Page 106 of Dragon Unleashed

Another set of footsteps echo along the cold concrete corridor. Farrell’s unmistakable russet curls appear around the corner, bringing a spark of color to the dingy room. He walks slowly toward his father, readjusting his tie. He looks at me, his blue eyes cold and hard. There’s not an ounce of compassion there. What’s left of my hope drops away, and a numbness creeps over me.

“She went after me, son. We can’t have her out there anymore.”

“I understand, Father. It’s a shame. I was quite attached to the idea of marrying her.”

The Virrey pats Farrell’s arm.

“I know, I know,” the Virrey soothes in a voice you might use with a child.

“Wait, Farrell. I’ll do it. I told your father, I’ll marry you,” I whine. “I won’t say anything about the chemical leaks. I promise.”

Farrell raises an eyebrow at his father.

I knew it. I knew he hadn’t a clue about that. He’s an asshole, but he cares for his people. Not like the Virrey.

“Chemical leaks, Father?”

“Later, boy, we’ll talk later.”

Farrell straightens up, tugging his shirtsleeves down inside his suit jacket, and addresses me. “No, Lorelei. You’d be an embarrassment.Mywife? On trial in court?” He snorts. “And how would I know you’d behave in the future? No, Father’s right. You’re too headstrong, not enough self-preservation. Such a shame.”

He turns and walks out.

The Virrey smirks before scuttling after his son.

I shuffle to the wall farthest from the disgusting bucket and lean my head on the cool concrete. Farrell and I, we don’t get on. We’re too different. He’s anal about everything and I jump in feetfirst. But I didn’t think he’d abandon me like this. Itrustedhim. Enough to get me out of here at least. And look where that got me. I hit my fist on the wall, scraping my knuckles bloody.

Where are the others? Chano has to know where I’ve gone. He’ll figure it out from our argument. Chewing my lip, I lower myself to the floor and pull the thin blanket over me. He hates me, but part of him loves me too. I hold that thought tight as I drift off into an unsettled sleep.

Chapter Forty-nine: Chano

I pace the length of the professor’s corridor again, ignoring the looks passing between Naeve and my boys.Where the hell is Professor Maximillion?Farrell left hours ago, summoned by the Virrey. I hammer on the professor’s door again and, finally, there’s a noise inside. A thump followed by a groan and then feet shuffling toward the door. The lock clicks. At last!

Shoving the door open, I elbow past Max and into his rooms. The others traipse in behind me, ignoring the professor’s feeble protests.

What a mess. Empty bottles line the counters, stacked between plates of day-old food, a thin layer of mold sprouting on everything. The man himself isn’t much better. He looks like he crawled out of his grave to answer the door.

“I need your help, Max.”

With a resigned sigh, Max shuts the door behind us. His shoulders are nearly up at his ears as he turns to face me.

“You told me that was the last time, Cha—” He stops himself. “Mr. Maverik, sir. You told me if I voted for Miss Bal to stay at the academy then my debt would be paid.”

“I knew it! I knew you cared, Chano!” Naeve blurts, doing a stupid happy dance.

She reaches over and touches Max on the arm.

“Consider this a debt, from Chano,” she offers. She pulls her hand away quickly, rubbing her fingers together and grimacing. Rolls of greasy dirt flake to the floor.

He’s a disgrace.

Max’s eyes widen and he finally meets my gaze. Her words sink in. If it gets him on board, it works for me. Whatever he did in the past, he’s one of mine. If this gives him some self-respect back…

I nod curtly.

“I’ll owe you, Max.”

He eyes me with suspicion, backing away across the room until his fingers find a half-empty glass. Hand shaking slightly, he takes a gulp.

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