Page 51 of Lana Pecherczyk
“How can you be sure he’s hunting the cryptex?”
Across the table, Pandora’s fingers stilled on her queen. “What did you say his deal was when he gave you the fae military plans?”
Nero ground his teeth. “That Rory’s death was his, and his alone.”
She knocked over his bishop with her queen. “And what happened?”
“I don’t appreciate your patronizing tone.”
She held his stare. “What happened?”
“I didn’t leave them alone.”
You couldn’t help yourself, could you?The voice mocked him.Couldn’t leave well enough alone.
Pandora heard none of it; instead, she continued with her story. “Crows pass down grudges through generations of descendants. These immortal fae crows would hold them … well, for eternity. Regardless of how the affair ended between him and your daughter, he admitted to stealing the cryptex. He has plenty of reasons to hold a grudge against you. If he’s been robbed of his vengeance with your kin, who do you think he’ll target next?”
“Hm.” She was right, of course. Always was. That’s why she was his queen on the board. His gambit.
“If he’s caught wind that you’re still after the puzzle box, he’ll be hunting it too. You tortured him too much about it for him to think it’s worthless.”
“You think it’s in Elphyne?”
“Without a doubt. My spies have heard tales of a particular crow known as the Collector—a beast obsessed with old-world treasures.”
You’re grasping at straws now,the voice taunted.
Nero jammed the screwdriver into the wooden chessboard where it remained, handle wobbling. Pandora blinked once, too slow, then locked her dark eyes on his.
“Was that necessary?” she asked.
A shadow formed by the grimy window. Short, kinky, dark hair. Copper beads catching light that didn’t exist.
Again with the theatrics, Dad.
Sweat beaded on Nero’s forehead. He turned back to Pandora. “Your move. Finish the game, and then you can tell me about this gathering.”
“I have a plan,” Pandora said.
She doesn’t.Rory’s whisper grew closer.None of us ever do.
“I do,” he barked.
“What?”
“Nothing. Tell me your plan after you finish the game.”
Pandora’s jaw twitched. “I have a plan.”
“I know. You just said that.”
“I have a plan,” she echoed. Her shoulder jerked. “I have a plan.”
Fuck. He slumped. Not again.
“I have a?—”
“Shut the fuck up!” Rage burst inside Nero, building with each repetition.
