Page 138 of Falling in Love with A Tiny Bat

Louder than everything, though, is Pila’s silence.

On the floor near me while Cael and Pollux reprimand Alana and Alexios, the young dryad sits, staring.

“He’s mine,” I manage after her silence is suffocating. “He’smybaby.”

“Villain Protection Program, Alana!” Cael states, running his fingers through his dark hair thread with strands of gold and pacing beside Pollux, whose arms remain firmly crossed over his chest. “VillainProtection. Why do you need toprotectvillains?”

Pila’s gaze lifts off Ash’s crumpled face.

I know it does. I can see the way her head tilts upward.

But I can’t bring myself to meet her eyes.

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner what had happened?” she asks.

“We’ve discussed Castor more times than I’ve wanted to,” Cael continues, black antennae caught in his grip. “I’ve done my best to explain how dangerous he is, haven’t I? How could you do this?Bothof you.”

Alexios, entirely disinterested, drawls, “In my defense, I’m only one year old.”

“That is no defense,” Pollux growls.

It hurts to swallow. My lip trembles as I open my mouth. “I…can’t have children, Pila. I didn’t want to lose him. I’ve wanted to be a mother…for years.”

Her hand lands on my knee, too gentle for how my own mind is beating me up right now. “Oh, Zahra… We are not enemies.”

I lower my face, touching my lips to Ash’s forehead. “That’s what Castor said, too.”

Pila’s expression darkens, and she squeezes my leg. “Men like Castor have minds like rivers. The current shifts with every stone it erodes. He is not to be trusted, even if he cannot lie. Selfish beliefs decimate a grand many things. And now he has threatened your friend?”

My chin dips, and my body buckles beneath the weight of those words. “God, please protect her.”

An ear-splitting sound shreds through the living room, and I tense before looking up.

Zylus removes his fingers from his mouth and turns to his wife. “Like that, starlight?”

Willow arches a brow. “Wow. You really can whistle. Crazy.” She blinks. “Right. I had something to say…” Planting her hands on her hips, she snaps, “I’m very disappointed in everyone.”

Cael scowls. “Do not think for a moment we will not have a discussion, too, Willow. It is my understanding you were a member of this insanity.”

“Afoundingmember, if you would be so kind.” Willow sniffs. “Alana and I planned the VPP together over sandwiches and books—like one does.”

Cael’s gaze pierces Zylus. “And you didn’t know?”

“Oh, no. I knew.”

“But you didn’t tell me either?” Cael throws a hand in the air.

“Well, it isn’t like Ioverheardthe program’s establishment. I was out hunting. Willow told me in confidence when I got home. How could I break my soulmate’s confidence?”

The faerie prince falters. “You…told him?”

“I recruited him. Alana recruited Xios. Together, our feeble numbers doubled. But, anyway, as I was saying, I’mverydisappointed in everyone.”

“Isn’t that my line?” Cael says.

“No.” Willow huffs. “Am I the only one here who understands what just happened?”

“Assuming as much, do enlighten us,” Alexios murmurs, interest sparking in his gaze.

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