Page 26 of Midnight Deception

“Oh, I’ve spoken to both of them.” Kano chuckles, but it sounds forced, as though he’s trying to sound easy about this and using the laugh to cover his true emotions. “Master Dune was concerned, so he tracked me down to speak to me. Atlas…” He trails off, his long sigh telling me more about how that interaction went than words could, piquing my interest.

I move my arm and struggle into an upright position with Star still lying across me. After shuffling my weight and cradling her like a giant baby, I finally manage and raise a brow when I see Kano’s tight expression.

“Well, I spoke with him too,” he finishes, choosing not to tell me what was said.

I’m sure whatever Atlas had to say about me was unflattering and unsavoury. The fact that I don’t get to defend myself against whatever accusations have been made about me burns, even if I don’t want to know what was said. My bond has already taken enough of a beating over the last couple of days, so I don’t think I could take hearing exactly what my mate thinks of me.

“I hear you missed your history class today too?” It’s phrased like a question, and I realise that he’s giving me a chance to explain myself even though I’m sure he’s worked it all out from today’s sequence of events.

I’m being made to feel like an errant schoolgirl and not a grown-ass adult. Gritting my teeth, I don’t bother to explain about my exhaustion or the fact that my interaction with Atlas today has used up all of my patience and tolerance.

“Have you come to discipline me?” I’m not sure why I sound so calm when I’m seething on the inside.

“No,” he scoffs and perches on the edge of the couch, attempting to look casual as he eyes my wolf of stars. I’d forgotten that he’s not met her yet. There’s an eagerness and longing there that’s almost painful to watch, and I’m reminded that this power is something he’s wanted his whole life. I briefly feel guilty and wonder if I should call Star back to me, but I feel more grounded with her here. Besides, he doesn’t seem to mind.

Star raises her head and examines him. From my relaxed posture, she knows he’s not a threat. Curiosity brightens her gorgeous eyes, and she seems to realise that we share a smell, glancing back at me for confirmation. Smiling, I run my hand down her back, so glad to have her with me. Kano extends a hand towards her, beaming as she stands and walks along my body towards him. They share a moment together, and I wonder if maybe we have it wrong. Is it really fair to paint all witches with the same brush and call them evil for hunting werewolves? Isn’t that exactly when I called Atlas out on?

Kano seems content just to continue stroking Star and whispering praises to her, but I know this isn’t the reason he’s here. Clearing my throat, I wait for him to meet my gaze. “If you’re not here to scold me, why are you here?”

“Can’t it just be because I want to check that my only sibling is okay?” His whole body seems to tense up, so I know that’s not the reason. There’s something he doesn’t want to tell me, and I can guess it’s probably to do with one of two people—Atlas or the queen.

I continue to stare at him, my expression showing that I don’t believe it for a second. It doesn’t take long for him to give in. He lets out a long sigh and rubs the back of his neck before standing from the edge of the couch.

“I need you to come with me,” he begins, his whole demeanour different now. “The queen wants to see you.”

I groan, swinging my legs off the couch, causing Star to jump down with the movement. Resting my elbows on my knees, I drop my head into my hands. “Why? What have I done?” I moan, not having the capacity to deal with another meeting in front of all the witches.

His jaw just tightens, and it’s pretty clear this whole thing makes him uncomfortable. He either doesn’t know what this is about, or he’s bound in some way not to tell me. “The queen will explain everything. Let’s go.”

Friendly Kano is gone. I know there’s no use protesting. I can’t work out his relationship with the queen. He’s obviously high in rank here, and sometimes I wonder if he’s her lover from some of her comments and the whispered gossip I’ve picked up. Everyone seems to forget I have good hearing, and I’ve learned a lot thanks to that despite only being here a short time.

Pushing aside my curiosity, I groan again at the thought of dragging myself across the massive building. I feel gross and would have liked to shower before seeing the queen, but I resign myself to looking how I feel. Peeling myself off the couch, I wince at my aching body, Star huffing at my side.

“I guess we shouldn’t keep her waiting.” My voice is full of sarcasm, showing exactly how much I want this meeting.

Kano doesn’t reply, just shoots me a disapproving look and strides over to the door, holding it open and gesturing for me to exit.

Looking down at my wolf, I nod my head at the door, and she bounds towards it, checking that the coast is clear before letting out a small yip of approval. I make my way to her and stroke her ears as I pass and step out into the corridor. Kano doesn’t say a word, simply shutting the door and leading the way.

The walk is actually fairly pleasant, my bonds humming softly in my chest. I know I should probably call Star back to me. Enough of the witches here already stare at me and gossip, and having a wolf of starlight is just going to prove even more that I’m different. However, she’s the only thing stopping me from telling Kano the queen can go fuck herself, my foul mood only lifted by her bright presence.

We’ve been walking for a little while when I finally realise that I don’t recognise where we are.How big is this place?How the witches have kept a place this large a secret for so long is beyond me. I’m burning with questions, but I hold my curiosity. I was expecting to be led to the huge hall where I met the queen last time, however, as we reach a guarded corridor, I realise I was wrong.

The guards lower their heads in respect when they spot Kano, but I feel their narrowed gazes on me and Star as we pass. I also don’t miss the fact that their hands tighten over their weapons, as if I’m going to turn around and bite one of them or order Star to attack. The urge to mess with them is strong. However, these guys look like the act now, think later types, so it will only get me injured or in trouble. Possibly both.

Once we pass the guards, the corridor turns a corner, leading to a single door. Two more guards stand watch, knocking on the door and pushing it open for us to enter. My instincts have the hair on my arms standing on end as a cold chill works its way down my spine. I’ve been taken to the queen’s rooms, I just know it, and from Kano’s expression, I know I’m right.

A private audience with the Queen of Witches. Why am I getting such bad vibes about this? I know I have no other option other than to go in and face her, but my stomach is suddenly churning, and I feel nauseated. Star butts against my leg reassuringly, reminding me I’m not about to face this alone.

My bond tugs in my chest, attempting to pull me towards the door, telling me that Atlas is already waiting in the room. My heart drops to my stomach. Did he go to the queen and tell her what happened earlier? I’m still not sure what caused him to react so strongly earlier and storm out. Kano told me he wasn’t there to discipline me, but he never said that the queen wasn’t going to.

Feeling my hands shake, I ball them into fists to attempt to stop the fine tremor.

“Will you be in there too?” I ask, hating the waver in my voice that gives away my nerves. Reaching for my bonds, I bask in the feeling of having them back, helping me recall the reason I’m here. This is all for them and my pack. I need to get back to them. Using those words as a mantra, I summon the strength and meet Kano’s stare.

“Yes,” he assures me, and for some reason, this actually makes me feel better. Scanning me to make sure I’m ready, he rests his hand on the small of my back and guides me through the doors.

The room is smaller than I expected and has a cosy feel about it. From the couches and bookshelves lining the walls, I’d guess this was some sort of reception room. A door at the back of the room remains closed, and I assume it leads to the rest of the queen’s rooms. A roaring fire entirely fills one of the walls and as I step inside, I’m hit by a wall of heat. There are also no windows, making the space feel dark and mysterious despite the fire and floating lanterns positioned around the room.

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