Page 11 of A Rift in the House of Bruin

Finally!

“Fallon!” I called out. Breathing a sigh of relief when Johan quickly pulled away.

“Sounds like your keepers are looking for you. Such a shame—we were just getting to know each other.”

I dropped into a curtsey. “Another time, Your Lordship. I must be going.”

Fallon was just outside the alcove, hurrying toward me. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” She grabbed my hand and spun us around, marching us back toward the main hall.

“Finn left and told me to find you. I… I bumped into?—”

“Fucking Johan. I know.”

“You knew? Why did you leave me with him for so long?” I stared at her, confused and furious. “Wait, were you watching me?”

“I have better things to do than waste my time watching you. I felt something.”

I stopped her. “What do you mean, youfeltsomething?”

Fallon sighed. “Intuition. It’s my… gift.”

I stared at her, wide-eyed. “You have powers too?”

“Ugh, we don’t have time for this. Michaela, did he touch you?”

How was I going to explain what transpired? “He, um… he sniffed me. Then he proceeded to tell me I smelled like death. Not exactly a charmer.”

“He said you smell like death?”

“I believe it was “a layer of sweet death” perfuming my scent.” Such an odd thing to say to someone.

“Fucking vultures. Don’t ever let that vile Rapere get you alone again. Do you hear me? He’s a fucking scavenger by nature.”

It was all starting to come together. Vellere. House of Rapere. All bird references. The “sweet death.” Johan was a vulture shifter.

I immediately felt unclean.

Fallon laughed. “That look on your face says it all. You figured it out—he’s a vulture.”

“Why doesn’t anyone tell me these things?”

“Here’s a little tip for you. Whatever you do, don’t watch him eat.” Her face scrunched with disgust.

I raised my brows. “Why? Does he peck at it?”

“Haha, that would be hysterical. You’ll see. Speaking of eating, we’ve got to get seated. They’re about to serve the meal. If Nico’s right, everything will go as planned. Otherwise… remember to stay calm, no matter what happens.”

The Crownspire feast was massive.I had never seen anything like it. Course after course was served with meticulous care. All of the cuisine was completely foreign to me, each plate more delicious than the last. Just when I thought I couldn’t eat another bite, the most beautiful, glistening desserts were placed before us.

Fallon and I were seated at a table of honor to the right of the dais. We were out of earshot but had a clear view of everything.She had been right about Johan’s eating habits. He ripped and tore at his food with his mouth in the most uncivilized way. Not quite pecking per se, but close enough that, if you knew his true form, you could see the vulture in his movements. I wondered if that was why his face appeared so greasy.

“When does the transfer of power happen?” I asked Fallon.

“It should be anytime now. Once the royal family has had their fill, Johan should summon the court musicians to start the ceremony.” Fallon began to fidget with her dress, watching her brothers intently.

“Everything seems to be going smoothly.” I hoped Nico had been right, and Fallon’s concern was only petty gossip. There had been no indication that things were out of the ordinary. But who was I to assume I’d notice if something were amiss? I had never seen a Hiraethian transfer of power before. I had no idea what to expect.

“You think so? Was your little escapade with Johan part of the plan?”

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