Page 58 of Orange Tundra
Ice flooded my veins. If they'd found the truth about my White Tribe bloodline...
"Tell me, Trill—when did you learn about your heritage?"
The question shattered my composure like a hammer blow. They knew. Somehow, they'd uncovered the secret that had shaped my entire existence.
"One of the old slaves told me," I said, choosing partial truth over complete exposure.
"And you thought you could hide it?" Kilo's disappointment felt genuine. "White Tribe bloodlines are too valuable to waste."
Wait. This wasn't the accusation I'd expected.
"We know about White Tribe genetics. Enhanced empathy, supernatural bonding abilities." Kilo moved around the desk, looming over me. "Did you think we captured the Silver Beast by accident?"
Understanding crashed over me like ice water. They hadn't discovered my divided loyalties—they'd orchestrated them. Everything. The meeting with Roqs, my growing conscience. None of it had been a real choice. Did they know Roqs was my fated mate?
"You've been playing me."
"We've been utilizing your talents." Kilo's smile was cruel satisfaction. "Your genetics make you perfect for deep cover.Enhanced empathy lets you form genuine connections with targets."
Nialla laughed, sharp and cutting. "Did you believe we'd trust White Tribe blood without ensuring complete loyalty? Every choice you thought was yours—carefully guided to serve our purposes."
I made sure to stay still. Any weakness and they'd pounce on it. I knew I was nothing but a tool, manipulated by masters who understood my psychology better than I did.
But even as despair threatened to drown me, defiance sparked to life. They might have shaped my circumstances, but they couldn't control my choices. Not completely.
"The Silver Beast," I managed. "Part of the plan?"
"Of course. We needed someone close to Silver Tribe leadership." Kilo leaned closer, breath hot against my face. "Who better than the Alpha's cherished but ill-fated mate? We all know how the Alpha is desperate for him. That is why we wanted to capture Zirc for months."
"You want the Silver Beast to betray Roqs. But why the Silver Tribe?"
Kilo smiled, sending shivers down my spine. I belatedly realized I should not have asked that question. Not good when a slave questions his master. Instead of blood spilled on the floor, Kilo continued as if nothing happened. What he said next turned my blood to ice.
"The Silver Tribe is keeping a secret that will question the very foundation of our society. But," he placed a hand on the table, pressing me further in, his chest to my back. Nialla licked her lips, pupils dilated. "We want you to complete your mission. The Silver Beast fights and dies in our pit. Roqs comes for revenge. And you deliver him into our hands."
Bait. Zirc was bait to trap Roqs. And I was the key to making it work.
"What if I refuse?"
Nialla's smile was all malice. "Then you join the beast in the pit. I'm sure our audience would enjoy watching you and the Silver Beast tear each other apart."
The threat hung between us, heavy with implication. They would force me to fight Zirc for entertainment, make us kill each other while crowds cheered.
"Cooperation has rewards," Kilo continued. "Complete this mission, and you'll have full status in our organization. Power, wealth, influence."
What he didn't say: fail and I die. As if I'd reached an expiration date.
I nodded slowly, as if accepting the assignment. Inside, my mind raced. They thought they controlled me completely, but they'd made one crucial error.
They'd told me the truth.
"I understand," I said, injecting resignation into my voice. "When do you expect Roqs?"
"Tomorrow, most likely. Give or take two or three days. We know he won't be able to resist rescuing him." Kilo returned to his chair, satisfied with my apparent compliance. "We'll be ready."
"And until then?"
"Continue your duties. Prepare the beast for his final performance."
