Page 122 of The Devil's Chaos

“My father’s men wear that armor,” I choked out.

My words hung heavy in the air between us. Archer’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Your father? But why would his men be attacking us? That seems pretty reckless, even for Abel Benson.”

“My father is a monster, but he isn’t reckless. He wouldn’t send his men for no reason.”

“What reason would he have to attack us on our turf?”

I shook my head as my mind reeled. None of this made sense. But then, a terrible realization dawned on me.

“Me,” I breathed.

Archer’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean, you?”

I swallowed hard. “My father…he must have found out I’m here with Kai—with The Brotherhood, his enemies. He stays out of my brother’s affairs for the most part, but he wouldn’t take his daughter's choice of The Brotherhood over him well. I betrayed him. He wanted to make a statement, to show me—everyone—he is in control. And what better way to do that than attack the people I care about.”

Archer’s face hardened as he processed my words. “Your father is willing to risk open war with The Brotherhood just to punish you?”

I nodded grimly as guilt churned in my gut. “My father is a proud man. He would destroy the world and not think twice about it.”

“Then we destroy him first,” Kai growled.

“No! That’s what he wants. He wants you to retaliate. I can guarantee he’s thought of every angle and has a plan for every action you might take.”

“There’s no way you’re suggesting we let him get away with this?” he sneered.

Shocked by his tone, I continued. “I would never. All I’m saying is we need to be smart about this.”

Kai scoffed, “We?Wewon’t be doing anything. You and Mila will stay here while The Brotherhood destroys that piece of shit’s kingdom.”

I closed my eyes, and my mind raced. There had to be a way to outsmart my father, to beat him at his own game. But he was always three steps ahead, anticipating every move.

“We need to find out what he's planning,” I said slowly while I opened my eyes. "If we can figure out his endgame, maybe we can cut him off before he gets there.”

Kai snorted. “And how exactly do you propose we do that? It's not like we can waltz up to your father's stronghold and ask nicely.”

I bit my lip as an idea formed. It was risky and borderline insane. But it might be our only chance. I turned to Archer. “What if...what if I went back? Pretended to beg for his forgiveness, said I made a mistake siding with The Brotherhood.I could get close to him and try to uncover his plans from the inside.”

Archer's eyes widened. “Absolutely not. It's too dangerous. If he suspects anything, he'll kill you.”

“He won't,” I said with more confidence than I felt. “I'm his daughter, his flesh and blood. He may be a monster, but there's a part of him that still cares for me in his own twisted way. I can use that to my advantage.”

Kai shook his head vehemently. “No way in hell,” he snapped. “I’m not sending you into the lion’s den alone. It’s suicide.”

I met his fierce gaze as my resolve hardened. “It’s the only way. We need intel, and I am your best shot at getting it.”

Kai knew that once I made up my mind, there was no changing it. But that didn’t mean he liked it. His jaw clenched as he stared at me intently. His eyes were a storm of conflicted emotions. “I don’t care. You’re not going back to him. I won’t hand you over, gift-wrapped, to that sadistic bastard!”

Archer ran his hand through his hair. “I agree. I don’t like it all, either. You may be right about this plan working, but it’s not worth something happening to you.”

“He won’t hurt me,” I repeated, though uncertainty coiled in my stomach. He had killed my mother for her betrayal of him. I doubted that I would make it out alive. “Not permanently, anyway. I’m too valuable.”

“Is no one listening to me?” Kai paced like a caged animal. “I said no!”

“Look, we need to handle things here for tonight. Why don’t we worry about the details in the morning?” Archer sighed. He suddenly looked older than his age, like the weariness of this life had settled into his bones.

Kai glared at Archer, and his eyes flashed with his barely contained fury. “There are no details to worry about. She’s not going!” He turned to look at me. “You’re not going!”

I stepped toward him and placed a hand on his arm. “Kai, please. Just hear me out?—”

---