Page 96 of Unbound

"To warn you."

I frown. "Not necessary. I already know you and Malakai are ruthless assholes. Let me guess... you'll all be coming for us during the Crucible? Already figured that out myself. Titus tried to take my head off in weapon’s training today."

"No. I heard your friends. You should listen to them. Raith has you fooled, just like everybody else. Why did you think I risked everything to go after him on Confluence Day?"

"Because you're jealous of him?"

"Because he's not what he says he is. Hollow isn't his real last name. At least it wasn't."

The words hit me with unexpected force like a physical blow to the chest. I try to keep my expression neutral, but my mind races. Not his real name? What else has he lied about?

"Would this be an appropriate moment to remind you that I am willing to eat this girl if you wish?"Typhon asks.

"I might actually give you permission to eat this one. So keep on your toes."

"Mmm... Very good,"he rumbles.

"This is sad, even for you," I say, trying to sound dismissive while my thoughts spin with possibilities. "You couldn't backstab us on Confluence Day, so now you're trying to spread rumors and lies to get back at him?"

Her cat-like eyes tighten. "Ignore my warnings if you like, Nessa. But Raith is dangerous. I don’t know exactly who he was before he came here, but I’ve seen enough to know he isn’t loyal to Empire. He’s a traitor, and he’s gathering all the fires to his cause. Someone has to put a stop to it. We're prepared to offer you and your group protection during the Crucible if you help us take him down."

That is a surprise. I open my mouth to laugh, but I'm too stunned to speak at first.

"You really think we'd help you?"

"It's your choice."

"I'm not a bloodthirsty killer. So, no. I'm never going to be part of Malakai's little group."

"Is that what you think we are doing?" She tilts her head, and her full lips curve into a smile. "We're sons and daughters of soldiers. All of us. Soldiers of Empire. We've been weeding out anyone we suspect could be Red Kingdom sympathizers. You do know who Malakai's father was, right?"

"Why would I know that?"

She taps her lower lip with a manicured nail. I notice tendrils from her fire mark have curled in elegant, flame-like lines up her long finger. "He was a commander in Empire's army. Entire unit wiped out when a supposed Empire Earth primal collapsed a ravine on them. Thousands dead. All because Confluence Academy failed to discover someone's true loyalties before graduating them and putting them in position to cripple our forces. We can't count on the academy to do the work for us. We need to get our hands dirty for the good of Empire."

I fold my arms. "Right. So you're sanctimonious murderers? Got it."

"Your elemental, Nessa..." Her eyes flicker momentarily to where Typhon hovers invisibly to her. "It's strong enough to make a real difference. With you on our side, we could really make change. We could go after full primals who we suspect. Nothing could stop us."

A chill runs down my center and settles like a block of ice in my gut. Nothing could stop them? From what, exactly, I wonder. Murdering everybody who shows even a hint of individuality or fails to completely bow to Empire?

"I'm not joining you. I have no interest in pretending to be judge, jury, and executioner. How many innocent students have you all already killed? How many times have you been wrong?"

"Does it matter? One primal slipping through to graduation could kill thousands of innocents. If we have to kill hundreds to stop that, it's worth the risk. Isn't it?"

"No," I say.

"Do you know why I really wanted to kill you that first day?"

"I'm guessing you're going to tell me?"

"Because you volunteered. The statistics aren't hard to find, Nessa. Over the decades, volunteers are the most likely to be traitors. Why do you think Raith even pays attention to you? He's hoping you're like him. Turncloak. Traitor. Scum."

"So you've wanted me dead since the first day and I'm still alive? Empire may want to look for some better servants if you're the best it has, then."

Her nostrils flare as she eyes me. I can feel the potential of violence in the air. There's a subtle heat gathering behind me, too, and I wonder if her elemental snake is coiling around me, preparing to reveal itself and strike.

"They'll be dead before a hair on your body gets touched,"Typhon warns.

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