Page 20 of Court of Evil

She nods at the man, and his glowing hand lifts again, ready to deliver another blow.

“There must be another way,” I protest as I step before Shamus. “Tell me what you really want.”

“I want peace. I want my people and land safe, and I had that until he broke the truce. A price must be paid. An agreement is binding, and your ignorance, while understandable, is not an excuse.”

“I am ignorant of many of your ways, but I will not be ignorant and watch my commander be abused for saving me. Even if I do not like him, I want my people safe too.”

“Truth, I think,” she murmurs, watching me with interest. “Even those who hurt you?” I startle at that, and she prowls closer. “They are your people too. Do you wish them safety?”

“No, I wish them dead,” I reply without an ounce of hesitation, and her head tips back in laughter.

“Your honesty is refreshing, and I find I like your bloodlust. I knew you would be fun.” She stops before me. “Tate, is it?” She grins, brushing her fingers down my face.

I step back, refusing to cower despite her power. “Only friends call me Tate. You can choose if you will be friend or foe. Decide carefully. My enemies do not have a tendency to live long.”

“No, I’m betting they don’t.” She grins despite my blatant threat. “I saved you.”

“No, the healer saved me?—”

“On my order. Your commander broke our truce, he invaded our land, so I’m within my rights to kill him or worse. He knows that, and he accepted this lesser evil to right the wrongs and make payment for it. What do you have to offer that is better than his blood and sacrifice?”

Fuck, this is not going well. They want human blood . . . . What do the fae want more than the blood of enemies?

“Fae, you crave power and oddities, yes?” I blurt, thinking on the spot.

Her head tilts as she observes me. “And what oddities and power could you possibly offer me, human?”

This is a very bad idea, but I do it anyway.

I press my ungloved hand to her cheek like she did to me, and I let myself see and hear.

There is so much power, countless years, and many memories. It flows from her to me. There were many sacrifices to our kind, then peace and happiness, until it darkens and there is a desire so strong, it breaks my heart, crippling me until my hand is ripped away.

I blink and stare into the fae’s pale face. I dared to use my powers on her—a grave insult.

“That was very brave and very foolish. We fae like our secrets,” she whispers.

“Yes, you have every right to kill me, but there is something you want more. Isn’t there? I sensed it. Speak it and I will make it happen,” I whisper.

“Such confidence,” she murmurs as she presses her lips to mine. “Deal, little seer. You will grant what I want most, and if you fail, I will kill your commander and his ghost.”

“Wait—” I begin as she steps back. “That was not my intention. My deal?—”

She smirks. “Then you should have been specific.”

I have a feeling this is what she wanted all along, as if I just played into her hands.

“Release him. Bring him and the ghost,” she orders nobody in particular. “You, Tate, will come with me. You will uphold your deal.”

Yeah, we are definitely fucked.

CHAPTER 10

They waste no time freeing Shamus, and he is dragged, along with Ronan, as we follow the fae.

“What have you done?” Shamus hisses.

“Truthfully, I do not know,” I admit. “But it’s better than your torture.”

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