Page 26 of Darkness and Deceit
She doesn’t reply. Just stares down at the now-healed cut like it’s still bleeding.
We take a step forward—then I hear it.
“Vaughn.”
Fuck.
Of course he’s here. Of course it’s him.
I haven’t seen my brother in three years, but that voice still triggers something in me, causing my spine to snap straight. It’s like I’m fifteen again and two seconds from either punching him or apologizing for breathing too loud.
I turn and there he is.
Kieran.
He’s clean-cut, polished, and bigger than I remember. He’s dressed to impress, arms crossed and smirking like the world owes him applause.
“Been a long time,” he says, striding forward with the confidence of someone who’s always been told he’s right.
“Kieran,” I reply flatly.
“Ah, how I’d hoped I’d run into you, brother.”
I take his hand—because what else am I gonna do?—and instantly regret it. His grip’s too polished. Like everything else about him.
He turns to the others. “Kai. Simon. And you must be Lilith Knight.”
She offers her hand cautiously.
“Be careful,” I murmur, too low for Kieran to hear. “He plays nice, but he doesn’t mean it.”
“I’m Kieran, Vaughn’s older brother. Though I’m guessing he’s failed to mention me.”
“Actually,” I cut in, “she didn’t ask for cautionary tales.”
Kieran smiles, but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes.
“You’re expected inside,” he says to Lilith. “Come with me.”
Her eyes flick to mine like she’s asking,seriously?
I shrug slightly.
She takes a step to follow and so does Kai, Simon and I just behind.
Kieran turns. “Only Lilith was invited,” he says smoothly. But his gaze lands on me as I open my mouth. “And it isn’t up for debate.”
Lilith hesitates.
And for the first time since we got here, I feel real dread start to stir.
Still, she follows.
Simon’s fists clench at his sides. Kai’s jaw ticks once. Hard.
I can’t stop watching the flap of the tent as it closes behind her.
And for once, I’ve got nothing clever to say.
