Page 51 of Midnight Deception

He’s so casual and callous about the fact that his cousin faced a punishment that I stumble to a stop, not believing what I’m hearing. I stare at his back until he realises I’ve stopped and glances over his shoulder.

“Don’t make it seem like what the queen did was right or normal. Nothing about any of this is normal.” Throwing my arms wide, I laugh without humour. “Why am I here? Why is the queen so determined for me to learn my magic? She’s using so many resources to keep me, and her answers don’t add up.” My rant has him sighing and turning to face me, his arms crossed over his chest as he watches me like I’m a petulant child. “Is it to do with the prophecy?” I demand, and I know I’ve struck close to the truth when he curses and strides over to me, glancing around to make sure we’re alone.

“The queen’s reasons are her own,” he growls, his voice low. “And if you value your life, don’t bring up the prophecy in front of her.”

This only makes me want to ask more questions. Narrowing my eyes, I poke his chest with my finger, fully intent on demanding more answers when a set of footsteps sound farther down the corridor. His expression shifts, all emotion slipping away as he takes a hasty step back. I’m still tempted to demand answers whether or not anyone else is around to hear it, and I think he knows that. The flash of fear in his eyes is the only thing that stops me.

There is a temporary truce called between us, and he dips his head slightly in acknowledgement before gesturing for me to carry on. I think part of the reason I get so lost around here is the fact that it takes so bloody long to get anywhere with all the stops for conversation I seem to be having. Musing over that and getting lost in my mind, I almost stumble into Atlas as he comes to a stop in front of me.

I look up and see we’re outside Madame Constance’s room. I can hear voices inside the room, but I keep my gaze on him, waiting for him to lead me in. His gaze is narrowed on the open doorway, and he looks like he’s listening to something happening inside with a look of distaste.

“Atlas?” I ask quietly, reaching out to touch the back of his hand.

Jerking back like he’s been burnt, he stares at me and then down at where our hands meet. “I’ll see you at your next session,” he says bluntly and stalks away without explanation.

I watch him in confusion as he strides away, moving so fast he’s almost jogging.What is going on with him?I wonder to myself, shaking my head slightly. Sighing, I brush down my day-old dress, wishing I had the chance to shower and change. I run my fingers through my hair once more as I prepare to enter the room.

“What would happen if she was separated from them completely?”

Luna’s familiar voice floats out of the room, and I smile, knowing I’m going to get to see her, but it takes a moment for her words to sink in. When they do, my hand freezes mid-movement.

“Her power is too strong. She needs her mates to stabilise her,” Madame Constance replies, caution ringing out loud and clear. “I don’t just mean because of the sickness. She contains more power than a body should be able to hold. Her mates help her to balance that, but now that her full resource of magic has been released, it is imperative she learns control. Without them, it could be catastrophic to us all.”

They are talking about me, they have to be, which means that someone is trying to meddle in my relationships. Are they already trying to separate me from Nicolai? Keeping us from each other so soon after mating would kill me. Even being away from him this long is causing a constant ache in my chest.

If I were smart, I’d stay silent out here and try to get more information while they are both speaking without moderation. I know as soon as I step inside that room they won’t be as open with their conversation. However, I can’t stop myself, the fear of them keeping me frommoreof my mates causing me to act impulsively.

“Who’s trying to separate me from my mates?”

I storm into the room, glancing around to confirm it’s just the two of them in here. It’s clear that I startled them with my entrance, but neither of them seems guilty for being caught out. If I was thinking clearly, it would make me stop and realise that the door had been wide open—not the best way to be discussing something you don’t want to be public knowledge—however, I’m not thinking clearly thanks to my panic.

“Laelia,” Luna calls out, pressing a hand to her chest in surprise. “No one—”

Not giving her the chance to reply, I look between the two females, panic making my movements jerky. “It’s the queen, isn’t it?”

She sighs, her body slumping as she leans against the table in front of her, looking more exhausted than I’ve ever seen her before. I’m reminded that she was just punished by the queen, and I momentarily feel bad for grilling her, but the fate of my mates could be in jeopardy here.

“Some questions were asked,” Luna begins, raising her hand to stop my tirade of questions. “I’m pretty sure she already knew it wasn’t possible. I just needed to confirm it for her.”

“It’s just not possible,” Madame Constance jumps in, her frown turning into a scowl as she jerks a finger in my direction. “It would kill her and take out half of Haven in the process.”

I’d already instinctively known that if I was separated from my mates permanently that the sickness would kill me. Hearing that aloud is humbling, and I’m not ashamed to admit that the thought is a little scary. Not only that, though, but my death could be destructive…

“She can’t know how strong you are.”

My gaze had fallen to the table as I contemplated the older witch’s words, but something about how Luna says that has me looking up and taking in her expression. Caution and urgency greet me in her stare, and a chill goes down my spine. Constance is nodding too, only adding to the feeling. These are followers of the queen, yet they are trying to protect me. Am I really in that much danger?

“At the moment, she thinks she can control you with your mates. If she knows removing them would kill you, that will stop her from separating you permanently, but it still gives her some leverage.” Releasing a long breath, Luna shakes her head, looking even more exhausted than she did before. Her eyes lock on mine as she tries to impress on me just how serious this is. “However, if she discovers that you could overpower her, she’ll have you killed.”

Laughing at the absurdity of it, I throw my hands up in frustration. “I don’t want to overpower her. I just want to leave and return to my family!”

“I don’t think she would kill Laelia,” Constance chimes in thoughtfully, staring down at the steaming cauldron she’s stirring with her magic. “She would be too afraid of bringing about the prophecy.” It’s said lightly, almost as a throwaway comment, but my gaze sharpens. This prophecy is something that I don’t understand, and everyone seems to be very secretive in what they say.

“Constance,” Luna warns, causing the older female to look up, unaware of what she’s done to earn the reprimand.

Something shifts inside me, and my instincts tell me that this is important. “No, I want to hear this. I need to hear this, Luna.” Locking eyes with her, I try to get her to understand. She’s been banned from talking about it, that much is clear, but she’s been helping me so far, and I think we’ve started to build a friendship. Is that friendship enough to get her to break a promise to her ruler?

Perhaps if I ask direct questions, it will make it easier for her. Licking my lips, I contemplate what I want to know with the little information I already have.

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