Page 42 of Dark Elf's Good Girl

“What do you think, Cassian?” I arch an eyebrow and give him a lopsided smile that I’ve spent years perfectly crafting. “Surely there’s a compromise here for you.”

I can see the wheels in his mind turning. It's clear he didn’t think I was paying attention. Probably because I wasn’t. I simply know what my father hopes to gain.

And maybe if I give them something to celebrate, I will get another chance to be alone with Isla. They’ll go out to the bar district, my brother not knowing who he is leaving alone with the girl that he bought.

She is the only reason that I put any effort into this negotiation.

I step closer to Cassian. There’s wariness in his uncle’s eyes.

Among my family, I have a certain reputation. I am the younger brother, the one pushed around.

But to the rest of Oshta, I am a secret weapon. Those that do business with us know of my power. I’m brought to negotiations under the guise that I am the one with charm.

That’s not the truth.

I am unpredictable. I stick to the shadows and listen to conversations. I’m aware that I make other people uncomfortable.

That’s what I pride myself on.

Like right now. Cassian’s uncle edges back half a step. It only makes my grin grow wider. I have such a welcoming demeanor, that I think people forget what lies beneath.

I think I often forget what I’m capable of.

But last night reminded me of it. They need to claim, to possess. The desires that Isla pulls out of me, make me feel more like myself than I have in a long time.

I let my family convince me that I am theirs to use. It seems we’ve all forgotten that I am the most powerful.

But others haven’t. And I’m about to capitalize on that.

My magic crackles through the air and there’s no mistaking who it belongs to. I see Calix and Cassian’s eyes widen. But that doesn’t stop my slow prowl toward the man who has his thumb on the pulse of this negotiation.

“And what of you?” I’m sure he can see the intent in my eyes. “There must be some compromise you’re willing to come to.”

He stiffens, his eyes darting behind me to my father. I’m surprised he hasn’t stepped in yet.

“I’m sure,” he says quietly. He’s trying to hide the fear in his voice as I reach out to grab his shoulder. “Rhamos!” he calls out, though his eyes never leave mine. “I’m afraid that we must reschedule.”

“And why is that?” My father's voice is tense. It’s clear this is not the way that he wanted it to go. They’re about to back out and he’s going to blame me.

“In light of your negotiation, we will need to reevaluate our supply and stock.” My fingers dig into his shoulder harder. “So that we can reach a compromise,” he squeaks out.

My father starts to speak, probably to protest, but I pat the man on the cheek. “I think that’s wise.” He goes rigid when my magic zaps through his face. I take a step back, spinning around and looking around the room as I grin. “I think we all need to reconvene.”

My gaze sweeps around the room, daring anyone to challenge me. I’ve had enough. They’ve wasted my time bringing me here.

I’m sure my father is now regretting not letting me fade into the background as I prefer.

Cassian quickly agrees with me, promising Calix that he will send a letter to set up the next meeting. Out of the corner of my eye, I see my father’s face start to tinge red again.

But thankfully, he says nothing as they leave. I intend on following them, but I don’t make it more than a step before my brother calls out to me.

“What the fuck was that?”

My whole body stiffens. Usually I’d shrug him off. I’d say nothing as they yelled and berated me.

But I’m tired of playing a role in the game. My only purpose in life is for them to use me and claim my actions as their own.

I won’t allow it anymore.

---