Page 42 of Riftborne
He wasn’t wasting any more time, it seemed. But did he have to do this at this very fucking moment?
Esprithe sake.
I narrowed my eyes, feeling Ma's gaze on me. She couldn’t see this.
I turned towards her, meeting her puzzled expression. “Ma, I’ll take care of this. You should just head home,” I said, but the words seemed to flow past her. Clearly, she intended on staying for whatever was about to take place.
I could kill him.
Maybe I should—a last act of defiance before accepting my fate. Something purred inside me at the thought.
I glared at him as he approached. He wore a long wool coat and his usual black attire. His eyes looked inquisitive and clever. But his face seemed… different?
“Good evening Fia, I hope you’ve been well,” he said in his typical, velvety tone. “Maladea, it’s nice to see you again.” He nodded in her direction.
We both stayed silent.
He shifted his weight and looked down before crossing his arms. He looked nervous. Or like he wastryingto look nervous. I wasn’t sure.
What is going on?
“Fia, I’d really like to have a conversation with you.” He glanced up, meeting my gaze with a sparkle in his eye and a soft smile. Forced charm didn’t particularly suit him, but he sure was laying it on thick.
I scoffed. A part of me wanted to laugh at his performance.
“Fia, I know our last meeting ended badly. And I take responsibility for my part in that.” His lips went rigid.
There it was.
A crack in the facade.
“So why are you here?” I asked, keeping my voice flat. Ma shot me a look of disapproval but stayed silent.
“I want us to try one more time. I think I’ve found an alternative approach. If this doesn’t work, you never have to hear from me again. You have my word.” He raised his hands as if to offer some sort of surrender.
I’d never hear from him again?It sounded too good to be true. I didn’t believe it for a second.
“What is this different approach?” I questioned, crossing my arms.
“We can discuss that at the gym,” he said plainly. His eyes stole a quick glance at Ma, who was still standing there, silently trying to hide her contempt.
“Nothing has worked so far.” I tried to keep my voice level, but some of it came out with more ice than intended.
“Fia, just put your faith in me this one last time. You owe it to yourself to try. I know you want to learn to control this. And we can go now, just to get it over with. No waiting, no games. And I promise to be on my best behavior this time.” He smiled.
My eyes narrowed.
Your promise means nothing.
The words echoed in my mind. I had drilled that truth deep into my bones. Never take him at his word. Always suspect an ulterior motive. The General’s only priority was himself. This act couldn’t fool me. I saw him for exactly what he was, what he had always been: a devastatingly beautiful serpent, just like the symbol that loomed upon every flag in this kingdom and every set of armor in the Guard.
Nothing had changed.
My eyes shifted to Ma, who was subtly shaking her head in disapproval. “Ma, you should go home. I–” I cut my eyes to the General, “I’m going to go with him and see what this miraculous plan isbeforeI agree to anything.”
She didn’t know it, but I didn’t exactly have a choice.
I turned back to Ma. If her sour expression was any indication, she was not buying any of this.
