to be making. Why did I think he wouldn’t actually do it? I’d gotten the impression there had been something he wanted from me, something other than my help stealing thewhisperer. But apparently, I was wrong.

“Baylor, I can expl—” I cut myself off quickly as I remember my training. Liars try to fill the silence; honest people are more patient. Staying quiet, I mentally rehearse the cover story I was sure I wouldn’t have to use.

Murdering Lynal Skynner was a tactic to lure out the true Angel of Mercy. I know you said this matter was beneath me, but I hated seeing you upset, my king. I seek only to please you.

A guard shouts from the hallway, snapping my attention to the double doors. Muffled voices rise with anger and I pull one of my blades free just as a familiar chill lifts the hairs on the back of my neck.

“What is the meaning of this?” Baylor demands behind me.

The doors burst open, revealing the last person I want to see.

The reaper glides into the room as if he has every right to be here. His dark hair is pushed back, but a few stands have fallen across his forehead. Dressed in his signature black, he’s far more seductive than a soul collector should be. But what captures my attention the most is the fact that his wings are absent yet again.

“Your Majesty!” Huxley rushes into the room, appearing slightly worse for wear.

“Out!” Baylor orders the guard, his tone deadly. “I’ll deal with you later.”

“Oh, my apologies,” the reaper says, not sounding sorry at all. “Was I supposed to wait outside?”

Baylor’s temper becomes a palpable energy, sending ripples through the room. If the reaper isn’t careful, he’s going to push the king past his tipping point. I’ve seen what happens when he reaches that level. It isn’t pretty.

If he already told Baylor my secret, what is he doing here? Has he come to watch my punishment? Annoyance sparks when the bastard doesn’t even bother acknowledging my existence, his attention focused solely on the king.

“What are you doing here?” Baylor seethes.

The reaper’s eyes widen innocently. “It almost sounds as if you’re not happy to see me. Which is strange, given our new alliance.”

My heart gives a heavy thud against my chest. Alliance? Questions pound through my mind as they continue speaking.

“You’re mistaken,” Baylor says. “I’m overjoyed by your unexpected arrival, Lord Thorne.”

Thorne.

The name sits silently at the tip of my tongue as I suppress the urge to repeat it. To be honest, I’d forgotten I didn’t know his name. Reaper suited him.

“Oh good,” he says. “I’d hate to think I wasn’t welcome.”

My brows shoot up as Thorne helps himself to a plush chair near Baylor’s desk. It’s considered rude to sit before royalty unless they give you permission. From the hard glint in Baylor’s eyes, I’d say he noticed the snub. The king reclaims his own seat, his rigid posture completely at odds with the easy facade Thorne displays.

“While I’m here,” the reaper continues, his tone suspiciously light, “is there anything you want to tell me?”

Baylor shrugs, but the gesture comes off stilted. “Nothing comes to mind.”

Thorne cocks his head to the side, his glacial eyes narrowing. “Think hard. What did you have yesterday that has suddenly disappeared today?”

A muscle twitches along Baylor’s jaw as he tucks one of his blond strands behind his ear. “Whatever your spies have told you?—”

“Don’t lie to me,” Thorne cuts him off, dropping any pretense of friendliness. “I don’t need to remind you who I serve.”

Tingles rush over my skin, warning me that this is about to turn ugly. Moving as slowly as possible, I start backing toward the door. There’s no way I’m going to stay here and get caught in the cross hairs of their inevitable battle. Besides, it would appear the reaper has somehow made a deal with Baylor in exchange for the weapon he wanted.Thewhisperer. I’ve no idea what he’s giving up in exchange for that, but it doesn’t appear to be related to me. A small part of me wants to stay and get to the bottom of it, but my survival instincts are too strong.

Unfortunately, right as I’m about to make it to safety, a floorboard creaks under my foot. The king’s head whips in my direction, his shock making it clear he’d forgotten I was here.

“Leave us,” he growls.

I nod, already reaching for the door handle.

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