Page 117 of The Sea Witch's Son

“And you are afraid of him.” Brushing my skirt back in place, I start walking towards the door, “Face it, Mr. Clementon, you are nothing but a pawn in this game.”

“A man cannot love if he does not have passion. And you’ve proven to this town that he does.”

My steps falter, “Marlin doesn’t love me.”

Anton hums thoughtfully, “But if rumour got out that he does, I have a feeling a rather large target would be painted on your back.”

I pause, turning to look back at him.

“Are you threatening me?”

“I’m stating the facts. When people go for the kill, they tend to aim for the heart.” He sighs heavily, “That being said, if you get the information I require, I’m sure such a fantastical rumour would never find its way among the scum of this town.”

“Go fuck yourself.”

“Crude language does not suit a face as pretty as yours.” He chuckles softly, “You have forty-eight hours to get the information I need or you will find yourself unable to walk these streets alone. And given the fact Marlindoesn’tlove you… well, I’m afraid you will inevitably get the short end of a very sharp stick.”

I glare at him, “Threaten me all you want, it won’t make a difference.”

“How about your stepfather? Would that make a difference?” Anton shrugs modestly, “I could secure him a position at an esteemed firm within the city. He wouldn’t have to do any of the Dragon’s dirty bidding. Not now, not ever.”

A younger version of myself would have taken the offer. I would have grabbed the easy way out with both hands and not thought twice about the people I have to sacrifice along the way.

It’s the game I have always played except now the game has changed.

“Consider my vote officially lost, Mr. Clementon.” Giving him a tight smile, I turn and walk out the door.

“The deadline remains the same, Miss St. James! Forty-eight hours or every criminal in this town will be hunting for Marlin Seaborn’s latest toy-

The door swings shut behind me.

A strong breeze blows through the trees, whipping my hair across my face. Wrapping my sweater tighter around my shoulders, I keep my head down and start the long trek home.

It’s fine. Everything is under control.

Chapter 41

MARLIN

The matriarch loves a good theme.

All the power-hungry figures in this town do, although Queen Mary takes it to the next level. She’s not an actual queen, of course, her parents simply had a warped sense of humour when they were choosing her name.

Clearly, she took it to heart.

Checkered marble tiles line the entirety of the front foyer, the black and white squares reflecting off the angled mirrors hanging from the ceiling. Long red drapes tumble down the paned windows, casting sunlight along the playing cards carved into the bright red walls.

Diamonds and hearts are the only red suits in a deck of cards and those are the only suits the Queen allows painted on her walls.

Shouts of outrage rumble down the great hall. The glass mirrors start to shake, their reflections melting and merging into an incoherent mass of red and black.

I pause, listening to the corresponding screams.

“Please, I have a family. I’m begging you-

“OFF WITH YOUR HEAD!”

A loud thud, followed by silence.

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