Page 85 of Haunted Hearts

Brock says nothing as he waits expectantly for my answer.

“There’s a lot to go over,” I warn.

The reaper shrugs, “Best place to start is from the beginning.”

Chapter27

VIKTOR

We’ve taken our conversation from the scrying room to the library, stopping in the kitchen for lunch in between. Giving Brock, and subsequently Willow and Jonah, the rundown about our people isn’t short and sweet, though we try our best to gloss over the unimportant details.

But now, we’re back to square one. How do we deal with the Brotherhood?

“Can’t we just kill the Elders who are working with Fulton and be done with it?” Jonah asks with a groan. He’s sitting sideways in a chair nearby, with his feet hanging over one armrest while his back is perched against the other. “There are what, seven Elders left? The ones that held us prisoner said that there were a few who weren’t in the know. We’ll keep those ones around and kill the others.”

He tosses an apple up into the air and catches it lazily. He’s been doing this for the past forty-five minutes as we all discuss how to sever the tie between Fulton and the Brotherhood.

“How do you determine who’s telling the truth or not?” Brock asks. “And even if killing the living was an option, the Brotherhood doesn’trunEverlast. According to these guys, there are people in the Fae parliament who must know what the Brotherhood is up to. Are you suggesting we kill all of them, too?” He rests his hip on the large table we’ve gathered around. “Our job to protect the Realm of the Dead doesn’t include adding to its population.”

My arms come up and cross over my chest. “Protecting this realm will occasionally mean we kill people.”

Jonah hums in agreement. I’m not sure if he’s bloodthirsty or simply ready to use his training. I have no doubt that Jonah wants to prove himself in our company. The determination in his jaw, the concentration in his gaze, and the way he works himself until he is utterly spent is admirable.

If not a bit stupid.

Jonah’s no more a warrior than we are alive. Some people aren’t cut out for it and that’s ok. Before Willow, I would have pointed this out to him. Now, however, I bite my tongue. No need to hurt the man’s pride. It can’t hurt to be prepared, I suppose.

Brock meets my gaze with one just as unwavering. “We should respect the living, as they respect the dead.”

Theodon leans forward, placing his hands flat on the table to study the map of Everlast. Death seems to have a map of every place in every realm. Finding this one took some time, and while Theo, Kwil, and I don’t need it, it’s nice for the others to have a visual. Every Fae knows the layout of Everlast like the back of their hand.

“In any case, these are our people we’re talking about,” Theodon mutters. “These are Fae that we’ll have to look in the eye and kill.”

Disgust and rage mix together before surging up my throat like bile. I manage to swallow it down so that I can force out, “Fae that killedmillionsof others. I think we can spare a few of our own.”

“Have we not lost enough Fae who joined the Brotherhood and died in random realms at the hands of creatures whose lands they stumbled upon?” Theo asks quietly.

“Not all of them were innocent,” Kwil objects, studying the claws on his left hand as he leans against a bookshelf behind everyone. “Do I need to remind you about Rowan and his guys?”

No. He doesn’t. The night Willow was stabbed will stick with all of us for eternity.

“You say your people are strong believers of the Brotherhood,” Brock tilts his head as he studies the map. “What happens if we shake the foundation of trust the Brotherhood is built upon?”

Theodon frowns as I snort and reply, “Impossible.”

“Is it?” Brock straightens, looking up at me then to Theodon. “There may be some who will refuse to see the truth but there will be others who are willing to listen.”

I shake my head. “You don’t understand. The Brotherhood has a stronger hold over the people than our royalty ever did. They may not be our government on paper, but their words hold power.”

“Their power is just a shield; one we can work around.” Brock pauses as he considers something.

A deep, thoughtful hum pulls my attention over to Willow who is leaning against the windowsill, looking towards the ocean. She’s been quiet since lunch. The peace on her face is at odds with the fire in her eyes. Something’s eating at her. I’m surprised she hasn’t just come right out and said something. That’s more her style than stewing over whatever is bothering her.Is this about killing Fulton?

“What if we brought the spirits of lost Ghosts back to speak about what they have done for the Brotherhood?” she asks, looking over at us.

My brows raise in surprise. The dead coming back to speak against the Brotherhood? That could work.

“I’m sure if we force your father to admit the truth, the people will listen.” Kwil looks at Theodon’s back.

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