Page 58 of Wrath

“Changes?”

I pause. “Maybe I shouldn’t say.”

His eyes narrow. “Wynter, your loyalties are with me, not your father.”

I place a loving hand on his chest. “You’re right,” I whisper. “He talked about being the leader . . . theonlyleader.” I let him take that in before adding, “He doesn’t believe he should run things by you and the others. He wants sole charge.”

“When did he say this?”

“In the caves,” I tell him. “Right before you came and saved me.”

He places a gentle kiss on my forehead. “Go and spend time with your sister.” Then, he heads off to speak with my father.

Summer grabs my hand. “He makes my skin crawl,” she whispers.

“Who?”

“Adam. He’s creepy.”

I nod in agreement. “Try not to worry. I’ve already set the wheels in motion,” I say excitedly. The plan wasn’t even a plan until the opportunity presented itself, and now, my mind is racing with possibilities. I glance around to make sure no one is listening before adding, “If I put doubts in Silas’s mind about Father, maybe things will unravel.”

“How?”

“Let’s talk about this in the office,” Silas shouts, and I turn to see my father marching towards me with a furious expression. He strikes me before Silas can reach us, and I land in a heap on the floor.

“Telling lies is a sin,” he screams, grabbing my arm and pulling me to my feet.

I grip my face, letting my tears fall freely. “I haven’t lied,” I say.

Silas breaks us apart. “How dare you come into my home and assault my wife?” he bellows, and I shudder. It’s the first time I’ve heard him sound so angry and out of control. “You think you’re above everyone?” He exams my face, wiping my tears with his thumbs. “Are you okay?” he asks gently. I nod, amazed that amongst all the chaos, he’s checking in on me.

He turns back to my father. “My office. Now.” He surprises me by taking my hand and leading me there too.

Once we’re inside, my father spins to face me. “You have lied. You will be punished.”

“I am the only one who can punish her,” snaps Silas.

“I haven’t lied,” I repeat, the nerves getting the better of me as the gravity of what I’ve said hits me. If my father convinces Silas I lied, I dread to think how my life will suddenly change again.

Silas takes my hands in his and looks me in the eyes. “Tell me again what was said.”

I nod. “My father told me he created this place where marriage means everything, and that he is God.” Silas glances at my father with a raised brow. “He said one day he would rule it alone.”

“I did not,” Father yells, and Silas holds a hand up to silence him. It’s a good feeling to have someone boss him around foronce, and I can just imagine the fury burning through him right now, not that I dare to look for myself.

“He said you were just a means to an end so the villagers would trust in him. He wanted to hang those children so he could later blame you and the others. He plans on more public punishment.”

“Why are you listening to this crap?” Father demands.

“The hangings were your idea,” Silas states.

“Which we voted on and you agreed.”

I resist the urge to pull away at hearing how he’d vote to kill innocent children. “Because I wanted Wynter,” he bellows, “and you basically said that would happen if I backed you.” His words stun me momentarily. I assumed he chose me after he saw what happened in the caves.

“I cannot believe you’re letting this . . . thiswhoreconvince you—” Silas rushes him, and they crash against the bookcase. He lands a punch, and my father splutters in confusion.

“Leave,” Silas tells me as they grapple for control. I don’t wait to be asked again, rushing from the room. I pull the front door open, and the two guards stand straighter. I wince then smirk as another plan forms in my mind. “You’re needed in the office,” I say with panic lacing my words. “They’re fighting.”

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