BooksbyJenniferL.Armentrout

deVincentSeriesMoonlightSins:AdeVincentNovel(January30,2018)

WickedTrilogy

WickedTornBrave

ThePrince:AWickedNovella(August14,2018)

TheTitanSeries(NewAdultParanormal)

ThePowerTheReturnTheStruggle

CovenantSeries

(Fullseriescompleted—YoungAdultParanormal)DaimonHalf-BloodPureDeityElixirApollyonSentinel

LuxSeries(Fullseriescompleted—YoungAdultParanormal)

ShadowsObsidianOnyxOpalOrigin

OppositionOblivion(Daemon’sPOVofObsidian)

TheDarkElements

(Fullseriescompleted—YoungAdultParanormal)BitterSweetLoveWhiteHotKissStoneColdTouchEveryLastBreath

StandaloneTitles:

TheProblemwithForever(YoungAdultcontemporary)

Don'tLookBack(YoungAdultromanticsuspense)

Cursed(YoungAdultparanormal)

Obsession(Adultspin-offtheLuxSeries)

Frigid(NewAdultContemporaryRomance)

Scorched(NewAdultContemporaryRomance)

Unchained(AdultParanormalRomance)

TheDeadList(YoungAdultcontemporary)

TillDeath(AdultContemporaryRomance)

IfThere’sNoTomorrow(YoungAdultcontemporary)

WaitforYouSeries

(Readinanyorder,asstandalones.ContemporaryNewAdult)WaitforYou

TrustInMe(Cam'sPOVofWaitforYou)BeWithMe

BelieveinMe(shortstoryintheanthologyFiftyFirsts)StayWithMeFallWithMe

ForeverWithYouFireInYou

TheGambleBrothersSeries

(Fullseriescomplete-AdultContemporaryRomance)TemptingtheBestManTemptingthePlayer

TemptingtheBodyguard

FordetailsaboutcurrentandupcomingtitlesfromJenniferL.Armentrout,

pleasevisitwww.jenniferlarmentrout.com

Brave

PublishedbyJenniferL.ArmentroutCopyright©2017byJenniferL.Armentrout

Allrightsreserved

LicenseNotesThis ebook is an original work of fiction, licensed for your personal enjoyment only. Except as

permittedundertheU.S.CopyrightActof1976,nopartofthispublicationmaybereproduced,distributed,ortransmittedinanyformorbyanymeans,orstoredinadatabaseorretrievalsystem,withoutthepriorwrittenpermissionofthepublisher.Thankyouforrespectingthehardworkoftheauthor.

Thecharactersandeventsportrayedinthisbookarefictitious.Anysimilaritytorealpersons,livingordead,iscoincidentalandnotintendedbytheauthor.

LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationData

Brave/JenniferL.Armentrout—FirsteditionISBN978-1-947591-71-4(E-book)

CoverDesignbyReginaWamba,MaeIDesignAllrightsreserved.

FormattingbyChristineBorgford,TypeAFormatting

Contents

BooksbyJenniferL.ArmentroutBRAVEChapter1Chapter2Chapter3Chapter4Chapter5Chapter6Chapter7Chapter8Chapter9Chapter10Chapter11Chapter12Chapter13Chapter14Chapter15Chapter16Chapter17Chapter18Chapter19Chapter20Chapter21Chapter22Chapter23Chapter24Chapter25Chapter26Chapter27Chapter28Chapter29Chapter30Chapter31Chapter32Chapter33Chapter34

Chapter35ThePrince~AWickedNovellaAboutJenniferL.Armentrout

Chapter1

The roomwas so dark I couldn’tmake out anything beyond the faint, silverymoonlightseepingbetweenthecrackinthethickcurtains.Theairwasstillandstale.

ButIknewIwasn’talone.Iwasneveralonehere.Strainingforward,Ipeeredintothedarkness.Thecoolmetalofthecollarbit

intomyneckas Iwilledmyheart toslowdown,but thepoundingagainstmyribsincreaseduntilpressureclampeddownonmychest.

Ican’tbreathe.Ican’tbreatheinthis—Somethingmovedclosertothebed.Ididn’tseeanything,butIfelttheslightstirringofair.Myheartlurchedinto

mythroataseverymuscleinmybodytensed.There.Ashadowblottedoutthethinstripofmoonlight.

Hewashere.OhGod,hewashereandtherewasnowayoutofthis.TherewasnothingI

coulddo.Thiswasmyfuture,myfate.My swollen stomach ached as I shifted, pressing my back against the

headboard.Thechainjerkedsuddenly,throwingmetotheside.Myhandsflewout.Igrabbedontothebed,butitwasnouse.Ascreamerupted,quicklylostintheshadowsoftheroom.Yankedforward,Iwasdraggedacrossthebed,towardhim.Towardthe—

MyeyesflewopenasIjackknifedupwardandover,nearlytumblingoffthebed.Icaughtmyselfatthelastmoment,dragginginmouthfulsofair—freshairthatwasslightlyscentedandremindedmeofautumnsinthenorth.

Immediately, I pushed the mess of curls out of my face and scanned theroom, stopping at thewindow. The curtainswere pulled back, just as I’d leftthembefore I’d gone to sleep.Moonlight streamed in, flowing over the smallcouch and sitting area. The surroundings and the smell were familiar. Sweetreliefpoundedthroughmyveinsatthesightofthem.

ButIhadtobesurethatwhatI’djustexperiencedhadbeenanightmareandnotmyreality.ThatIwasn’tstillheldcaptivebythePrince,whowashell-benton impregnating me to fulfill some unbelievable prophecy that would throwopenallthedoorwaystotheOtherworld.

Slowly,Iplacedmyhandonmystomach.Definitelynotswollen.Definitelynotpregnant.SothatmeantIwasdefinitelynotinthathousewiththePrince.Iliftedashakyhand,draggingitthroughmyhair.Itwasjustanightmare—a

stupidnightmare.Atsomepoint Ihad togetused to them. Iwouldeventuallystopwakingupinapanic.

Ihadto.Mystomachchurned,gnawingatmeasItookadeep,evenbreath.Hungry.I

was hungry, but I could ignore the hunger, because ignoring the burningemptinessinmyguthadworkedsofar.

Exhalingroughly,Idroppedmyhandstothebedandswallowedhard.Iwaswideawakenow.Justlikethenightbefore...andthenightbeforethat.

Behindme,thebedshiftedandthenadeep,sleepyvoiceraspedout,“Ivy?”Musclesinmybacklockedup.Ididn’tlookbehindmeasIwrestledmylegs

free from theblanket.Heat crept intomycheeks. “I’msorry. Ididn’tmean towakeyou.”

“Don’tapologize.”Thesleepclearedfromhisvoiceandthebedmovedoncemore,andIknewwithoutlookingthatRenwassittingup.“Iseverythingokay?”

“Yeah.” I cleared my throat. He’d asked me that a million times. Iseverythingokay?Andthesecondmostpopularquestion—areyouokay?“Yes.Ijust...wokeup.”

Amomentpassed.“IthoughtIheardyouscream.”Dammit.Thewarmthcreepingalongmyfaceintensified.“I...Idon’tthinkthatwas

me.”Hedidn’timmediatelyrespond.“Wereyouhavinganightmare?”Iwassurehealreadyknewtheanswertothat,whichmeantitshould’vebeen

easytoadmit.Plus,anightmarewasnobigdeal.Hell,RenofallpeoplewouldunderstandifIwasexperiencingasideorderofPTSDtogoalongwiththemaindishofThingsWereKindofScrewedUpRightNow.Especiallysincehe’dalsospentsomeR&RtimewiththePrinceandhismerrybandofpsychoticfae.

But forsomereasonIcouldn’tadmit tohim that Iwashavingnightmares,thatsometimeswhenIwokeupIthoughtIwasstillinthathouse,chainedtoabed.

RenthoughtIwasbrave,andIwasbrave,butinmomentslikethese,I...Ididn’tfeelverybraveatall.

“Iwasjustsleeping,”Iwhispered,lettingoutashallowbreath.“Youshouldgobacktosleep.Youhavestufftodotomorrow.”

RenwasleavingwhatIwasnowcallingHotelGoodFaetoseeifhecouldhelp locate the super special Crystal. Originally, this Crystal belonged to theGoodFae—theSummerfae.TheOrderhadtakenitfromthemandthenValhadstolen it from the Order, and now the Prince had it.Without the Crystal, wecouldn’tlockthePrincebackupintheOtherworld.

“Ivy.Sweetness.”Ren’svoicesoftenedasheplacedahandonmyarm.Thecontactshookme.“Talktome.”

“I’mtalkingtoyou.”Ipulledaway,slippingoffthebed.Theminutemyfeethit thefloor,Istartedmoving.Thegnawingemptinessinmystomachgrew.“IthinkI’mgoingtogoworkout.”

“At three in themorning?”He sounded incredulous, and I couldn’t blamehimforthat.Workingoutinthemiddleofthenightdidseemodd.

“Yeah.Feelingrestless.”LayingbackdownnexttoRenrightnow,whenmystomachfeltthewaythatitdidandwithmyheadwhereitwas,wasn’tanoption.

Faye’s words from the night she helped me escape the Prince took theopportunemomenttocyclethroughmythoughts.Andifyoukeepfeedingyou’regoingtogetaddicted.Youprobablyalreadyare.

Renknewaboutthefeedings,aboutthefactthatImight’vekilledsomeone,but he didn’t blame me. He even believed that I wouldn’t hurt him. That Iwouldn’tcavetothepartofmethathadawakenedwhilebeingheldcaptive—thepartofmethatwasfaeandnowknewhowtofeedandhowitcouldmakemefeel.

Andhoweasyitwas.Rentrustedinme,butIdidn’t.Icouldn’taffordbeliefrightnow,becauseIwouldnever,everforgivemyself

ifIhurtRenlikeIknewI’dhurtothers.Mymouthdriedupasmyhandsopenedandcloseduselessly.

“Ivy?”RealizingI’dgotlostinmyhead,Iblinkedrapidlyandrefocused.“Haveyou

seen the gym they have in the basement? It’smotivating evenme to get on atreadmill.”

Ofcoursehe’dseenthegym.Rendidn’thave thebodyhehadwithoutgettingallup,closeandpersonal

withtheinsideofagym.“Insteadofgoing to thegymat three in themorning,whydon’tyoucome

backtobed?”heasked.“Wecanwatchsomeshows.Prettysureyou’vemissedsomeepisodesofTheWalkingDead.”

Ihadmisseda lotofepisodesofmy favoritezombie show,which sucked,becauseeverytimeIsawTink,hewassecondsawayfromspoilingeverything.

ThesamewithSupernatural.Asweet,almostbitterwaveofyearningsuckerpunchedmeinthestomach,

temporarilyoverridingtheshadowslingeringinthebackofmymind.Iwantedtodive-bombbackintothatbed,cuddleupwithRen,andfallasleepinhisarms,listening to RickGrimes turn back into the Rick-tator we all know and love.Thatwouldbethenormalthingtodo,andGodknowsIwantednormalsobadly,forsolong.

ItwaswhyIhadenrolledincollegeeventhoughIalreadyhadacareer.Well,didhaveacareer in theOrder.Whoknewnow?But I longed toknowwhat itwasliketowakeupandgotoschoolorworkwithoutworryingaboutdyingonthejobordiscoveringthatmycoworkershadbeenkilled.Normalmeantgoingout to restaurants and themovies. Staying in andmarathoning showswithoutworrying at the possible, impending end of theworld.Normalmeant thatmybest friend hadn’t ended up being a traitorous bitch and dying because of heractionsandchoices.

Normalwassounderrated.The bedside lamp flipped on without warning. Light flooded the room,

reaching towhere I stood. Some bizarre instinct roared to life. I didn’t knowwhy,butIdidn’twanttobeseenrightnow.Ibackedawayfromthelight,butthemomentmygazemetthoseleaf-greeneyes,Ifroze.

RenOwenswas . . . goodness, hewasbeautiful in awild sort ofway.Heremindedmeof autumns in northernVirginia, all golden and copper.His hairwasatumblingrussetmess,fallingoverhisforeheadandbeggingtobebrushedback.Thick,heavylashesIwasadmittedlyenviousofframedhisstunningeyes.His cheekbones were broad and they were matched by a hard, chiseled jaw.Ren’snosewascrooked,andsomehowthataddedtothebeautyofhisface.Hehad a lush pair of lips thatwere usually tilted in a grin, andwhen he smiled,therewerematching,deepdimples.

Those corners were straight now, forming a somber line, and there weredefinitelynodimples.

BeforeeverythingwiththePrincehappened,Renhadsleptshirtlessornudeandwehadn’tbeenabletokeepourhandsoffeachother.Seriously.Evenwhenwe were injured with our bodies aching, we couldn’t ignore the chemistrysparkingbetweenus.ButsinceIcameback—sincewewerereunited—heworeashirttobed,alongwithboxersorsleeppants.

Allwe’ddonewaskiss.Threetimestobeexact,andtheywerechaste,sweetkisses that tastedofa

deeper,restrainedneed.IthinkthenightmareswerewhyRenwassleepinginclothes,becausethose

nightmaresstartedthefirstnightandhadoccurredeverynightafterthat.And those nightmares felt like premonitions. A warning of what was to

come,andIcouldn’tshake that feeling,notevenwhen thesunroseandIwassurrounded by people who hadn’t given up onme—who cared enough to gobackintohellanddragmeout.

Isuppressedashudder.“Please.”He extended a hand towardme.My eyes tracked up the vibrant

vines tattooed onto his arm that disappeared under the white shirt he wore.“Comebacktomeandstaywithme.”

Mybreath caught around the expandingknot inmy throat. Iwanted to betherewithhim.Desperately.ButI. . .IneededspaceandIneeded.. .Idon’tknowwhatIneeded.Ijustcouldn’tbehere.

“Maybe later,” I said, finallymoving. Imademyway to the small dresserwheresomeofmyclotheshadbeenstashedaway.Guiltcrawledupmy throatlikebile.“Ifyou’restillawakewhenIgetback,wecanwatchsomething.”

“Youdidn’tcomebacklastnight.”Ipulledoutapairofleggings.“Iwasn’tabletofallbackasleep,soIdidn’t

wanttobotheryou.”“Youknowyou’reneverabother tome.Ever.”Therewasapause.“AndI

didn’tgobacktosleep.Iwaitedforyou.”ThekindofpatienceIdidn’thavekepthisvoicelevel.“Icangowithyoutothegym.Justgiveme—”

Whippingaround,Isawthathealreadyhadhislegsoffthebed.“No!”Renfroze,hiseyeswideningslightly.“No?”Iclenched thepants inmyhands.“Imean, Idon’twantyou togetupand

feellikeyouhavetokeepmecompany.I’vealreadywokeyou.Youshouldgobacktosleep.”

Hisshouldersroseonadeepbreath.“It’snotabigdeal.Icangowithyou.”Hestood,liftinghisarmsabovehisheadandstretching.“Wecanhavearaceonthe treadmills.”Hedroppedhisarms.“Whoever loseshas togo to thekitchenandstealtheboxofbeignetstheyhaveshippedineverymorning.”

Myheartwaspoundingashetookasteptowardmeandthenanother.Theroomwasn’tverylarge,soittooknotimeforhimtoberightinfrontofme.

“Ijustneedtogetchanged.OrIcouldgolikethis?Whatdoyouthink?”heteasedwithasmallgrin.“Mightnotbethemostcomfortablerun.”

Blood buzzed inmy ears asmy gaze dropped to hismouth.My stomachdippedasRenreachedforoneofmycurls.He’dpullitstraightandletgo.Itwasafavoritepastimeofhis,andthen,ifthingswerenormal,he’dlowerhislipstomine. Anticipation swirled as a tight shiver curled its way down my spine.Pleasantwarmthinvadedmyveins.

ButdidIwanttokisshim?OrdidI...didIwanttofeedfromhim?ThefactthatIhadtoevenaskmyselfwasterrifying.Itookastepbackandbumpedintothedresser,rattlingit.Renwentstillasastatue.TersesilencefilledthespacebetweenusasIstared

upathimwithwideeyes.“I’mnotgoingtohurtyou,Ivy.Youknowthat,right?You’resafewithme.Always.”

OhGod,didhethinkIwasworriedhe’dhurtme?Ofcoursehewould.HowcouldIblamehimforthinkingthatwhenIwasasjitteryasacoffeefiendwhenhewasaroundme?

MyfaceburnedasIlookedaway.“Iknowyouwouldn’thurtme.I’msorry—”

“Stopapologizing,Ivy.Dammit.Juststopsayingyou’resorry.”Iopenedmymouthandclosed itwhenI realized Iwasabout toapologize

again.Rensteppedback,givingmespace.“Youhavenothingtoapologizefor.”Didn’t I, though? It sort of felt like therewas a list as long asmy arm to

apologize for, starting with the fact that I hadn’t recognized the PrincemasqueradingasRenrightoffthebat.Andtherewasmore—God,therewassomuchmore,andwhenmyheadwasrunninginamilliondifferentplaces,itwashardtorememberthatRenwasn’tholdinganyofthisagainstme.

Buthowcouldhenot?Howcouldhesleeplikehedidatnight?Iwantedtoaskhimhowhewasmovingonfromthis,becausehe’dbeencapturedtoo.He’dbeen fed on—fed on in the worst way, and there had been this female fae.Breena.She’dclaimed thatherandRen . . .Sheclaimeda lotof things,but Iknewifanyofitweretrue,Renhadn’tbeenawillingparticipant.

Rage replaced the warmth. I wanted to gouge her eyes out again, and Iplannedto.RightbeforeIkilledher.Slowly.Painfully.

Renwaswatchingmeinawaythatmademefeellikehesawrightintomyhead,andifthatwasthecase,thenheprobablywouldn’tlikewhathesaw.Hisshoulderstensedandthenheexhaledroughly.“Okay.”

Reliefsweptthroughme.Hisgazeflickeredoverme,andIthoughtthathemayhaveseenthewaymy

stance loosened in response to him backing off. His jaw tightened. “I’ll bewaitingupforyou.”

Iknewhewouldbe.AndIknewthatdeepdownherealizedtherewasnopoint.

Chapter2

Mysneakerspoundedoff the treadmill, shaking thewhole thing likeaherdofcows were trampling on the contraption, but I ignored the sound. My handsballedintotightfistspumpedatmysides.Thecurlsthathadescapedmytwistnowclungtothenapeofmyneckandtemples.SweatrandownmythroatandpooledinareasIdidn’twanttoevenacknowledge.

Running.Ugh.Ihatedrunning—hell,loathedallphysicalactivityonmostdays,butbeinga

memberof theOrder,destinedatbirth tohuntdownthefaewhowerefeedingoffmankind,Ikindofhadtobeinshape.

But Iwasn’t on this treadmill at themoment because Iwas some kind ofpredestinedprotectorofmankind.Iwasjustrunning,becausetherewasnothingelseformetodo.Iwasstuckhere,basicallyonhousearrestatHotelGoodFae.SincethePrinceofthefreakingOtherworldcouldsniffmeoutlikesomekindofbloodhound,itwastooriskyformetobeoutroamingthenarrowstreetsofNewOrleans.

Mynailsdugintomypalms.Faye, who had been working undercover at the Prince’s mansion, had

explainedthattheglamoursurroundingHotelGoodFaewouldhidemypresencefromthePrince.ThatwasthekindofpowerthefaewhohaddescendedfromtheSummerCourthad.

AcourtthattheOrderhadtoldusdidn’texistanylonger.MylipsthinnedasIpickedupspeed,literallygoingnowhere.TheOrderhad

lied about somuch. They knew that therewere good fae out there—faewhochosenot to feedoff humans,who livednormal lives, and aged anddied likehumans.TheOrderhadworkedalongsidethematonetime.

HadDanielknown?BeingtheleaderoftheNewOrleanssect,DanielCuvillierhadtoknowthe

truehistoryoftheOrderandthefae.Sothatmeanthe’dalsolied,andforsomereasonitstunglikeabitch.DanielwastheclosestthingIhadtoafathersinceIwas shippedoff toNewOrleans.HewasanornerySOBandspentmore timecriticizingmethanhedidcomplimentingme,buthewas...hewasDanielandIhadtrustedhim.

AllofusintheOrderhadtrustedDaniel—wetrustedtheOrderitself.

Ididn’tevenknowwhyIwasstressingaboutthis,becauseattheendoftheday,diditmatter?IdoubtedIwasstillanOrdermember.

Afterbeingmissinginactionforthelastmonthorso,andwiththeElite—the super special and secretive group within the Order—scouting for theHalfling, Iwas sure they either thought Iwas dead or that Iwas theHalflingthey’dbeensearchingfor.

ThatRenhadbeensentheretofind.IswallowedpastthesuddenriseofnauseaasIgavemyheadalittleshake.

Sweatflungout,dottingthecontrolpanel.TheproblemwasthatweneededtheOrdertoopenthedoorwayssowecouldsendthePrinceback.Ihadnoideahowwewouldcompletetheact,theso-calledbloodandstoneritual.Ithadtobedonein the Otherworld. How in the hell were we supposed to get the currentlymissingCrystalinsidetheOtherworldwiththePrince’sblood,alongwithmine,onit?JustthinkingaboutthatmademybrainhurtandIwasn’taboutthatkindofliferightnow.Mybrainsimplydidn’thavethespaceforanyofthat.

Last night, I foundmyself here after leavingRen in the room. Iwas hereagain, a handful of hours later, because running usually made my brain shutdown.WhenIranlikethis,pushingmybodyuntilmycalvesburned,mythighsached,andmyheart raced, therewas little roomleft to think anddwellon theweeksofmylifeI’dlost—theweeksI’dspentwiththePrince.

Inormallydidn’t thinkaboutthehorriddresshemademewearorthewayI’dbeenchainedtoabed.WhenIranuntilmymusclesfeltlikerubberabouttosnap,Icouldignoretheinsidioushungergnawinginmygut—thekindofhungerthatnoamountofbeignetsorcrawfishwouldsuccor.

When I ran to thepoint thatmy thighs felt likeblocksof cement, I didn’tthinkabouthowthePrincehad forcedme to feedon innocentpeople. Ididn’thear the whimpers they made when my sneakers were thundering off thetreadmill.Ididn’tfeeltheeuphoriathathadcomefromfeeding.

AndwhenIranuntilitfeltlikemychestwasonfire,Ididn’thavethespacelefttothinkaboutwhatthatbitchBreenahaddonewithRen.OrwhatthePrincehaddonetome...hadtriedtodotome.

Keeping my thoughts locked down was top priority at the moment, butrunningwasn’tworkingformenow.

Ineededtofocusonsomething—anything.Mygazeflickeredoverthewall.TherewereseveralmountedTVs,butthey

were all turned off. I’d never actually seen a faework out in here. I honestlydidn’tknowiftheyneededtoworkout.

Didthatmeantheycouldn’tgetthingslikeheartdisease?WhywasIeventhinking—

Thetreadmill’sbeltsuddenlystoppedundermyfeet,pitchingmeforward.Islammedmyhandsdownon the rails,catchingmyself seconds fromknockingmyheadoffthecontrolpanel.

“Jesus,”Igrunted,liftingmygaze.Tink stoodbesideme, holdingonto the emergency cord. “Good afternoon,

Ivy-Divy.I’mhappytoseeyourreflexesarestillonpoint.”Standing,IletgooftherailsandturnedtohimasIdraggedindeepbreaths.“Butyourobservationskillssuckass,”headded,cradlingthegrayslinghe

wore over his shoulders with one hand. “I reached right in front of you andunpluggedthatthing.”

“You’reanasshole.”Mychestroseandfellheavily.Hesmiledproudly.“Iammanythings.Anassholeisoneofthem.”OneofthesedaysIwasgoingtostraight-upmurderTink.AndIhadalotof

reasonstoactlikeitwastimetoPurgewhenitcametohim.Startingoffwiththefactthatupuntilrecently,IthoughtTinkwasaboutthesizeofaKendoll.That’show I’d found the damn brownie in the St. LouisCemeteryNo. 1 , sufferingfromabrokenlegandatearinhisfragile,gossamerwings.He’dbeenaboutafoottall,ifthat.

I’dmadehimalegbraceoutofpopsiclesticksandnursedthelittlepunk-assbacktolifeeventhoughharboringanycreaturefromtheOtherworldwould’vegottenmekilled.Istillreallydon’tknowwhyI’dsavedhim.Ijustfeltsobadforhim,butmaybe thepartofme thatwas faehad takenover,caring foranothercreatureoftheOtherworld.Whoknows?Andhowdidhethankmeforit?Spentmymoneyonbizarre,randomshitheorderedoffofAmazonPrime,hidfrommethat I was a halfling, and forgot to mention that he chose to be only twelveinchestall.That,infact,Tinkwasvery,verytall.

Andtotallyanatomicallycorrect.Seeing Tink all man-sized never failed to wig me out, because I never

thoughtofTink in thatway.Notonlyhadheseenmeinmyundiesahundredtimeswhenhewasminiaturesize,therewasnowalotmoreofTink,and....

AndadultsizeTinkwas...hot.Acknowledging that mademe puke a little in mymouth, but it was true.

Whenhewassmall,hehadthiscute,handsomelittlefaceandhewasjustTink,andnowthathewasallbig, thatcute littlefacehadbroadcheekbonesandhisbodywasrippedand...

Yeah.Iscrewedupmyface.SeeingTinklikethisstillmessedwithmyhead,butI

guessattheendofthedayhewasstillTink,andeventhoughIwantedtobitchslaphimintotheOtherworldoften,Isortof...Idon’tknow...lovedhim.

NotthatI’devertellhimthat.Tink’shairwassoblonditwasalmostwhite,andtodayhehaditspiked.He

waswearingjeansandathermal.Hemust’vegrabbedoneofthetowelsonthewayin,becauseheheldoneinhisfreehand.Iglancedatthebottomofthesling,where a little ballwas curled up.He’d taken to carryingDixon—his new petkitten—aroundinaslingthatIwasprettysurewasdesignedforhumanbabies—

Waitasecond.MyeyesnarrowedonthegraythermalTinkhadon.“AreyouwearingRen’s

shirt?”“Yeah. I think it will endearme to him. Help us bond so we can be like

brothersfromadifferentmother.”“Uh.Doubtful.”Renwasgoingtobepissed.“That’salsoalittleweird.”“Why?Girlsshareclothingallthetime.”“Yeah, the key word is share, Tink. You just took his shirt.” I couldn’t

believeIhadtoexplainthis.“Isthattowelforme?”“Yeah.Youlooklikeyou’vebeenswimminginaswamp.”Hethrewitatme.

“Butatleastyoudon’tlooklikeyoupoppedaneyeballanymore.”“Thanks,” I muttered, wiping the towel over my face. When I made my

escape from themansion, one of the Prince’s minions had tried to choke theever-lovinglifeoutofme.I’dburstabloodvesselinmyeyeduringthestruggle.Itwasjustasgrosstothinkaboutasitwastolookat.

Valor,thePrince’sminion,wasagonerthough.Renhadtakenhimout.ThatwasoneAncientwedidn’tneedtoworryabout.

“I can’t believe you’re in the gym again,” Tink went on, stepping aside.“Whyareyou inhere runningsomuch?Areyoupreparing for the impendingzombieapocalypse that Iknownothingabout?Because ifyouare,weneed tofindthenearestrednecktobecomebestfriendswith,onethat ishot inadirty,ruggedway.Youknow, thekind thatprobablysmells likesweatandman,onewith a complexbackground thatmakesyouhatehimat first, but slowly, overtime,yougrowtolovehim.”

Istaredathim.“You’veputalotofthoughtintothis.”“Ihave.Iliketobeprepared.Sincewe’reinthesouth,itshouldn’tbehardto

findone.So,whyareyouinthegymsomuch?”heasked,notmissingabeat.“WhatelsedoIhavetodo?”IdrapedthetowelaroundmyneckasIwatched

thelittleballatthebottomoftheslingstarttomovearound.“Idon’tknow.”Tinkpattedtheoutsideof theslingandgota tiny,muffled

meow in return. “Youcould spend timewith someof thepeepshere.They’reprettycool.”

“Youthinkthey’recoolbecausetheyworshipyou.”

Hissmilewassowideitcould’vecrackedhisface.“Well,yes,there’sthat.They’resmart.”

Mostof the faeherehadnever seenabrownie.ThePrinceand theWinterCourtbasicallykilledoffTink’skind.

“You could also spend timewithMerle orBrighton,” he added. “MommaMerle isalmostalwaysout in thecourtyard,diggingupsomethingorplantingsomething.She’sinteresting.Weird.Butweirdcanbeentertaining,andMerleisentertaining. And I like Brighton.” He paused. “I don’t think she likes me.Actually,I’mprettysureshe’skindofscaredofme.”

Iarchedabrow.Tinksuredidliketoramble.“ShesortofgoesintheoppositedirectionofwhereverI’mgoing.”Hislips

pursed.“Justthismorning,Iwasinthecommonroom.Youknow,theroomyouneverhangoutin,butanyway,Idigress.Theroomhasallthesecoolgamesandcouches and shit. I was in there, winning a mean game of air hockey, andBrightonwalkedin,madeeyecontactwithme,andthenwalkedrightbackout.Idon’tunderstandwhy.I’msuperfriendlyandapproachable.IalsoknowthatI’mdamngoodlookingbyhumanstandards,too.”

I decided not to point out all theways he probably freaked out Brighton,becausethatwasarabbitholeIdidnotwanttofalldown.Besides,Ineededashowerstat,becauseIdidfeellikeI’dbeenswimminginaswamp.Isteppedoffthetreadmill,andthemomentmyfeethittheground,myentireworldwobbled.“Whoa.”

Tinkgrabbedmyarm,steadyingme.Thedizzinessvanishedasquicklyasitcameon.“Areyoudrunk?”heasked.

Isnorted,slippingfree.“Iwish.Ididn’teatbreakfastorlunchyet.Thatwasdumbofme.”

Tinkwasquietashestudiedme.“Doyouthinkyoumightbeoverdoingit?”“Overdoingwhat?Sittingaroundonanunasked-forextendedvacation?”“Youhaven’tbeensittingaround.You’reworkingout.Nonstop.”“I’mnotoverdoinganything.”Iwalkedaway,edgingaroundthestationary

bikesandpastthelazy-mantreadmills—theellipticals.Tinkwasrightbehindme.“Notthatyouneedreminding,butyouwereheld

captiveforweeksand—”“You’reright.”Iwhirledonhimastheever-presentangereruptedinsideme.

“Idon’tneedreminding.IknowwhereI’vebeen.”“Butdoyouknowwhereyou’regoing?”heaskedsoftly.Iopenedmymouth,butIhadnoideahowtoanswer thatquestion.Where

was I going? The anger slipped away, swallowed by confusion and a nearlyoverwhelmingsenseofhelplessness.

God,Ihatedthatfeeling,becausethelasttimeI’dfeltthiswaywaswhenthefaehadkilledmyboyfriendShaunallthoseyearsago.I’dbeenhelplessthen.I’dbeenhelplesswhenthePrinceputacollararoundmyneckandledmearoundonachain.

Iwasstillhelpless,trappedinHotelGoodFae.LittleDixonpoppedhisgrayheadoutof theslingand lookedaroundwith

sleepykitteneyes.Tinkreacheddownandscratchedathisear.“Renshouldbebacksoon.”

MystomachdippedlikeIwasonarollercoasterthatwasabouttoplummetdownasteephill.Ihadn’tseenhimsinceIleftinthemiddleofthenight.

“IsawhimleavewithFaye.”A hot, suffocating feeling blanketed me, curling low in my stomach and

minglingwitheveryothercrappy thing Iwasgoing through.Theworld tastedbitterinmythroat,likeIwassufferingfromindigestion.

Ihadn’tknownhe’dleftwithFaye.Hadhesaidsomethingtomeaboutit?Icouldn’t recall. Not that it mattered. I mean, I didn’t suspect something oranything like that. Ren said he lovedme, that hewas in lovewithme, and Ibelievedthat.Totally.Ijust...

I wasn’t out there with him. Someone else was, and my head—my headwasn’tright.

“Theyweregoingout, trying tosee if theycould locate theCrystal thing.”Tinkstillscratchedthelittlekitten’searandDixonwaspurringlikeanengine.“Youbeingstuckherewhileyourmanisoutthere,workingtofixthishasgottosuckforyou.”

Idraggedmygazetohis.“Really?Areyoutryingtomakemefeelbetter?”Iturned and started for the door. “Just so you know, it’s not working and yousuck.”

“I’mnottryingtomakeyoufeelbetter,”hereplied,followingme.“I’mjustpointingouttheobvious.”

“It’snotnecessarytopointouttheobviouswhenit’sobvious,Tink.”Therewasbarelyahalfasecondofsilence.“Youdidn’t joinus fordinner

lastnight.”Thinkingthishadtobethelongestexerciseroomever,Ihurriedup.“Youdidn’t joinusfordinner thenightbeforeorbefore that,”hewenton.

“And thatmeansI’vebeeneatingwithRen.Bymyself.We justmaykilleachother.”

“You’llbefine.”Ireachedthedoor,thankGod.“Where have you been?” he asked. “You’ve been here, but you haven’t

been.”

“I’m here, Tink. I’ve just . . .” I didn’t know how to answer this becausewordsfailedme.HowcouldIexplainthateverytimeIwasaroundthefaetheystaredatmewithdistrustful,almostfearful,eyes?TheyknewwhatIwas.TheyknewwhythePrincehadheldmecaptive.TheyknewwhatIsymbolized.“YouknowhowIamwithawholelotofpeople.Youguyseatinthecafeteria.I’mnotintogroupactivity—”

Tink grabbedmy arm, stoppingme from opening the door.He turnedmearound,andforonce,hisexpressionwasahundredpercentserious.“Eatinginacafeteriaisn’tagroupactivity.”Hisgazeflickeredoverme.“Anditdoesn’tlooklikeyou’vebeeneatingbyyourselfeither.”

Ilaughedatthat.“Trustme,I’vebeeneating.Alot.Constant,actually.”Andthatwastruth.Ihadto,becauseifIdidn’tthehungergottome.“I’vejust—”

“Beenrunningtenmilesaday,drinkingtonsofcoffee,andnotsleeping?”Myeyeswidened.“Whoa.Areyoustalkingme?”“I’mpayingattention.SoisRen.”Hisgazeremainedlatchedtomine.“Your

facelooksdifferent.”“What?”“Your cheeks are sunken in andyouhave these shadowsunder your eyes.

Theyweren’ttherebefore.”“Wow.You’restartingtogivemeacomplex.”“Lookslikeyoualreadyhaveone.”Uncomfortable, I pulledmy arm free andwhipped the towel offmyneck,

tossingitintothenearbylaundrybasket.“There’snoreasontopayattentiontome.Okay?”

“Ivy—”Beforehecouldstopme,Iopenedthedoorandsteppedintothehall.Iwas

sonotinthemoodforthisconversation.JustlikeIwasn’tinthemoodwhenRenbroughtitup,whichfeltlikeeveryfiveseconds.

Renwanted to talk about things—things that I didn’t want to think aboutaroundanyone,butespeciallyaroundhim.

Ihurrieddownthehall,knowingTinkwasstillrightbehindme.Pickingupmypace,Ireachedtheendandturned,immediatelystoppingshort.

Tannerstoodinfrontofme.Hewastheleaderofthisplace.IkindofthoughtofhimasKingGoodFae,

buthewasn’taking.Atleast,Ididn’tthinkhewas.When I’d first seen him, I almost fell over in shock. He was the oldest

lookingfaeI’dseenat the time.Faint linesetchedinto thesilveryskinaroundhiseyesandhishairwasmoresaltthanpepper.

He was living and aging proof that he hadn’t been feeding, at least not

regularlyenoughtostaveofftheagingprocess.“Thereyouare.”Tannersmiled,claspinghishandsinfrontofhim.Hewas

always dressed like he was going to a business lunch—dark trousers and abuttondownwhiteshirt.“Iwaslookingforyou.”

“Awesome,”Ichirped,happyforthedistraction.“What’sup?”TannerglancedatTink,hisgazedroppingtowhereIknewDixonhadtobe.

“I’vejustreceivedexcitingnews.”“AmazonPrimewilldeliverherenow?”Tinkasked.Irolledmyeyes.Tannercontinuedtosmile,apparentlybesottedwiththeovergrownbrownie.

“Notyet,butwe’reworkingonit.”Theywereseriouslyworkingonthat?GoodLord.“IwaslookingforyousinceIknewRenwasoutwithFaye,”Tannerwent

on, and I tried to ignore the ugly, stupid twinge in my chest. “We’ve madecontactwithanothergroupwhowebelievecanhelpuslocatetheCrystal.That’sgreatnews,becausewhenIchecked inwithFayeearlier,herandRenweren’thavinganyluckatFlux.”

Flux was a club that we knew was run by Ancients, namely Marlon St.Cryers, a huge developer in the city. Flux could possibly be one of the spotswherethissuperspecialCrystalwasstashedaway.

“Really?”Excitement hummed throughme, a trill inmyblood that hadn’tbeenthereinwhatfeltlikeforever.“How?”

“They’re going to be here in a few days,” he said. “And they have a . . .uniquetalentforfindingthingsthataremissing.”

“Unique talent?”Tinkmused, andwhen I glanced over at him, I saw thatDixonhadretreatedintothebellyofthesling.“Ihavesomeuniquetalents.”

“And you think they can really help?” I cut Tink off before hewent intodetailthatnoneofuswantedtohear.

Well,maybeTannerdid.WhatdidIknow?Tanner nodded. “I really believe so.” His pale gaze flickered over me. “I

have some errands I need to get taken care of. I hope to see you at dinnertonight.”

“Sure,”Imuttered.He skedaddled at that point, leaving me with Tink. I turned to him,

wonderingifTannerhadhelpcoming,thenwhywereRenandFayestillatFlux?Or out there in general? But the moment I saw Tink’s expression, I stoppedthinkingaboutit.

Hewasseriousagain.“Whereareyougoing?”“Toshower.”

“Andafterthat?”Iliftedashoulder.“Idon’tknow.Probablytograbsomethingtoeat.”“Okay.”He extended a hand toward the lobby ofHotelGood Fae. “I can

comewithyou.”“I’mjustgoingtograbasnackandhangoutinmyroom.I’msureyouhave

betterthingstodo,”Itoldhim,backingup.“Likeyouhaveanentireaudienceoffae more than ready to stroke your ego and allow you to beguile them withstories.”

Therewasn’taflickerofchangeinhisexpression.Nogrin.Nosmugglintintheeyes.“Areyouokay,Ivy?”

“Ofcourse,”Isaidwithalaugh.“IalreadytoldyouguysIwasokay.”AndIhadsaid that to them.I’d toldTinkandRenIwasgoing tobeokay

thatdayoutontheswing—thedaythatfeltlikeforeverago,butIwasn’tokay.Iwasfarfromit.

Chapter3

Armsfoldedacrossmychest,Iambleddownthelong,narrowaisleoftheHotelGoodFaelibrary.Itwasonthesamelevelasthelobbyandgymbutwayoverinadifferentwing. I’d accidentally found it a fewdays agowhile everyonewaseatingdinner.

And why did everyone eat dinner at the same time? Was that like someweird,SummerCourt fae tradition? Itwas like being in high school, butwithattractive,silvery-skinnedpeople...whoweren’tevenpeople.

Unfolding my arms, I reached out and trailed my fingers over the thicktomes.Someof thesebookshad tobedecadesold, ifnotolder.A lotwere inlanguagesIdidn’tunderstand.Furtherbackwere thenewerbooksanda lotofgenre fiction, like romance and suspense.They evenhad adecent, up todate,youngadultsection.

ThatwaswhereIwasheadingwhileeveryoneintheentire,massivebuildingwas sittingdown to eat dinner. From the aroma radiating from the cafeteria, Iwas thinking they were having pot roast. Normally that would have mesalivating,butmystomachtwisteduneasily.

Every day I was either starving or on the verge of vomiting, and thereseemedtobenoin-between.Atwhatpointwouldthisstop?AweekhadpassedsincethelasttimeI’d...I’dfed.Thehungerhadtogoaway.

Ishouldprobablyasksomeoneaboutit.FayeknewwhatI’dbeenforcedtodo,butthatwouldrequiremeactuallytalkingtoher—tosomeone,whichyeah,thatwasn’thowIwantedtospendmytime.

Reaching the end of the aisle, I hung a right and moved further into thelibrary.Ilikeditinhere.Itwasquiet,andnoone,notevenTink,thoughttolookformehere.Icouldgrababook,findacorner,andjustsitandread.

AndthatwaswhatIdid.Ipickedupanoldhistoricalromance,thekindthathadabarrel-chesteddude

onitandachickwholookedsecondsawayfromlosingherdress.Ifoundalittlecubbyholetowardthebackandcurledupinacomfy,oversizedchair.

It took a couple of chapters forme to get lost in the story about a youngwomancaughtinafeudbetweenScottishwarlords.I lovedreading,but itwashard toconcentratewhen it felt like I shouldbeout there,doingmore—doingsomething.

Maybe that was what was wrong with me? Maybe I just wasn’t used to

sitting around and doing nothing for dayswith no end in sight. Becausewhoknew?Icouldbesittingaroundforweeks.Maybeevenmonths.

Iwouldn’tmakeit.Exasperatedwithmythoughts,IrefocusedonwhatIwasreading.OnceIgot

mybrain to shutdown, Iwasengrossed.Socaughtup inpicturing the rollinggreenhillsandHighlandmiststhatIdidn’theartheapproachingfootsteps.

“Ivy.”Startled by the deep, smooth as sin voice, I nearly droppedmy book as I

liftedmy chin.Air punched out ofmy lungs themomentmy gaze connectedwitheyesthecolorofspringleaves.

Ren.Ihadnotbeenexpectinghimtofindme.“Hey,”Isaid,findingmyvoiceasIclosedtheoldpaperback.Myhidey-hole

wasnolongerahidey-place.“Whatareyoudoinginhere?”His brows lifted atmy question, and I immediatelywished I hadn’t asked

that.ItcameacrossasifIdidn’twanttobefound,andwell,Ididn’t,butIalsodidn’twantRentoknowthat.

“Imean, isn’t it dinner time?” I quickly added, feelingmy cheeks heat. ItwasanotherdumbquestionIregrettedatonce.

“Yeah, it isdinner.”Movingcloser,hesatdownonmychairandstretchedouthislonglegs.“That’swhyI’mlookingforyou.”

I’ddonethewholedinnerthingthefirsttwonightshere,forcedmyselftoeatthroughthestaresofcuriosityanddistrust.Idon’tknowhowRendidit,butthiswasthefirstnighthehadactuallycomelookingforme.Well,asfarasIknew.Ifhehadandjustcouldn’tfindme,hedidn’tbringitupatnight.

“Ijustgotcaughtupreadingthisbook,”Ilied.“Ihopeyoudidn’tinterruptyourdinnertofindme.”

AweirdlookIcouldn’tquitedecipherflickeredoverhisface,butwasgonebeforeIcouldfigureoutwhatitwas.Heglanceddownatthebook.“Haveyoubeenhereallday?”

“Um,I’vebeenhereforawhile.”Hebitdownonhislowerlip.Amomentpassedinstrainedsilence,and...

well, thingswere justweirdbetweenus.Anditwasallbecauseofme.Iknewthat.Iwasmakingthingsweird.Thedayoutontheswing—thedayIfeltlikeIhadthis,thatwithRenandTinkbymyside,everythingwouldbehandled—nowfeltlikeadifferentlife.

Lettingoutalong,slowbreath,heleanedforward,restinghiselbowsonhisknees. “I got back a couple hours ago and looked for you. First thing I did,actually.”

My heart squeezed as a wave of guilt washed over me. His unspokenquestion hung in the air between us. Where were you? Good question. Ishould’vebeenavailable,waitingforhim.Anythingcould’vehappenedwhilehewasoutthere.ThePrince,theOrder—anything,andIhadworried,butIhadn’twaitedforhim.

Ifoundaplacetohideawayandthat’swhatIdid.Ren lookedaway, focusingononeof the shelves. “I checked thegym, the

common rooms, and the courtyard. Should’ve known to look here, you littlebooknerd.”Hisgrinwasbrief.Stillnodimples.“Ithought...Ithoughtyou’dbeintheroomorsomewhere,youknow,easilyfindable.”

The guilt surged, coursing throughmy veins like battery acid. “I’m sorry.Thetimejustkindofgotawayfromme.”Icurledmyfingersaroundthebook.“So,whathappenedatFlux?”

“Wewereabletosneakin.”Thelineofhisjawsoftenedalittle.“Fayeusedglamouronthehumans.Can’tbelievethedamnplaceisopen.Therewasstaffthereandafewlowerlevelfaewetookcareof.”

IwaskindofsurprisedFluxwasopenandrunning.The last timeI’dbeenthere,ithadbeenamassacre.Bodieshangingfromtheceilingandall.AsightIwouldnoteasilyforget.

“Wedidn’tfindanything,”hecontinued.FayehadneverseentheCrystalatthehousethePrincewasholedupin,soithadtobestashedawaysomewhere.“Whilewewereout,wedecidedtocheckoutsomeofthecemeteries.Nothingsuspiciousthere.”

“DidTannerget aholdofyouguys?” Idroppedmygazewhenhe lookedoveratme.

“Yeah.” There was a beat of silence. “Said someone or something wascomingtohelpuslocatetheCrystal,butI’llbelieveitwhenIseeit,youknow?IfthatCrystalwasn’tatthemansion,thenit’sgottobesomewherehere.”

Inodded.“HowisitworkingwithFaye?”“Weird,” he answered, and thankfully, there wasn’t a twinge of jealousy.

“Whoeverthoughtwe’dbeworkingalongsidethefae?”“It hadnever crossedmymind.” I didn’tpointout that technicallyhewas

dating someonewho could be considered fae since Iwas a halfling. “Do youthinktheEliteknew?”

Ren had been raised in the secretive sectwith theOrder, destined to be amember.“Ineverheardanythinglikethat,buttheElitehadtoknow.”Hisvoicehardened,and Ipeekedup.Hewas focusedonabookshelfagain.His lipwascurledindisgustwhenhecontinued,“Kylehadtohaveknown.”

Ifeltthesamedisgust.KyleClareranthegroupofElitethatRenhadcome

from,andhewasadick.Agiant, flamingdickheadwhohadkilledRen’sbestfriendNoah.

Noahhadturnedouttobeahalfling,leavingRentornbetweenhisdutyandsomeonehecaredabout.Thesameexactpositionhefoundhimselfinwithme.

“That’s the thing that keeps getting to me.” Ren tipped his head back,workinghisneck fromside to side. “Whywould theykeep the fact that therewerefaeouttherewhoweregoodasecret?Thattheyworkedsidebysidewiththem?”

“Idon’tknow,”Iwhispered.Thatwasthequestionoftheyearitseemed.Ren’s gaze foundmine. “We’ve hadOrdermembers dying in the fucking

streetseveryweekfightingthefae.Howmanydiedthenightthedoorwaywasopened?”

“Sixteen,”Ianswered,anumberI’dneverforget.“Andthewholetimetherewasthisplacefulloffaethatcouldfightbyour

side,whowantthesamethingaswedo.It’sbullshit.”Itwas a lot of things.Bullshitwas only one of them. “I’ve been thinking

aboutit.Ijustcan’tbelievethereisn’tareason.I’mnotsayingit’sajustifiableone,butwhydid theOrder take theCrystal from these fae, andwhydid theyhide their old alliance from all of us? It has to be something big.” I glanceddownthesilentaisles.“AndIcan’tbelieveitwasjusttheOrder.EspeciallysinceTanner hasn’t been exactly forthcoming on the hows and whys of whathappened.”

“Yeah,wheneverI’vebroughtitup,he’sdodgedthequestion.SohasFaye.”Heleanedover,hisarmbrushingagainstmybentleg.“Andyouknowwhattheyalwayssay.Therearethreesidestoeverystory.”

“TheOrder.TheSummerCourt.Andthetruth,”Ianswered.“Doyou...doyoutrustthem—thefaehere?”

WhenRen’sgazefoundmineagain,Ididn’tlookaway.“IdoorIwouldn’thavegivenupthedaggerstostayhere.”

Tannerhadaskedthatourweaponsbehandedover,justincase.Wehad,butthethornstakeremainedinourroom,becausethosethingswererareandweretheonlyweaponthatcouldtakeoutanAncient.

“We’ve been vulnerable, so they’ve had plenty of chances to take us out.Theyhaven’t.They’vemadesurewe’vebeenfed,havea roofoverourheads,and we’re somewhere safe. Plus, they helped get you here.” He reached in,lightlytouchingmyhandwiththetipsofhisfingers.“Doyoutrustthem?”

Mygaze dropped to his fingers.Truthfully, therewere only two people inthisentireworldthatItrustedahundredpercentrightnow.Renand,ascrazyasitsounded,Tink.I’dlearnedthehardwaythatnomatterhowwellyouthought

youknewsomeone,thatdidn’tmeanyoureallydid.Valwasproofofthat.“Itrustyou,”Isaid.Renquietly slippedhishandundermypalm, threadinghis fingers through

mine.My breath caught as a knot of emotion swelled inmy chest. Slowly, Iclosedmyfingersaroundhis.Heliftedourhandstohismouth,placingakisstothe top of my hand. A whirling cyclone of yearning and hesitation formed atangledmessinsideme.IwantedtoclimbintohislapandIwantedtorunaway.

Heloweredourhandstohisthigh.“Let’sgograbdinner.”Yeswasonthetipofmytongue,butthatwasn’twhatcameoutofmymouth

as Ipulledmyhand free.“Ialreadygrabbedsomething toeat,butyoucangoahead.I’mgoingtogetbacktomeninkilts.”

Amuscleflexedalonghisjawandthenhisexpressionsmoothedout.“Whatdidyoueat?”

RecallingtheconversationwithTink,IwentintoexaggerateddetailonwhatI’dconsumedtoday.Halfofitwasalie.AfterI’dshowered,IhadeatenagiantbowlofCheeriosandapeanutbuttersandwich.BothhadsettledinmystomachlikeleadandtherehadbeenafewtersemomentswhereIthoughtIwasgoingtospendtherestoftheafternoonprayingtotheporcelaingod.

WhenIwasfinished,Iwasn’tquitesureifRenbelievedmeornot.“Okay,”hedrewthewordout.“ThencomesitwithmewhileIeat.”

Tension seeped intomymuscles.Knowing that thecafeteriawouldbe jampackedwithfae—withfaethatknewexactlywhatIwasandwhatthePrincehadwantedfromme—turnedmystomach.

Ipressedbackintothecushionof thechair.“I thinkI’mjustgoingtochillhere.”

Disappointmentflashedacrosshisface,andIhadtolookaway.“Ivy.”TherewasapauseasIfelthisintensegazeonme.“Imissyou.”

“I’ve been right here,” I said, trying to suppress the sudden surge ofirritation.Beingirritatedwithhimwasn’tright.Renwasdoingnothingwrong.Idrewinadeepbreathandforcedasmile.“Ihavenootherplacetogo.”

“You’rehere,Sweetness.”Hisvoicewassoft,but I flinchednonethelessattheuseofthenickname.Ishould’veknown.WhenthePrincewasmasqueradingasRen,henevercalledmethat.“Physically,you’rehere,butthat’saboutit.”

Iopenedmymouth,butIdidn’tknowhowtorespondtothatbecausehewasspeakingthetruth.Noonehadtobeobservanttoseethat.

Hewaitedformetorespond,andwhenIdidn’t,hisshouldersliftedwithadeepbreath.Herose,andwhenhespoke,histonemademychestache,becausethere was this . . . immeasurable gulf between us and it just kept growing,expandinguntilIworriedthatthere’dbenobridgebigenoughforeitherofusto

cross.“I’mgoingtograbsomefood.Youknowwheretofindme.”Pressingmylipstogether,Inodded.Renstareddownatmeforamoment,andIthoughthemightsaysomething,

buthedidn’t.Heturnedandwalkedaway,hisbackstraightandstiff.AndIsatthere,staringatthespacehe’dstoodinlongafterhe’dgone.

Iwantedhimtostay.Iwantedhimtopickmeupanddragmetothecafeteria.ButIalsowantednothingmorethanwhathe’djustdone,whichwastoleave

mealonewiththeemptiness.

Chapter4

Aseveninggrew into night, I gaveupon reading and left the library. I reallydidn’t have a plan forwhere Iwas going.Antsy, Iwas just roaming the hallswhileavoiding,well,everyone.

IknewnomatterhowlongIavoidedgoingbacktotheroom,Renwouldbeawake.He’djustbelyingthere,gazegluedtotheTV,whetheritwasnineortwoin the morning. Every night he waited for me while I got changed in thebathroomlikeIwassixteenagain.Thecoversonmysideofthebedwerepulledback.I’dclimbinandlaydown,andafewsecondswouldpass,andthenhe’dcurlaroundme,holdingmetightagainsthischest.

That contact, his chest againstmy back, his arm aroundmywaist, alwaysfrazzledme.Itwas toomuchandnotnearlyenoughallatonce,but itwas theonlythingthathelpedmefallasleep.

RenwastheonlyreasonIfellasleep.Islept themeagerhours that Imanagedtogeteverynightbecauseofhim,

becausehewaitedforme.Becausehe’dbeennothingbutpatient,andGod,hewassuchagoodguy.Perfect.Forreal.Hecouldevenfoldfittedsheets,andwhocoulddothat?Iwasjustbeingso...sofreakingscrewedup.

I stopped just outside the courtyard and stared up at the hundreds andhundredsoftwinklingstringlights.

WhenIfirstsawtheoldPowerPlantoffPetersStreet,ithadlookedlikeoneof the many rundown, abandoned buildings, but that was some powerfulglamour.NowIsawitforwhatittrulywas:abeautifullyrenovatedbuildingthatrivaled any of the swanky hotels in New Orleans. Faye had said they couldhouse hundreds of fae who were looking for a safe place to hide out. Thecourtyardwasbeautiful—peaceful.ThatwaswhyIoftenfoundmyselfouthere.Icouldjustsitandbealone.

Icouldthink—thinkaboutallthethingsIdidn’twanttothinkaboutaroundotherpeople.

AsIwalkedunderthepaperlanternsandtwinklingstringlights,IwonderedifthiswaswhatpartsoftheOtherworldlookedlike.

ThatwassomethingI’dneverthoughtaboutbefore.IfollowedthepathtowardwhatInowconsideredmyswing.Therewasan

unseasonable chill to the air, and locals probably thought it was too cold. Iwould’ve been loving it except I knew it was because theWinter Court was

spillingintoNewOrleans.Thatkindoftookthefunrightoutofthecoldsnap.Stoppingatthepathway,Ifoldedmyarmsovermywaistandlistened.Itwas

strange.TherewasthedistantsoundoflaughterandconversationcomingfromtheinsideofHotelGoodFae.Buttherewerenosirens.Noblaringhorns.NewOrleans never slept and itwas never quiet.Not like this. It had to be the fae.Theyhadmagicalsound-blockingtalentsorsomething.

Damn,iftheycouldbottleandsellthat?I found my way to the swing and sat, using my toes to push myself.

Unfoldingmyarms, Iplacedmyhandsonmy thighsandclosedmyeyes.Mystomachchurned,causingmetosuckinasharpbreath.

Iwassodamnhun—Nope.Openingmy eyes, I exhaled long and slow. I looked around, taking in the

fullybloomed iriseswhile I ignored the tremor rollingupanddownmyarms.ThenIdidwhatIdideverynight.

Drake.Everymuscle inmybodylockedup,squeezingmychestand throatuntil I

thoughtImightvomit.Drake.Drake.Drake.IrepeatedthePrince’snameoverandoverinmyhead.Ikeptsayingituntil

someofthetensioneasedupandthepressurerecededfrommychest.IsaidhisnameuntilIdidn’twanttohurlanylonger.

These mental gymnastics were harder than running on a treadmill.Desensitization. Because how would I face Drake if the mere thought of hisnamemademewanttopuke?

Shivering as sharp wind picked up, I looked around the courtyard. Theflowers stirred and the lights swayed. The place was as empty as I felt, anddammit,Ihatedthat—hatedthis.

Becausethiswasn’tme.Itwasn’twhoIwas.Sowhat in thehellwas I doingout here? I shouldbe inside—I shouldbe

talking toRen.Wewere a team.Partners.Lovers.Friends. I needed to talk tohim.TellhimwhatIwasfeeling,becauseifIjustgotthosewordsout,Iknewhe’d help me make sense of them. I needed to tell him about the incessanthunger.

Icouldtalktohimaboutit. Icouldtalktosomeone, tell them—tellRen—thatIdidn’tfeellikemyself.ThatsomehowI’dlostwhoIvyMorganwas.

BecauseIcouldn’tkeepdoingwhatI’dbeendoing,roamingaimlesslyand

hiding.Thatwasn’tbraveatall,butmostimportantly,itwasn’tsmart.IknewenoughfromthePsych101classI’dtakenatLoyolathatsometimes

talking to someone was the best medicine out there. It might not fix all themessinessinmyhead,butithadtohelp.Itwasthefirststepinthewholehealinganddealingwith trauma thing.Puttingwhat Iwas feeling intowordswas likecuttingoutthatdarknessinsideme.

I would find Ren and I would talk. I would definitely say something offreakingvalue.

Standingupfromtheswing,Ihurriedinsideandbackdownthehall,walkingbyseveralcloseddoorswhileIkeptmygazeoffthefaethatpassedme.Noneofthemeverapproachedmewhenwecrossedpaths.Mostdidn’tevenlookinmydirection.Iwonderedif theytreatedRenthesame—ifitwasbecausewewereOrdermembersorifitwasbecauseIwastheHalfling.

Thatwasaquestionprobablybestleftunanswered.AsInearedoneofthelargecommonareas,Iheardsomethingthatbrought

metoacompletestop.IheardRen’slaughter.Drawntoitinawaythatwasalmostuncontrollable,Iinchedalongthewall

likeatotalcreeper.Stoppingjustbeforethewidearchwaythatledintotheroom,Ileveleduponthewholecreeperthingandpeeredinside.

TinkwasthefirstpersonIsaw,andIwaskindofshockedthathewasintheroomwithalaughingandnon-murderousRen.

Tink was sitting on the arm of the couch, near a very uncomfortableBrighton.Herblondehairwaspulledbackinaponytail, likealways.Brightonwas inhermid-thirties, but she looked like shewas adecadeyounger, havingthisagelessqualityabouther,muchlikehermother.

SittingbesideBrightonwasafaeI’dmetonthenightI’descapedthePrince.Hehad fair hair, so I knew itwasKalen.Tink claimedhe couldn’t tellKalenapartfromDane,theotherfaethathadbeenpartofRescueIvyOperation,butDanehaddarkhair,soIhadnoideawhyhehadsomuchdifficulty.

Renwassittinginachair,hisprofiletothedoorway.Hewasleaningback,ananklerestingonhisknee,acheekplantedonafist.Hewassmilingandhisshoulders were loose. His entire body appeared that way. Ren looked . . .relaxed.

Ihadn’tseenhimlooklikethatsince...sinceItoldhimIwastheHalfling.Of course, the next time I’d seen him it hadn’t been him but the Princepretendingtobehim.RenhadbeencapturedthesamenightIbrokethenewstohim.Ididn’tseethe‘real’RenagainuntilthePrincetookmetothecellwherethey’dbeenholdinghim.

Bitingonmylip,mygazeslippedfromhimtoFaye.Shewasinherhumanform. Dark hair. Rich brown skin. Beautiful. She was perched on the arm ofRen’schair.

Istartedtotastebloodinmymouth.Lettinggoofmy lip, I crossedmy arms asFaye smileddown atRen like

theywereallbuddy-buddy.Imean,not that Iwas jealous,but Iguessedscouting togetherwasagreat

waytobond.ThatwashowRenandIgrewclose—okay,Istoppedthatlineofthought before I ran into the common room, grabbed Faye by her hair, andrippedheroffthearmofthechair.

Tinkwouldtotallyapprovesinceheloveddramaofallkinds.Therewereotherfaeintheroomwiththem,onesIdidn’trecognize,butmy

gazecrawleditswaybacktoTinkandRen.Theylookedso . . .well-adjusted, like thiswasanormalnight,anydayof

theweek.Happyeven,andmostimportantly,theywereatease.Neitherofthemwere that way around me. Not even Tink. Sure, he was Tink, but even hesometimesseemedlikehewaswalkingoneggshellsaroundme.

TalkingtoRenabouteverythingtookabackseat.Thelastthingheneededatthemomentwastodealwithmyemobullshit,becausehe’dbeenthroughsomenastystufftooandheneededmomentslikethis.Momentswherehecouldjustrelaxandbenormalandnotdwellonwhathappenedtohim—tous.

Ididn’twanttotakethatfromhim.I stepped back and turned around, starting toward the elevators when I

stopped.WherewasIgoing?Sighing,Ipivotedandmademywaybacktothecourtyard.AfterbeingheldinthatdamnroomatthePrince’smansionforweeks,Ididn’twant tobecoopedup inyetanother room. Itwaschillyoutside,but Ipreferredgoosebumpsoverfourwallsandadoor.

Followingthepathwayoncemore,Iletmyfingerstrailacrosstheleafyvinesthat all but covered the archway.Outside of this place, the vines and flowerswere starting to die because of the cold spell, but everything was alive here.Enchanted.MaybethatwaswhyIfounditsopeaceful?Imovedfurtherintothegarden,furtherawayfromHotelGoodFae.

“Hey.”Startledbythevoice,Iturnedwithaslightfrown.Amalefaestoodseveral

feetfromme.Ihadn’tseenhimbefore,butheappearedtobearoundmyage.Iglanced over my shoulder. Of course, no one stood there. I faced the fae,surprisedsincenoneofthemeverspoketome.“Me?”

The fae’s hands opened and closed at his sides. “You’re the only personstandinghere,right?”

Wow.Okay, thatwassomeunnecessaryattitude.“Yeah,but Ihaveanameandit’snot‘hey.’”

His jaw tightened and those pale blue eyes were practically on fire as hesteppedforward.“Iknowwhatyournameis,butitdoesn’tmatter.Yournameisirrelevant.”

“Whoa.”Ibarkedoutashortlaugh.“Aren’tyouwarmandfuzzy?”Heignoredthecomment.“Whyareyouhere?”Thatseemedlikeastupidquestion.“Well,it’skindofalongstory,butIcan

giveyoutheversionfordummiesifyou’dlike?”Thefaesneered.“Weallknowwhatyouareandwhatthatmeans.That’sall

weneedtoknow.”Inwardly,myentirebodycringed,butIkeptmyexpressionblankasImoved

towardhim.NowaywasIgoing to lethimknowthatbotheredme.“IknewIshouldn’thaveupdatedmyFacebookstatustohalfling.”

Hislipspeeledback.“Youstandthereasifthisisallajoke,inaplacesacredtous,whileputtingallofourlivesindanger?I’mgladyoucanfindthehumorinthis.”

All thesnappyresponsesdiedon the tipofmy tongue.“HowamIputtingyour lives indanger?Look, justbecauseIbelongedto theOrderdoesn’tmeanI’msecondsawayfromkillingyouall.”

“IthasnothingtodowithyoubelongingtotheOrderoryourindiscriminatekillingofourkind.”

SoundedanawfullotlikeithadtodowiththeOrder.The fae’s eyes narrowed. “It has everything to do with you being the

Halfling. The Princewill eventually find you here.We all know it. It’s just amatter of time, and when he does, he won’t just take you and leave. He’llslaughterallofus,” the fae shotback, chillingmyblood. “Is it so funnynow,Halfling?”

Mybodywentcold.“Iwastoldthatthisplacewasprotected—”“It is, butnot for long.Theglamourwill fail.”The sneer slipped fromhis

face.“Andthatiswhywehavenootheroption.Aslongasyou’rehere,weareall indanger.My family.My friends.They’ll alldiebecauseTannergaveyoushelter.”

I didn’t get the chance to ask him to explain the whole option thing. Afootstepsnappedatwigbehindme.Intheverybackofmymind,Icursedmyselffornotbeingobservant—fornotscopingoutthelocation,nomatterhowsereneitseemed.

IwastrainedintheOrdersincebirth.Ishouldhaveknownbetter.Butitwastoolate.

BeforeIcouldevenfullyregisterwhatwashappening,red-hotpaineruptedalongmyback,radiatingthroughmysideanddownmylegs,droppingmetomyknees.

Chapter5

Timesloweddowntoaninfinitecrawlassticky,wetwarmthcascadeddownmyback.ShockingpainrobbedmylungsofbreathasIplantedasteadyinghandonthepavement.Inastunnedstateofdisbelief,Iplacedmypalmtomyback.

Gasping out a sharp cry, I immediately regretted the decision. Jerkingmyhandback,Icouldseeitwascoveredininkydarkness.Blood.Lotsofblood.Itmadetheairsmellmetallic.

I’dbeen...stabbed.Holyshit,I’dbeenstabbed!Snappingoutoftheshock,Ilurchedtomyfeetandspunjustintimetosee

themoonlightreflectoffagnarlylookingbladearcinghighaboveme.Instincttookover.Icaughttheattackerbythearmandtwisted.Thecrackofbonedidn’tfillme

withgleelikeitnormallywould,becausethemovementtoreatmyside,sendinganotherwaveofblisteringpainthroughmybody.Istumbledinitswakejustasthefaefellforward,droppingthebladeasitcradleditsbrokenarmtoachest—alargechest.

Thefaewasfemale.“Youstabbedme!”Igaspedout.She liftedherhead just as I slammedmyknee intoher chin, snappingher

headback.She toppledbackward, either knockedout or deadby the time shelandedonherback.

Ireachedtomywaistforadagger,onlyrememberingquicklythatIhadnoweapons.We’dpromisednottocarrythem.Dammitallto—

A body slammed into my back, taking me down into the nearby bush.Landingonmyback,ascreampunchedoutofme,rippingthroughthenightair.Myentirebodywentstiffwithpain,andforasecond,onlyadamnsecond,Iwasimmobile.

Anditwasasecondtoolong.Iwas flippedontomy stomach.Weight landedonme.Kneesdug intomy

backasIcrashedthroughthickleavesandflowers.Dirtandbranchesdugintomyfaceashandsforcedmyheaddown.Mouthopen,IdraggedindirtandGodknowswhatelseasIscreamedinrage.

Iknewbetter.Iknewbetter.Thewordskeptrecycling.Thereweretwofae,maybemore, and I turnedmy damn back on at least one of them. Twice. So

stupid—deadlystupid.Iknewbetter.Istruggledtoliftmyheadoutofthedirt,managingtotakeinagulpofclean

air a moment before my face was slammed down once more with excessiveforce. Wet warmth exploded across my face, filling my mouth as I reachedaround, trying to grab one of the hands that were bound and determined tosmothermeinadamnbutterflybush.

“Justletgo,”thevoicesaidintomyear.“Justletgoandmakethiseasieronyourself.”

Letting go meant being suffocated in a bush and that was just not how Iwantedtoleavethisworld,sothatwasgoingtobeabigfatnope.

“I can’t let you live,” he continued. “I havemy family to think about.Wehavethiscommunitytoprotect.”

Liftingmylegsup,Islammedmyhandsintothebush—throughthebush—andpushedmyselfupwitheveryounceofstrengthIhadinme.Spacebetweenthegroundandmegrew.Diggingin,IgruntedasIflippedmybody.

Thefaewentalongfortherideuntilheslidoffmyback,takingmewithhim.Ilandedonhischest.Bothofuswerestunnedforamoment.ThenIsprangintoaction.Liftingmyrightarm,Ibroughtmyelbowdown, jabbing thebastard intheside.Aribgaveway.Maybetwo.

Hegrunted,armsfallingtohissides.Rollingoffhim,Iscrambledsideways,leapingtomyfeetasIliftedmyhands.

Ohshit.MyeyeswidenedasIstaredatmylefthand.Therewasabranch—amother-

lovingbranch—imbeddedcleanthroughthecenterofmyhand!“Oh my God!” I shouted as I reached with my good hand, gripping one

bloodyend.“Holyshit,there’sabranchinmyhand!”“Should’vebeeninyourhead,”thefaemuttered.“Rude,”Igasped.Thefaewhirledtohisfeet,movinginsanelyfast.Ididn’tgetachancetopull

thebranchout,soIsteppedtothesideandswungmyhandoutwithoutthinking.Mybranch-handslammedintothefae’sface.Hefelltotheside,takingmewithhim. I landedonmyknees.Thefaehowledasbloodpouredoutofhisgapingmouth.

“SweetJesus,”Igroaned.Mybranch-handhadmissedhiseye,butmyhandwasnowattachedtohischeek.Thebranchhadgonethroughhischeek.

Sofreakinggross.Tearingmybranch-handfree,Iclimbedtomyfeetandgrabbedoneendof

thebranch.DizzinessrolledthroughmeasIsteppedback.Iyankedthebranchfree,screamingastheburnspreadallthewayupmyarm.Nauseatwistedupmy

stomach.Once Ihad thebranchout, I tossed itaside.Amoment later, thedamnfae

wasonhisfeet,hisfacebloody.“GoodGod,”Iexclaimed,loweringmyruinedhand.“Yourfaceisdisgusting.”

Thefaeletoutaroarandchargedme.Idartedtotheside.OrthoughtIdid,butmyreflexesweredull.Hecaughtmylefthandandsqueezed.Rageandpainpoweredthroughme.Idrewhimforward,bringingmykneeupatthesametime.Icaughthiminthemidsection,butitbarelywindedhim.Withhisfreearm,hebackhandedmestraightintonextweek.

Ifell,crackingdownononeknee.“Shit.”Whenwas the last time a normal fae had knockedme around like that? I

couldn’tremember.Ithadtobeyears.The next blow almost put me flat on my back, but I pushed through it,

regainingmy footing.The faeand Iwent toe to toe, andwithno trueweaponlikeanirondagger,itwasgoingtorequirecreativityandstrengthtooutlastthefae.

Butmy stepswere too slow.The kicks I delivered lacked any real power.Evenmypuncheswereweakandoff.Thetimeoutoftrainingandcombathadtakenitstoll.Iwasn’tprepared.Myheadwasn’tintherightplace.

ThatwaswhyIwasgettingmyasskickedbyanormalfae.EachhitItookeitherbrokeskinormywill.Eachnewburstofpainseemed

shockinglytooreal.EachtimeIgotknockeddown,itwashardertogetbackup.ButIdid.Ikeptgettingbackup.Draggingmyselftomyfeet,Iwipedthebloodoutofmyeyes.Well,oneeye.

Theotherwasswellingandblurring.OnlyahandfulofminuteshadpassedsinceI literallygotstabbed in theback,butmymuscles felt like leadandmybonesfeltbrittle.

AndIwasstillbleeding.Whatevernoiseweweremakingwaslostinwhateverdamnenchantmentthe

fae had on the courtyard.My feet were heavy as I shuffled off the pathway,closertotheentrance.

RenandTinkwere justmereyardsaway,but theycouldbe inanothercityforallitmattered.

Breathing heavy, Iwhirled around, searching for someweapon. The knifewaslostinthedarkness,besidethestillpronefemalefae.

“You grow tired.” Blood and spittle dripped from the fae’s mouth. “Yougrow weaker with every passing second. How you’ve fought our kind andsurvivedalltheseyearsisbeyondme.”

“Screw you,” I bit out, swaying. Ormaybe it was the courtyard that wasmoving. I had no idea. That statement just pissed me off, but he was right.Focus, Ivy. Ihad tobe smart. Iwasweakand tired,andbackupwascurrentlychilling,havingalovelyevening.Iwasn’tgoingtowinthis.Noway.

Iwasgoingtohavetotucktailandrun.“Youhavetodie.”Thefae’swordsweremushy.“It’snothingpersonal.You

justneedtodieandthenthePrincewon’tcomeforyou.”“Dying sounds pretty personal to me.” The back of my neck tickled. I

thoughtIheardmovementinthecourtyard.Thefaeattacked.Dippingtoavoidameanuppercut,Ishiftedmyweightandkickedoutwith

my foot. I landed the maneuver, swiping the bastard’s legs right out fromunderneathhim.Hewentdowninafleshysmack,andIdidn’twastetime.

Isnatchedupaheavyriverrockandbroughtitdownonthesideofhisheadwith everything I had in me. The sickening crunch rattled my entire body.Fallingontomyside,Idroppedthebloodiedrock.

Breathingheavy,Isqueezedmyeyesagainstthetopsy-turveythecourtyardwascurrentlydoingasIsatback—fellback—ontomybutt.Inmychest,itfeltlikemyheartwas...stuttering.

Okay.Ineededtogetup.Ineededtogetinsideandfind...IneededtofindRen.Ihadtotellhim...

WhatdidIhavetotellhim?Everything.Ihadtotellhimeverything.My head was swimming, and I was lying flat onmy back. How did that

happen?Iwasn’tsure,butIknewifIkeptlyinghere,Iwasn’tgettingbackup.Iwoulddie.Youaredying.Thevoicethatwhisperedinmythoughtswasashocktomy

system. Iwas . . . Iwas dying.All the sticky blood coveredmy entire body.Therecouldn’tbemuchleft.

Blinkingslowly, Idrew ina shudderingbreath.Thiswasmyowndoing. Ihadn’t been in any shape to fight.Not eating right.Not sleeping. I should’vebeenpayingattention.Ishould’veknown.Thatwasanamateurishmistake,justlikeall thoseyearsagowhenIkilledthefaebeforeI’dbeenauthorizedto.I’dgotteneveryonekilledandnow...nowI’dgottenmyselfkilled.

No.Iwasn’tdying.Iwasjust...sleepy.Icouldsleep.Renwouldfindme.Iwouldwakeupandhe’dbehere.So,I

didsleep.IthinkIdid.Atleastforalittlewhile.Butthenaircaughtinmythroatandmyeyesflutteredopen.Thestarsshone

brightly. Iwasstillhere. Iwasalone.NoRen,noTink.Myhead lolled to theright.Thefaewasstillhere,though,andbythelooksofit,hewassuperdead.

Iwasalive.ReliefgavewaytoakeensenseofdisappointmentIdidn’tunderstand,but

couldn’t focuson at themoment, because I needed toget up. If I didn’t,whowouldwatchoutforTink?Renwould,buthe’dblamehimself.

Icouldn’tletthathappen.Lurchingtomyfeet,IteeteredunsteadilyuntilIgotmyselfturnedaround.I

walkedbacktowardthedoors,exceptitfeltlikeIwaswadingthroughquicksandandIwasn’tmakingmuchprogressatall.No,itwasslowanduneven,andtheentireworldkeptblinkinginandout.Itrippedoverstones,grittingmyteethasIforcedoneleginfrontoftheother.IfIcouldjustgettothedoors,getinside,andgettoRen...

Roundingthecorner,Istumbledontothepathwayandreachedout,grippingthe vine-covered trellis. The soft glow of the lobby lights seeped over thepathway.Thedoorswere right there. I swalloweddown the tasteofbloodandkeptgoing,mystepsturningsluggish.

Ren.Ren.Ren.Ichantedhisname.Iwasalmostthere.Justalittlebitmoretogo.Myhandswerenumb. I’d lost feeling in them,but thatwasokay,becausemyfeetwerestillworking.Justalittlebitfurther....

A shadow appeared in the double doors and it grew closer. The shadowbecameamoredistinctiveshapeandthentheshapebecameaperson.

“Ren,”Icalledout,butitwasonlyawetwhisper.Itriedagain,butnowtherewasnosound.

He appeared as if he’d been summonedbymy chants, andmaybehe had,becausethedoorswereopeningandhewaswalkingoutside,hisgazesweepingoverthecourtyard.

Iknewthemomenthesawme.Hedrewupshort.“Ivy?”AndIknewthemomentthelightfrominsidereachedme.Iopenedmymouth,butmytonguedidn’twork.“Ivy!”PanicfilledhisvoiceasRenbroke intoarun,his feetpoundingoff

thepavement.Something landed on my back, between my shoulder blades. Something

sharpandhotandittookwhateverairwasleftinmylungs.StolewhatstrengthIhadleft.

Iwentdown,butIdidn’tfeeltheimpact.ThefuryrolledoffReninwaves,fillingthecourtyardandovershadowingeverythingelse.Hewasablur,shootingpastme.

Mycheekwassuddenlyrestingagainstthecoolstone.Icouldn’tfeelmyfeetany longer. Thatwas probably bad, but I wasn’t thinking about that anymoreanyway.Therewasasharpcry,andabodylandednexttomine,theheadtwistedatanunnaturalangle.Itwasher—thefemalefae.

Ihadn’tkilledher.Stupid,stupidme.Anotherridiculous,amateurisherror.“Ivy. Come on, Ivy.” Gentle hands turnedme over, ontomy back. “Jesus

Christ.”ThetoneofhisvoicetoldmeIshouldbeworried,butIcouldn’tfinditinme

todredgeupthoseemotions.Ahandcradled thebackofmyhead. “Sweetness, lookatme.Please.”He

liftedme,andIwasweightless.Floating.“Dammit,openyoureyesandlookatme.”

Iwasn’tlookingathim?Forcingmyeyesopen,IfoundmyselfstaringintoRen’sstrikingface.Those

vibranteyesweredarkinthemoonlight,wideandendless.Hewassoverypaleandtherewassomuchdarknesscrowdinghisfeatures.“I’m...”

“Don’ttrytotalk,”hesaid,andhewasmovingfast,practicallyflying.“Justhanginthere,Ivy.Keepyoureyesopenandonme,okay?Staywithme.”

ButIhadto.Ihadtosayit.“I’m...sorry.”

Chapter6

Theworldflickeredinandout,likeafadinglightbulb.Itriedtokeeptrackofwhatwashappening.IknewRenwascarryingmeinside.Icouldfeelhishardshoulder against my cheek. I felt every step he took. Darkness gave way towarmthandbrightness.

“Ineedadoctor!”Renwasshouting,hisvoiceedgedwithwildpanic.“JesusChrist,someone!Ineedadamndoctor!”

It was getting hard to keepmy eyes open, and I thought that maybe . . .maybeitwastoolateforadoctor.Theworldfadedoutagain.

Thenext thing IknewIwas lyingona soft surface thatdidn’thavemuchgive to it and the room was extraordinarily bright—too bright. It took me acoupleof seconds to realize Iwas in the infirmary,aplace in thebasementofHotelGoodFaethatIwassuresawlittleaction.

“Ren.”Hisnamebubbledupfrommylips.“I’mhere.”Hecarefullytouchedmycheekwithhisfingertips,drawingmy

attention.“Fuck,Ivy.”Therewereothervoices.Awoman’sIdidn’trecognize.“You’regoingtofeel

abigpinch,”shesaid,holdingmyrightarm.I didn’t feel anything as I stared intoRen’s eyes,wonderingwhy his face

seemedfuzzy.ButthenTinkwassuddenlythere,standingbesideRen.“Whathappenedto

you?Ivy?”Hiseyeswerewidewithhorrorashescannedme.“Whodid this?ThePrince?”

Someonegaspedintheroom.Thecoolhandonmyarmstilled.“No,”Rengrowled,andtheonewordechoedintheroomlikeagunshot.“It

wasfaethatlivedhere.”“Two,”Imanagedtowhisper.“Thatcannotbe.”ThatwasTanner,butIcouldn’tseehim.“Thosewholive

herewouldnotharmyou—harmanyofyou.”The fact that I was bleeding out from multiple stab wounds proved

differently.The air in the room filled with static, and Ren’s fingers left my cheek. I

couldn’tseehisfaceorhiseyesanymore.Hepulledback,andIdidn’tseehimmove,butIheardabodyhitawall.

“No!”someoneshouted,andTinkwhirled.Therewasascream.

Whatthehellwashappening?Itwasastruggletoliftmyheadandclearmyvision,butImanagedjustintimetoseethatRenhadTannerpinnedtothewallwithahandaroundtheolderfae’sthroat.

“Yousaidweweresafehere.”Ren’svoicewastooflat,toocold.“Wetrustedyou.”

“You are safe here,” Tanner denied, his tone remaining calm even thoughRenwassecondsfromchokingthelifeoutofhim.“Wewouldnever—”

“That’sobviousbullshit.”Rencuthimoff.Themusclesunderhisdarkshirtstrained as he lifted Tanner up. “Look at her.” A moment passed and Renshouted,“Lookather!”

Tannermust’velookedatme,butIcouldn’tseepastRen’sshoulder.“Doesshelooklikeshe’ssafe?”Rendemanded.TinksteppedawayfromwhereIlay.“Shedoesn’t,”Tannerreplied.“Iunderstandyou’reupset.Iam,too.I’malso

shocked—”Hiswordswere cut offwhenRen slammed him back against thewall.

“Tink,”Fayecriedout fromthedoorway.Whendidshegethere?“You’vegottogetRenawayfromTanner.Hehadnothingtodowithwhathappenedtoher!”

Tinkshookhishead.“Iain’tstoppingshit,lady.He’sjustluckyit’sRenwhohadhishandaroundhisneck.”

Thatwastrue.I’dseenwhatTinkwascapableof.I sucked in a sharp breathwhen Tink turned tome.He had never looked

more Otherworldly than he did in this moment. His features were sharp andbrutal—animalistic.Butwhenhepickedupmyruinedhandbythewrist,hewasgentle.“There’saholeinyourhand.”

Tink.Eveninthedirestofmoments,hewasstillCaptainObvious.“Ren,”Tannerbegan,clearinghisthroat.“Youneedtounderstand—”“What Ineed is foryou to shut the fuckupand listen,”Ren snarled. “I’m

going tomake two things painfully clear. First off, youwill find outwho didthis,whowas involved and knew about this, andwhy. Then youwill tellmeexactly who those dead motherfuckers are. And the second thing you betterunderstandall thewaydown toyourbones is, if Ivydoesn’tcomeoutof this,laughingherlaugh,smilingupatmeasshe’swalkingoutofthisdamnroom,Iwillburnthismotherfuckerdownwithallofyouinit.”

Damn.“Ren,”gaspedFaye.“Youunderstand?”Renasked.“Tellmeyouunderstand.”“Iunderstand,”wasTanner’squietresponse.

Myheadwasnowtooheavytokeepup.Iwasflatonmyback,staringupatadropceilingandultra-brightlights.

“I feel funny,” Iwhispered,orat least I thought I said itout loud.My lipsmoved, but I didn’t hearmywords.Myheart trippedup inmy chest.Yeah, Ididn’tfeelright.

Ignoringthewaveofnauseafollowingtheburstofpain,Icalledout.“Ren.”Hewasthereinaninstant,bymyhead.Thetipsofhisfingerswereonmy

chin,slowlyturningmyfacetohis.Akernelofpanicblossomedinmygut.“I...Idon’tfeelright.”“Whatdoyoumean,Sweetness?”Hisgazeflickedovertotheothersideof

thebed.“Whatdoesshemean?”Mytonguefeltheavy.“Ican’t...feelmylegs.”Rencursedandstartedtopullaway.“Don’t!”ThepanicspreadasItriedtoliftmyhand.Ifheleft,Ididn’tthink

I’dseehimagain.“Don’tleave...me.”His hand brushed over my forehead. “I’m right here with you. I’m not

leaving.Ever.Youknowthat,right?”Hisvoicethickened.“Neverleavingyou.”“There’sadamnholeinherhand,”Tinkpointedoutagain.“Thehandistheleastofmyworries,”thefemale’svoiceclippedback.There

was pressure onmy side. “I need you to help roll her. I have to look at thisback.”

Mymouthdried.Rollingmesoundedbad.“No,”Igroaned.“Idon’t—”“I’msorry,Sweetness,butwehaveto.”Renleanedin.Thosebeautifulgreen

eyesofhismadeupmyentireworld.“We’llmakeitquick.Ipromise.Butwehavetodothis.”

Iwasn’tgivenmuchofanoption.Rengingerlygrippedmyrightshoulderashecuppedmycheekwithhisotherhand.“Holdon,Sweetness.Justholdon.”

I didn’t want to hold on. I knew this was going to hurt—hurt bad, and Ididn’t think I could dealwith anymore pain. Iwas atmy limit, between theburninginmyupperbodyandthenumbnessinmylegs.

Handslandedonmyhip.Tink.ItwasTink.Mywildgazemethis.“Ihaveto,”hesaidasifhewerepleading.“Youcanpunchmeinthethroatforitlater.Okay?”

Theyrolledmeontomyside.Someonescreamed,anditsoundedlikeawoundedanimalgettingrunover

byatank.Ittookmeamomenttorealizeitwasme—Iwasmakingthehorrible,raggedsound,andthatwasaboutwhentheworldwantedtofadeawayagain,butRenwouldn’tletit.

“Keepthosebeautifuleyesopenforme,Ivy.Iknow.I’msorry,Sweetness.

I’msosorry.Iknowithurts,”hesaid,andhekepttalkingashandsandfingersmovedalongmyback,frommyshouldersall thewaydowntothebaseofmyspine. “It’s not toomuch longer. Okay? The doc is going to look at you andmakeyoubetter.”

Mybackandstomachwereonfire,burningthroughmychest.“We...have...adoctor?”

“Wedo.”Hisgazeflickedovermyshoulderforthebriefestsecondandthenreturnedtomine.“She’salmostdone.Justafewmoreseconds.”Hislipspressedagainstmyforehead.“Youhanginginthere,Sweetness?”

IthoughtIsaidyes.Iknowmylipsmoved,butIdidn’thearit.Ididn’tthinkRendideither,butthenIwasbeinglaidbackdownandsomeofthehellfirewaseasingoff—everythingwaseasingoff.

Ifadedoutagain,maybeforseconds,andwhenIcameto,IthoughtIheardRensaying,“Outthere,shesaidshewassorry.Whywouldshesaythat?”

“Idon’tknow.”IthoughtthatwasTink.I felt Ren brushing the hair back from my cheek and then his face was

directly inmine.Helooked likehewasscreaming,buthesoundedsoveryfaraway,likehewasstandingattheendofatunnel.

“I’mhere,”Irasped.“I’mstillhere.”“Yeah,youare,Sweetness.”Hissmilewasweak.“You’rehere.”“It’snotgood,”thefemalesaid,theonewhoIguessedwasadoctor.“None

ofthisisgood.”“Noshit,Sherlock.Whatdoweneedtodo?”Tinkdemanded.“Idon’tthinkyou’reunderstandingme,”shereplied.“Thelacerationsinthe

backaredeep—toodeep.Therearedefinitelyinternalinjuries,andthat’swhatIcanaccountforjustfromthestabwounds.”

“Okay.Thenfixher,”Renordered.ThefaewashookingsomethinguptoanIV.“I’mnotasurgeon.Ihaveno

experiencewiththesetypesofwounds—”“Thenfindasurgeon,”Rensnapped,hishandstillingalongthecrownofmy

head.“We don’t have surgeons here,” Faye answered quietly. “We rarely have

injurieslikethese.Andwhenwedo,wedon’tuseadoctortoheal.Thefaewillfeedsotheycanhealthemselves.”

“I’ll go get one.” Tink stepped back from the bed. “Just give me half anhour.”

Wait.Whatwashedoing?“Youcan’tjustgogetadoctor,”Fayeargued.“I’mprettysurethat’scalled

kidnapping.”

“DoIlooklikeIcare?”Tinkthrewback.“Besides,I’llgetadoctorandthenyoucanglamourthem.”

“Wedon’tbelieveindoingthat,”shestated.“We—”“Areyoukiddingme?”Rencutin.“Idon’tcarewhatyoubelievein.Ifwe

needtogetasurgeon,thenwe’regoingtogetafuckingsurgeon.”“There isn’t time,” the female fae said, and the entire room quieted. “We

don’thavetimeforthat.”“What?”breathedRen,hisgazefrantic.Refusingtoevenblink,IstaredatRen’sface,lettingmyonegoodeyeetch

thehardlineofhisjawandthecurveofhischeekboneintomymemories.Hewassobeautiful,insideandout,andsometimesIdidn’tthinkIdeserved

him and his—his goodness. Not when I wasted such precious time. This lastweekwecould’vedonesomuch,filledupalifetimeworthofmemories.

“Icangiveherblood.Wehavesomeofthathere,butshe’sahalfling,”shecontinued.“Ihavenoideawhatthatwilldotoher—ifitwillhelporhurther.”

“Givehertheblood,”Tinkdecided.“Giving her blood is only going to give us a little more time, but not

enough,” the female said. “Her blood pressure is droppingwith every second.Herheartrateistoohigh.She’slosttoomuchbloodandisstilllosingblood.Shewouldn’tbestableenoughforsurgery.Ifshedidn’thavefaebloodinher,youwouldn’tevenhaveachancetosaygoodbye.”

Renstaredacrossthebed,themusclealonghisjawflexing.“Whatareyousaying?”

Istoppedlisteningatthatpoint,becauseIthinkIalreadyknewwhatshewasgoingtotrytoexplaintoRen.Ididn’thearherwords,butIknewIwasright.Itwas in Ren’s wide gaze when it swung to mine. I knew what she had saidbecauseof thedenial thatcrept intohis faceand in thewayhishandspasmedagainst my cool forehead. I didn’t have to hear her, because I heard Tink’ssuddenshoutofobjection.

Iwasdying.Notinacoupleofdays.Notinafewhours.Iwasdyingrightnow.“No.No.God,no.”Ren’svoicecamebacktomeashemovedin,hishand

splayingacrossmycheek.Hepressedhisforeheadagainstmine.Hisvoicewasaraggedwhisper.“Thisisnothappening.”

Iwanted to touchhim.Towrapanarmaroundhim, to comforthim,but Iwastootiredandmyarmsweretooheavy.

“I’mnotgoing to letyoudie.Hellno.”Renkissedmybrow,andwhenhepulledback,hislipsweresmearedwithred—withmyblood.Hisjawtightenedashelookedacrossthebed.“KeepheraliveuntilIgetbackwithadoctor.”

Adoctorwasn’tgoingtohelp.Voices erupted aroundme.Therewas pleading forRen to be realistic and

therewerethreats,mostofthemcomingfromRen.Tinkhadgrownquiet.Drawing in a shudderingbreath, I draggedmygaze fromRen’s, because I

couldn’t deal with the pain crowding his face. I glanced around the room,snaggingonafigurestandingfarback,againstthewall,whereTannerhadstood.

Merle.Shewasstaringatus,herfacedevoidofemotion,andforsomereasonIhad

thehardesttimelookingaway,butthenIcouldn’tseeheranymore.Myeyelidsweretooheavy,butIheardTinksaysoftly,“Thereisanotherway.”

Chapter7

Mylashes flutteredandsoft lightcrept through thedarkness. Iwasstill in theroomRenhadcarriedme into,but theoverhead lightshadbeen turneddown.Everythingwassofter.

“Hey there, you’re back.” Ren touched my chin, tilting my head just theslightesttotheleft.Isawhimthenandmychestsplitwideopen.Hiseyesweredamp,thicklasheswetashesmoothedhisthumbundermylip.Washecrying?Idon’tthinkI’deverseenhimcry.

Hissmiledidn’treachhiseyes.“Iwasgettingalittleworried.Ithought—”Hisvoicecracked.“IthoughtI’dlostyou.”

I thoughthehad, too. Ididn’t remember fadingout again.The last thing Irecalled was Tink saying something about there being another way and thentherewasjustnothingbut inky,consumingdarkness.Nodreams.Nothoughts.ButIhadthefeelingonlyminuteshadpassed.

In that short time, the room had all but emptied out.Only Tink and FayeremainedwithRen.Thetwostoodatthefootofthebed,andTinkwasgrippingFaye’sshoulder.Shelookedlikeshewassecondsfromboltingfromtheroom.

MygazeslowlymovedbacktoRen.Ren’s faint smileweakened as his thumb trembled againstmy lip. “I need

youtohangintherejustalittlelonger,okay?Ineedyoutodothatforme.Canyou?”

Mymouthmovedaround thewordyes,but Iwasn’t sure if theword tookflightornot.

Heshiftedincloser,hisbrightgreengazecapturingmine.“Iloveyou,Ivy.Youknow that?There’sonlybeenyou.Therewill onlybeyou. I loveyou sofuckingmuchandthat’swhyIhavetodothis.”Hisvoicebrokeagain,thickandhoarse.“I’msorry,Sweetness.Forgiveme.”

What was he sorry for? Confusion swept through my foggy thoughts.Forgivehim?

Tink all but shoved Faye forward. The fae, normally graceful and nimble,stumbled. Stopping by my head, she shot a glare over her shoulder. “I don’tagreewiththis.Ifyouknewwhathe’ddonetoherandhowit—”

“Iknow,”barkedRen,liftinghisgazefrommine.“Iknow,butI’dratherherpissedoffandhatingmethandead.Doitnow.”

Confusion gave way to unease. What was happening? I tried to get my

tongue towork. Iwanted to knowwhatwas happening, but thenRen shifteddown,kissingmyforehead.Helingered,hislipshoveringjustabovemine.

Something...somethingdarkandsilkystirredinthepitofmystomach.“Tink,”Fayebegan.“Youdon’twanttodothis.Wedon’tknowwhatitwill

doto—”“Ifyoudon’tdothis,Icanpromiseyouitwillbeaveryunwiselifechoice.”

Tinkhadmovedcloser,speakinginahardvoiceI’dneverheardhimusebefore.“Imeanit,Faye.Ilikeyou,butIlikeIvymore.Youletherdie,you’redoingsowiththelastmomentsofyourlife.So,don’tgetittwisted.”

“You twomay regret this.” Faye then placed a hand onmyhead. “You’regoingtoneedtorestrainherwhenshe’sdone,”shesaidtoTink,andwhenshespokeagain, therewassomethingthickandseductiveabouthertone.“Lookatme,Ivy.”

Icouldn’thelpbutobey.Myhead shifted andmynose brushed againstRen’s. Faye’s stare snagged

mine.HerlipsmovedandthenIwasfalling,slipping,andIwasn’tresurfacing.Theonewordshespokeechoedoverandover.

Feed.Inthesmallpartofmybrainthatwasstillfunctioningnormally,Iknewwhat

hadhappened.Fayehadusedacompulsion.Itdidn’tmatterthatIknewthis.Itwaslikeresistingthelureofashotofmorphine.Nochancetofightit.Therewasaburstofpanicthatcamefromthefearoflosingcontrolbutitfizzledoutbeforeitfullyformed.

“Ivy,”Renwhisperedinthespacebetweenourmouths,andthenhelightlykissedmytorn,bleedinglip,andI...Ididn’tkisshimbackeventhoughmylipstouchedhis.

No,Ididn’tkissRenatall.Abrutalhungereruptedfromdeepinsideme,agnawingatrocitythatblazed

afirethroughmyblood.Iinhaled.Thefirsttasteofhisessencewaslikesteppingoutintothewinterwindafter

a long, endless summer. A refreshing coolness slipped over my tongue andsplasheddownmythroat.

Yes.Iinhaledagain.Deeply.Relentlessly.Renjerkedandahandpuncheddownintothethinmattressbesidemyhead.

Thefingersaroundmyjawspasmed,butIwaslatchedonandhewasn’tpullingaway.Rentasted...

Hewaslikeajoltofcaffeinethatwokeupeverypartofmybeing.Hewas

likedivingheadfirstintoanicylake.Hetastedoflife.Therewasa flashofpainand thenwonderful, languidcoolnesswakingup

my senses. I liftedmy ruinedhand from the table, gripping thebackofRen’sneck,holdinghimtome.

He groaned into my mouth, the sound a mixture of pain and somethingwarmer,hotter.Somethingthattastedlikesummerandsun.Pleasure.

Ikepttakingfromhim,pullinghisessenceintomeuntilIhadnoideawhereIendedandhebegan.Iwassurroundedbyhisfreshscentthatalwaysremindedmeoftheoutdoors.Iwassurroundedbyhim.Electricitypouredintomyveins.Theaircrackled. . .ormaybeitwasmyskin.Yes, itwasmyskinsparkingtolife. Strength filledmyweakmuscles.Tissues knitted back together.Myoncestutteringheartnowbeatstronglyinmychest.

Ren’shanddropped tomyshoulder.His fingersdug in, tearingatmyshirtand pressing into my skin. It didn’t hurt. Oh God no, it felt wonderful.Everythingdid.Theever-presentthirstwasslaked,butI...

Iwantedmore.Power flowed throughme, thepurest kind.Mybodywas in full control. I

wasincontrolandnothingandnoonecouldchangethat.Likeacobrastriking,IflipRenunderme.HishandstillclenchedmyshoulderasIstraddledhiships.Thesweetestfireconsumedmybody.Mymouthwasfusedtohis,aswereourhips.AmoanrumbledthroughRen,shakingme,andIanswereditwithmyown.Adifferent kind of need roared to life.At once,my entire body felt tight andswollen.

Iwantedallofhiminme.Reachingbetweenus,Ifoundthebuttononhisjeans.Ittooknothingtoopen

them.Myhandflewtomyown.Ren’sentirebodyjerkedunderme,butheheldon,hisfingersclenchingand

unclenchingonmyshoulder.“Gether,”someoneorderedharshly.“Getherbeforeshekillshim.”Killhim? Ididn’twant tokillhim. I justwantedhim,allofhim, inevery

way,becausehewasmine.Iwantedtofuckandtofeed,andIwantednothingbetweenus—

Ren’shandliftedfrommyshoulderandcurledaroundthebackofmyneck.Icouldfeelhisarmtremblingashismouthmovedagainstmine,weakatfirstbutstilldistractingme.Renkissedme—kissedmeasIinhaled.Hishandtightened,tuggingatmyhair.Thetipofhistongueagainstminechangedeverything.

I stopped inhaling as a blast of desire scorchedmy skin.Kissing.Kissingwasjustasgoodasfeeding,soItouchedmytonguetohisashischestswelled.Sharpdesirepoundedthroughme.Iachedforhim.Throbbed.Myskin tingled

withlustasmyhipsrolledagainsthim,tremblingwhenIfelthim,hardandthick—

“Ren.”Ananimalisticsounderuptedfromdeepwithinme,reverberatingthroughout

theroom.Someonewasclose,tooclosetous.Ibrokecontact,liftingmyhead.“Leave,” Ren gasped out, holding my head to his with flagging strength.

“Shewon’tkillme.”“Areyououtofyourmind?”IgrowledalowpurrofwarningasIturnedmyheadtotheside.Ididn’tcare

whowasgettingclose,butIwouldripthemtoshredsiftheytriedtogetbetweenus.

“Igother.”Ren’slipsdraggedacrossmine,snaggingmyattention.Igrippedthefrontofhispants,tearingthezipper.“Goddammit,leavenow.”

Therewas a curse and then a voice I vaguely recognized. “It’s your deathwish.”

“Go,”RengroanedasIfoundwhatIwassearchingfor,wrappingmyhandsaroundtheheatedlength.

Someoneresponded,butitwaslostintheneedpoundingthroughmyveins.Iheardadoor slamshut and thenRenwaspullingatmybottomswith shakinghands.

“Take from me.” His voice was hoarse and rough, a whip against mysensitiveskin.“Takewhateveryouneedfromme.”

Things became a blur of trembling hands and slippery skin. Ren wasn’tholdingmeastight.Hishandhadfallentothebareskinofmyhipbuthewasburning through me, his hips rising as I ground down to meet him. The airsmelledofbloodandsex.Agreatandterribletensionwasbuildinginsideofmeas I devoured Ren, nipping at his lips, sucking and licking. Bursts of energyenteredmeasIliftedmyselfupandslammedmyselfdownonhim.

“Kissme,Sweetness,”Rengroaned,soundingragged.“Kissme,Ivy.”I wasn’t kissing him? No. I’d been feeding again, lost in the dueling

sensationsasIchasedafteranotherhigh,anotherrelease.Ren’shand spasmedonmyhip. “Ivy.Please.”He shudderedunderme. “I

loveyou.”Iloveyou.Those three words cycled over and over, poking holes in the red haze

cloudingmythoughts.Iloveyou.Myheartsqueezed.Iloveyou.Wrenchingmymouthfromhis, Isatupandkickedmyheadback.The tension inmebecameunbearable. I cried out as a wildness took over. Under me, Ren shook andgroanedashepunchedhishipsuponelasttime,wringingagaspoutofme.His

releasesentmecareeningovertheedge.Themostintensesensationwashedoverme,likeeverynervewasfiringatonceallalongeverypartofmybody.Nothinghadeverfeltlikethat.IcollapsedagainstRen’schest,mybodytrembling.

Thelast thingIrememberbeforeslippingintothewaitingnothingnesswasRen’s hand running up the center ofmyback and himwhispering those threewordsoverandover.

“Iloveyou.”

WhenIopenedmyeyesagain,IwasquicktorealizeIwasinthatroomandIwaslyingontopofawarm,hardbody.

Shiftingslightly, I liftedmyheadand lookeddown.Ren’s facewas turnedtowardmine.His eyeswere closed and therewere dark shadows under them.Theylookedlikebruises,andtherewasagauntnesstohischeekbonesthathadneverbeentherebefore.

Mouth dry, I liftedmy hand and touched his cheek. Dry blood cakedmyfingers.“Ren.”

Therewasmovementbehindhiseyelids,butthoselashesdidn’tlift.Mygazedroppedtohischest.Itrosewithshallow,unevenbreaths.Irolledontothelittlespaceonthetable.

I...Ididn’tfeelright.Swinging my legs off the table, I stood on weak legs. My hands were

clammyasIreacheddownandpulledmypantsup.Thebandwastorn,buttheystayedup.Renstillhadn’tmoved.

WhathadIdone?Inthebackofmymind,Iknew,butmyheadfeltlikeitwasfullofsmoke,

mymusclesmadeoutofsomethingweaker,andmybonesfeltbrittle.Andmyskin...myskinfeltnumb.“Idon’tfeelright,”Iwhisperedtothequietroom.My gaze darted around and my breath got stuck in my throat when the

windowlesswallsseemedtoshrinkin,constricting.Pressureclampeddownonmylungs.Istumbledtowardthedoor.

ItswungopenbeforeIreachedit.Tinkstoodinthedoorway,hiswhite-blondhairlookinglikehe’dspenthoursrunninghishandsthroughit.

“Ivy.”HelookedatRen.“He’sstillalive.”A tremor started at the base ofmy spine.Of course,Renwas still alive. I

didn’twanttokillhim.Iwanted—“And I’m still traumatized by the fact you were about to become a live-

actionpornorightinfrontofme.”Tinksteppedintotheroom.“Iforgothowthathappensafter—”

“Idon’tfeelgood,”Iwhisperedasmystomachcramped.Iplacedmyhandagainstit,drawinginashallowbreath.

“Tobehonest,youdon’tlookgood.”I tried to step to the side, but my legs gave out. Tink moved quick as

lightning,catchingme.Somehowweendeduponthefloor,Tinkholdingontomychin.Hiseyeswerewidewithworry.

“Ivy,what’swrong?”heasked.Everythingwaswrong.Thenumbnessinmyskinspread,seepingintomybonesandorgans.“Ican’t

...Ican’tfeelmyself.”Hisbrowsknitted.“Thatdoesn’tmakesense.”“Ican’t—”Thenumbnesssuddenly turnedonme. It startedasahumming

feeling,butthenitbegantoburn.“Myskin—ithurts.”Tinkstared,andIthoughtIsawunderstandingcreepingintohisface,butthe

burn intensified. I liftedmyhand, half expecting to see it on fire as a screamburstoutofme.

“Shit,”Tinkmuttered.“Shit.Shit.”Myentirebodyjerkedagainsthisasthefirespreadallovermyskin,starting

fromthebaseofmyspineandrollingdownmylegs,thenupmytorsoandovermyarms.Screaming,mymusclesturnedrigidasmybackbowed.

“Ivy.”Aweak,roughvoicebrokethroughthehazeofpain.Wide eyed,mygaze swung to the right.Renwas slidingoff the table.He

took one step but fell to his knees, crawling the rest of the distance. Hisshadowedeyeswidenedwithsurprise.“Ivy—”

PainI’dneverexperiencedorknewwaspossibleconsumedeverypartofmybody. I jerked away from Tink, but he caught me around the waist as Rengrabbedthesidesofmyface.Hislipsweremoving,butIcouldn’thearasinglethinghewassaying.Nothingmadesensebeyondthewaymybodywastearingitselfapartfromtheinside.

Ascreechingnoiseeruptedfromme,thekindthatwould’venormallyraisedthehairsallovermybody,becauseitsoundedsofae-like.ThestiffnesswentoutofmeandIcurledmylegsup,pantingassomeoftheburneasedoff.

Then,justasIthoughtitwasover,themostintensecravingexplodedinmygut.Itwasalmostasbadasthefire.MygazemovedfromTinktoRen.

Needfilledme.Baringmyteeth,I jerkedtowardhim,butTinkcaughtmeasRenfellback

onhisass.

“What ishappening toher?”Panic filledhisvoice.“I thoughtwe’dhealedher?”

“Wedid,”Tinkgroaned,twistingasIrailedagainsthim—againstRen.“Nowshe’spayingtheconsequences.”

Hours blurred together, a twisted kaleidoscope of razor sharp need and all-consuming desire—lust for Ren and for what was inside him. Then the painwouldreturn,burningthroughthecravings,turningmeinsideout.

Theworldaroundmefadedinandout.TherewasTinkholdingmetohimasIfeltRenholdingsweat-soakedhairbackfrommyface.Hewaswhisperingtome,buttherewasnothingotherthanthecool,pleasantabysswhereIfloated.

Thenithappened.Withoutwarning,intensecoldwashedoverme.Sobrutallycold,myskinfelt

likeitwassetafire.Apricklingsensationhiteachinchofmybody,asifeverypartofmyskinwasbeingpiercedtothemarrow.Painenvelopedmeoncemore,becomingmyworld,butthistimeitwasanicyfire.

“What’s . . .what’s happening?” I gasped, unable to see through the pain.Theroom—theworldwaswhite.

“You took too much.” Tink’s voice was strained. “You went too far. I’msorry,Ivy.I’msorry.”

Hiswordsmadenosense.Wordsingeneralwereofnousetomeastheicyfire heightened. Screams tore from my throat, a far different sound from thescreeching.

Ibecameawareofbeingmoved,and Ionlyknew thatTinkwasno longerholding me. I recognized Ren’s scent. He held me throughout, wrappingtremblingarmsaroundmywaist,hisshakinglegshookedovermine.MybackbowedandIstretchedhisembraceuntilitalmostbroke.

Then . . . then itwas like a raging firebeingdousedwithwater.Thepainbarelyeasedinthebeginning,butslowly,aftertime,itdisappearedlikesmokeinthewind.Aftertheburn,Ifellintoafamiliardeepsleep.Iwasn’tsurehowlongIwasout,butwakingupwasdifficult.Myeyelidsfelt like they’dbeensewedtogether,anditwasastruggletoprythemopen.

Thefirst thingIsawwasthelowceiling.Infirmary.Iwasintheinfirmary.Why?IsearchedmymemoriesbuttheywerecloudyandIwastootiredtowadethroughthedarkandshadowypiecestofigureoutwhatthehellwasgoingon.

ButIknewIwasn’talone.Ittookeffort,butImanagedtoturnmyheadtotheleft.

Tinksatbesidemybedinoneofthosemetalchairs.Hehadananklerestingon a knee. Curled in his lap was Dixon. The little kitten was doing what italwaysdid.Napping.Thatkittenhadthebestlifeever.

The last time I’dseenTink,hehadn’thadDixonwithhim.Andhehadn’tbeenalone.Renhadbeenwithhim—Renhadbeenholdingme.

“Ren,”Icroakedout.Tink’sgazeliftedtomine.Hedidn’tsayanythingashestaredatme,andthe

firstkernelsofuneasestirred.Itriedtospeakagain,butmymouthrivaledtheSaharaDesert.Iclearedmy

throat.“What...what’sgoingon?”Tink looked back at me, stare solemn. “‘The night is dark and full of

terror.’”Ifrowned.“What?”He lifted a shoulder. “I’ve alwayswanted to say that to someone.All I’m

missingismyLadyMelisandreredgownandhood.”Istaredathim.“Youknow,”he said, leaningback in his chair, “there’s another thing I’ve

wantedtosay.Likewhenpeoplehavebadnews?Mycarjustbrokedown,andI’llbelike,bam!‘TheLannisterssendtheirregards,’orIjustgotfiredfrommyjobandbam!‘TheNorthremembers.’Thatprobablymakesmeashittybrownie,butIdon’tcare.”

HavingnoideawhyhewassostuckonGameofThrones referencesat themoment,I triedtositandrealizedright thenthatIcouldn’tmove.Confused,Ipeereddownatmybody.Therewasathinwhiteblankettuckedinatmywaist,butthatwasn’twhatwaskeepingmeinplace.

Whitebands,somekindofcloth,circledmywristsandankles.Mystomachdropped.Iwastieddown.“T-Tink,why...amI—”

“Tied up like you’re engaged in some freaking BDSM shit?” He leanedforward,mindfulofDixon.“‘TheLannisterssendtheirregards.’”

“Tink!”Panicsparked.Hisgazeflickeredawayandthensettledonme.“Youdon’tremember?”IhadthesinkingsuspicionIdidn’twanttoremember.“Youwereattacked,”hesupplied.Yes.Irememberthat.Walkingin thecourtyard,mindingmyownbusiness.

Twofaehadattackedme.“Theystabbedme,”Iwhispered,filledwithangerandhorror.“Theyactuallystabbedme.”

“Yeah,theydid.Putsomedecentsizedholesinyou,too.Youalsohadaholeinyourhand,andletmetellyou,thatwasgnarly.Icouldlookrightthroughitandseetheothersideoftheroom.”

Itriedtoseemyhand.“You’re all healed up now.” Reaching over, he tappedmy left hand. “No

gapinghole.Nofatalstabwounds.You’regoodasnew.”Hepaused.“Better.”“How . . . ?” I trailed off.Morememories surfaced. I’d been dying. Like

legitbleedingoutwithinternalwoundsdying,butIhadn’t.IsuddenlyrememberedRenleaningoverme.He’dbeentellingmethathe

lovedmeandthattherehadonlybeenme,onlywouldbeme,andhe...I’msorry,Sweetness.Forgiveme.Forgivehim?Myheart started thundering inmychest.Piecesof thenight started to fall

together.“You’ve actually been asleep for like forever,” Tink continued. “Well, not

forever,butlikefourdays.”Fourdays?Holyshit.“Iwaskindofworriedthatyouweredeadandyou’dstartstinkingsoon.”ImagesflashedofmeontopofRen,movingagainsthiminabloody,wild

joiningofourbodies.Hadwe...?“WhereisRen?”Idemanded,tryingtositup.“AndwhyamItiedup?”“Well,yousee,that’skindofalongstoryfullofplottwistsandprobablya

plotholeortwo.”“Tink!”His gaze met mine, and I remembered him yelling at Ren, because—oh,

God,I’dbeenfeedingonRen.I’dfedonhim.The unease unexploded into full-blown dread. “Where isRen?” I shouted.

“Whereishe,Tink?”LittleDixonstirredinTink’slap.Hefoldedhishandoverthekitten’shead.

“Calmdown.Dixonneedshisfifthnapoftheday.”Myeyesnarrowed.“Iswear toGod,Tink, ifyoudonotanswerme, Iwill

straight-upmurderyou.”“See, that’s the problem, and why you’re tried up. It’s just precautionary.

Nowthatyou’reawake,Tannerwillbeuphere—”“Whyisitprecautionary?”Hedidn’tanswerforamoment.“You’vechanged,Ivy.Wedidn’tthinkthat

wouldhappen.Wehadnowayofknowing.”Mypulseskyrocketed.“Whatinthehelldoesthatmean,Tink?”Thebrowniecringed.“Well,let’sjustsayyourskinkindofshimmersnow.”Mymouthdroppedopen.“Likeafae,”headded.

Chapter8

IttookseveralmomentsformetoprocesswhatTinkwassayingbecausetherewasnowayIhadheardhimcorrectly.“Myskinisshimmering?”

“Yes. Like a fae,” he repeated. “You’re not full on silver or anything likethat, it just looks likeyou’veused the samekindof lotion I imagine strippersuse.”

IstaredathimandthenmygazedartedtowhatIcouldseeofmyskin.Iwaswearing longsleeves—ashirt thatwasn’tmine,but Iwasn’tgoing tofocusonthat fuckery at this moment—and with my damn wrists secured, all I couldglimpse was the top of my hand. The skin looked normal. I squinted as Imanagedtoliftmyhandaninch.Thelightcaught—

“Holyfuck!”Igasped,eyeswidening.Myskindidshimmer likeI’d lubedmyselfupwithglitterylotion.“Holyshit,myskinis—”

“Kind of shimmery, yes, but hey, it could be worse. You could look likeEdwardinthesunlight,allglitteryandshit.”

Mygazeshottohim.“It’sbarelynoticeable.Soisthethingwiththeears.”“Myears?”Ishrieked.“Yeah.”Hedrewthewordout.“They’realittlepointynow.Likemine.”He

tiledhisheadtotheside,showingoffhisears.“Nothinganyonewouldreallybataneyeat.Plus,youhaveallthathairtocoverthemifyou’refeelinginsecure.”

OhmyGod,Icouldn’tevenprocesswhathewassaying.Ilikedmynormal,roundedhumanearsandhewasnowtellingmeIhadpointy,fae-likeears?

Andmyskinwasshimmering?Tink snapped his fingers, gettingmy attention. “Look, there ismore good

news. Since you’ve been out for a couple of days, you’ve slept off theworsteffects.”

Itookadeep,evenbreathbutitdidnothingtostampoutthebuildingpanic.“Whataretheworsteffectsthatsomehowdon’tincludemyskinshimmeringormyearsbecomingpointy?”

Dixon took thatmoment to stretch his little legs out in front of him.Tinkreacheddown,scratchinghimbehindtheear.“Well,whileyouwereasleep,youweren’talwaysasleep.Sometimesyouwereawake.”

Vaguememoriessurfaced,flashesofrageanddesire,oftheneedto—Isuckedinasharpbreath,squeezingmyeyestight.

“Therewere timeswhenyouwerehungry, likezombiecravingbrainskindofhungry,”Tinksaidsoftly.“That’swhyyou’retieddown.Fayeseemstothinktheworsthaspassed.Sortoflikeyou’vedonethedetoxpartandnowyou’rejusthavingtodealwithafewcravings.”

Iremembered.Knots formed in my stomach. I remembered Faye whispering her

compulsion.Feed.ThatonewordhadechoedoverandoverandIhadfed.Myeyesflewopen.“IsRenokay?”“Well,youknow—”“IsRenokay?”Idemanded,breathingheavy.Tink lifted his hand fromDixon’s head. “Ren is fine.He’s alive.He’d be

here, butTanner andFayewereworried that you being around a human rightnowwouldn’t helpwith the getting over thewholewanting to suck themdrything.”

Relief crashed through me, but a raw emotion built behind it when whathappenedtrulyprocessed.“You...youallmademefeedonRen.”

“Wedidn’thaveachoice,Ivy.Youweredyingandtherewasnothingelsewecould—”

“Youshould’veletmedie!”Ishouted,andDixonjerkedinTink’slap.Itriedtocalmdown,butmyheartwaslodgedsomewhereinmythroat.

Hisbrowsfurrowed.“That’safuckedupthingtosay,Ivy.”“It’sfuckedupthatyoumademefeedonRen!”“Hewasdownforit,Ivy.Renwoulddoanythingtosaveyou.”“Evenforcemetodosomethingsohorrible?”Iasked,eyesblurring.“Ren

volunteeringforthisdoesn’tmakeitright.Hecould’vebeenkilled.”Hisexpressionsmoothedout.“Buthe’sokayandyou’regoingtobeokay.”“Exceptapparentlymyskinandearshavechanged.I’mnotokay.”Andthat

wasn’tall.I’dfedonRenandthenwehadsex—bloody,crazysex.“Well,thereisthat.Wedidn’tknowthatwouldhappen,but—”“ThePrincedidthattome.Hemademe—”Myvoicecaught.Angerburned

throughmyboneandtissue.“Whathaveyoualldonetome?”“Wesavedyou—”“Whathaveyoudonetome?”Iscreamed.Hiseyeswidened.“Wedon’t...wedon’tknow,Ivy.”Icouldn’tbelieveit.Dyingsucked.Yeah.Duh.But theyforcedmetofeed

againstmywill—feedonRen,anditchangedmeintoGodknowswhat?Nauseacreptupmythroat.HowwouldIeverlookatRenagain?

Howwould I ever look at myself again? Dealing with being the Halflingwasn’t something I’d fully accepted and now this? I couldn’t. I couldn’t deal

withthis.“It’llbeokay.”“Getawayfromme,”Iwhispered.“Ivy,”hegasped.Violentrageandbitterfearswirledlikeastorminsideme,feedingstrengthI

didn’trealizeIhad.Iliftedmyleftarm,tearingthebindinginhalf.“Whoa.”Tinkshotup,holdingDixonclosetohischestashesteppedback

fromthebed.“Ivy...”Snappingtheclotharoundmyotherwrist,IsatupandturnedtoTink.“You

needtogetthefuckoutofmyfacerightnow.”Tinkwasstillforonlyamoment,andthenhegotoutofmyfaceandleftthe

room.

Icouldn’tsitorlayinthisbed.Mythoughtswereracingalongwithmyheart.Whatdidtheydotome?Handsshaking,Ibroketherestraintsaroundmyanklesandswungmylegs

offthebed.Istoodonbarefeet,surprisedtofindthatIwasn’tdizzy.Raisingmylefthand, I firstnoticed the red, angry scaron top.The samescarwasonmypalm.Squeezingmyhandclosed,Icouldeasilyrememberthestabbingpainofthebranchshootingthroughmyhand.

Nowitbarelyevenhurt.TherewasnoignoringtheglimmerwhenItwistedmyhandandcaughtthe

softglowoflight.Myheartdropped.Athousandquestionserupted,butIalreadyknewwhattheanswersweregoingtobe.

HadIfedtoomuchandithadchangedme?Who knew that was possible? No one. Ormaybe everyone, and they just

failedtotellme.Ariotofemotionscreptup,sealingoffmythroat.Isqueezedmyeyesshut.I

couldn’tbelievethis.Ontopofeverythingelse,Iwasnow...Ididn’tknowwhatIwas.Drawinginashudderingbreath,Iopenedmyeyes.Mygazeflickedoverthe

room.Thewallswerebare,buttherewasabathroomtomyright.Ihurriedovertoit,flippingthelighton.

Istoppedinfrontoftheovalmirrorabovetheporcelainbasin,ignoringthemessoftangled,redcurls.

“OhGod,”Iwhispered.The lightwasbrighter inhere,andas I tiltedmychinup, thesheen tomy

skinintensified.MyfacelookedlikeI’dtakenoneofthosehigh-endhighlightersandsmeareditallovermyface.

WhichwaswhatInormallylookedlikewhenItriedtocontour.Tinkwasrightthough.Itwasn’tthatnoticeable,nottoastrangeroranormal

humanwhohadnoideafaewereaveryrealthing,buttome?Inoticed.Butthatwasn’tall.Myfeatureswere...sharper.Morerefined.Again,not

entirelynoticeablebutmyfacewasdifferent.Clutchingthebasin,Ileanedinandstaredatmyreflection.Therewereonly

faintbruiseswhereI’dtakenpunchesIshould’vebeenabletodeflect.Therewasatinyredmarkonmylowerlip.Abarely-therepurplishbruisealongmyjaw.

It was almost like weeks had passed since the fight where I got my asshandedtome.AfightIshould’vebeenabletohandlewithonearmtiedbehindmyback,butIhadtobehonestwithmyself.

My head hadn’t been in the right place—it stillwasn’t, and I hadn’t beeneatingorsleepingright.I’dbeenweak,andlookatwhatitgotme?

Twostabwoundsandmore.Weremyeyespaler?They’dalwaysbeenalightblue,buttheywerealmost.

..iridescentnow,thepalebluesostarkagainsttheblacknessofmypupils.Liftingonetremblinghand,IpushedmyhairbackasIturnedmyheadtothe

side.Igasped.The tips ofmy earswere definitely pointy.Nothing extreme, and again, a

normalpersonprobablywouldn’tnoticeit,butthesewerenotears.Thiswasnotmyskin.Droppingmyhair,Ifacedthemirrorandbaredmyteeth.Normal.Asighof

reliefshudderedthroughme.Atleasttheydidn’tlookoddlysharplikemostfae,sotherewasthatIguessed.

Thedoortotheroomopened,andIwhippedaround.WhatifitwasRen?Mystomachtiedup.Iwasn’treadytoseehim.Ididn’tknowifI’deverbereadytoseehim,butI—

“Ivy?”Faye’svoicerangout.DefinitelynotRen.Awaveofdisappointmentwashedoverme.Ididn’twant

toseehimandyettherewasapartofmesomewheredeepinsidethatwantedittobehim.ThesamepartofmethathadwantedittobeRensittingthere,waitingformetowakeup.

Thingshadbeenweirdbetweenusbefore.Now,itwouldbehellaawkward...iftherewasanythingleft.

Sighing, I steppedoutof thebathroom.Fayewas alone, staringat thebed

andprobablyatthebrokenrestraints.Theangerresurfaced.“Youusedacompulsiononme.”Fayeliftedherchin.“Ihadn’twantedto.Trustme.Iknowwhatwasdoneto

youwhileyouwerewiththePrince.Itoldthemthat.Theydidn’twanttoletyoudie.”

I rememberedher reluctanceandTink’s threat. “Maybe lettingmediewastherightthing.”

“Ivy,youcan’tfeelthatway.Truly.”“Youdon’tknowhowIfeel,”Ishotback.“Youhavenofreakingclue.”Shewasquiet for amoment. “You’re right.Allowingyou todiewould’ve

beeneasier.Itwould’vedefinitelysolvedtheproblemwiththePrince.Atleast,temporarily.”

Mylipcurled.“Ithoughtyousaidallhumanlifeisvaluable.”“Itis.”Shewalkedovertothechairandsatdown.“ButwhatImadeyoudo

wasn’tnatural.Whatyou’vebecomeisn’tnatural.”Isuckedinasharpbreath.“Well, thatmakesmefeelsomuchbetterabout

everything.”“I’mnottryingtomakeyoufeelworse.”“Thenyoushouldtryharder,”Isnapped.Hershoulderstensed.“Iknowyou’reupset.Igetit.Isympathizewithit,but

what’sdoneisdone.You’realive.”“Atwhatcost?”Iasked,steppingtowardher.“Youdon’tevenknowwhatI

am.”Hergazeflickeredoverme.“I’mguessingthefeedingswhileyouwerewith

thePrinceandthislastonetriggeredthepartofyouthat’sfae,makingitmoredominant.Thatmustbewhyyouhavemore fae-likecharacteristics.Whateverfae genes you have in you now are simply stronger. I don’t know what thatmakesyou,butyou’renotcompletelyfae.You’restillIvy.”

Seeingmy skin shimmer and having pointy ears didn’tmakeme feel likeIvy.“Andthisissomethingyouknewwouldhappen?”

“I’venever seen it,but Iknew itcould. Iwasn’t thinkingabout thatat themoment.Iwassavingyou,likeRenandTinkdemanded.”Shepaused.“Howareyoufeeling?Hungry?”

Iignoredthequestion.“WhereisRen?”Herlasheslowered.“He’scurrentlyinterrogatingeveryfaeinthisbuildingto

seeiftheyhadanythingtodowiththeattack.He’snotherewithyoubecausewewantedtomakesureitwassafeforhim.Somethingthattookanabsurdamountoftimetoconvincehimof.”

Turningaway,Ithrustahandthroughmygreasy,nastyhair.“He...”

“He’sokay,”shesaid,alotquieter.“Anditdoesn’tappearlikeyou’llattackhim,sohe’llbeheretheminuteItellhimit’sokay.”

Iclosedmyeyes,suckinginadeepbreathandholdingit.Fayewasquietforamoment.“Iknowyou’remadathim—atallofus,but

hediditbecausehelovesyou.”Butwouldhestilllovemeoncehesawme?OnceherealizedIwasturning

more and more into a fae? Once he really thought about what he’d done,allowingmetofeedoffhimlikethebitchBreenahad?

“Ivy?”Exhaling, I opened my eyes. A knot of fear crept up my throat. “I’ve

changed.That’sobvious.Butyoualldon’tknowhowmuch.LikeamIgoingtoneedtofeednow?”

“Nofaeneedstofeedtosurvive,Ivy.It’sachoice.Youshouldliveanormallifespan, but youmaybe stronger thanbefore.Theremaybeother things thathavechanged.Thethingis,wereallydon’thaveaprecedentforthis.It’snotliketherehaseverbeenahugepopulationofhalflingsinthefirstplace.Ionlyknowof one or two who’d fed on humans and those halflings had been in theOtherworld.Weonlyhaverecordsoftheirexistence.Theychanged,likeyou.”

I turned, facing her as one thing she said took center stage. “What otherthings?”

Fayeglanced at the emptybed and thenherpalegazemetmine. “DoyourememberwhenItalkedtoyouaboutbeing...addicted?”

Everythinginmestilled.I’dplannedontalkingtoheraboutthat,butwell,Ikindofgotstabbedtodeath.“Yes.Iremember.”

“Ihopeyousleptoff theworstof it—thecraving thatcomesafter feeding,butit’lllingerforawhile.You’llhavethisneed.”

Itotallyunderstoodwhatshewassaying,butacidpouredintomystomachnonetheless.ThatneedhadbeentherebeforeI’dfedoffRen.

“You’llhavetobecareful,”sheadvised.“Whenyou’rewithRen.”Shedidn’tneedtoelaboratewithwhereshewasgoingwiththat.Foldingmy

armsovermywaist,Ipacedinasmallcircle.“Youtalklikeglimmeringskinandpointyearsaren’tabigdeal.”

“Tome,theyaren’t.”Ishotheradarklook.“Well,noshit.”“Youcanbarelynotice,”sheadded.“Thingsmayseemoverwhelmingnow,

butitcould’vebeenworse.”Foramoment,Iwasdumbfounded.“Yeah,Icouldbedead,andmaybethat

wasmeanttohappen.”ShocksplashedacrossFaye’sface.“Youdon’tmeanthat.”

DidI?Iwasn’tsosure.It’snotlikeIhadadeathwish,butI...Ijustdidn’tfeel likeme anymore and I had no control. Not over my life, my fate, mypurpose,orevenmybody.

AndIrememberedthatmomentofdisappointmentwhenIcametooutinthecourtyardandrealizedIhadn’tdied.

Theknotsinmystomachexpanded.Ipickedupmypace.“IalmostdiedinafightIshould’vewon.Iwasforcedtofeedonmyboyfriend.”MyvoiceroseanotchasI thoughtaboutwhatI’ddone tohimafterward,whatwedid.“AndIwokeupdayslatertofindoutthatmyactualbodyhaschanged.Nottomention,thefactthatIwasheldagainstmywillbyapsychoticfaeprince.Don’tactlikewhathashappenedtomeisjustanormalTuesday.MyentireworldchangedthemomentIfoundoutIwasahalfling.AlmosteverythingIknewupuntilthatpartwasafuckinglie,butwhenIlookedinthemirror,Istilllookedlikeme.IwasstillIvy.WhenIlookinthemirrornow,Idon’trecognizemyself,andthatisn’tjustbecauseofthephysicalstuff.”

Sympathycrept intoher face,and thatwaspossibly theworst thing tosee.Takingadeepbreath,Ilookedawayandrefocused.“Howlongdoyouthinkthiswholewantingtosuckpeopledrythingwilllast?”

Fayewasquietforamoment.“Idon’tknow.Maybeafewdays.Acoupleofweeks.”

Weeks? Muscles in my shoulders tightened. I couldn’t deal with weeks.“Haveyouneverfed?”

“Never.”Stopping,Ilookedovermyshoulderather.“AndDrakenevernoticedthat?

Hedidn’tthinkitwassuspicious?”Shetwistedtowardme.“Drakeneverreallypaidattentiontome.Breenaand

Valorusuallykepthimoccupiedwhenhewasn’ttryingtoconvinceyoutocometothedarkside.”

Ifrowned,thinkingsomethingaboutthatdidn’tsoundright.“I knowyou’vebeen througha lot, Ivy, and finding theCrystal is the last

thingonyourmind,but Iwanted to tellyou thatweareexpecting the faewewerewaiting for to arrive tomorrow. Therewas a delay in them getting here.They’ve had to be careful to not arise the suspicion of the Prince.” She rose,smoothingherhandsonherdenimjeans.“Ihopeyoucanjoinus.”

Inotherwords,shemeantshehopedIpulledmyshittogetherlongenoughtobethere.Inoddedabsently,mythoughtsstuckonwhatFayehadjustsaid.

How in theworlddid thePrincenever realize shehadn’t fed aroundhim?Wouldn’tsomeoneonTeamDarkPrincethinkthatwassuspicious?

Because I sure as hell thought the fact they hadn’t noticed was crazy

suspicious.

Chapter9

IguessedFayedeemedmenota risk,soIwasallowed to leave the infirmary.Shewalkedwithme though thehotel,andI figured itwasn’tbecauseshewasworriedIwasgoingtostartattackingfae.FayewaswithmebecauseIgotmyasshandedtome.ShewaslikethebodyguardIdidn’twantandshouldn’tneed.

Luckily,sheleftmeattheelevator,butmystepsslowedasIwalkedtowardthe room I’d been sharing with Ren. My heart was tripping over itself as Istoppedinfrontof thedoor.Washe inside?TrepidationfilledmeasI reachedforthehandle.

God,when did I become such a chicken shit? It was ridiculous. Taking adeepbreath,Ithrewopenthedoorandsteppedinsidethecoolroom.

Thebedwasmadeperfectly,butemptyandquiet.ItlookedthewayI’dleftit,plainandneat.

Imissedmyapartment.Imissedme.Exhaling roughly, I headed to thebathroom.Days’worthofgrossnesshad

builtuponmyskinandhair,andIhadtobelievethatonceIshowered,thingswould be clearer, they’dmakemore sense, andmaybe—justmaybe—Iwouldfeellikeme,despiteeverything.

IkeptmymindpurposelyblankasIstrippedoff theclothing,avoidingthemirrorasIwalkedpastittotheshower.

ThelastthingIwantedtoknowwasifmyboobsalsoshimmered.I scrubbedandscrubbed like I could somehowruboff the stupidglimmer.

BythetimeIwasdone,myskinfeltpristineandactuallykindofhurt.I’djustfinished slipping on a pair of leggings and a shirtTink had gottenme formybirthday last year—zombie troll dolls, because of course—when the dooropened.Iwhippedaround,theairlodgingfirmlyinmythroatwhenIsawitwasRen.

Hecametoacompletestop,hiseyeswideningslightlyashisgazeroamedover me from head to toe, notably getting more hung up on the shirt thananythingelse,butstilltheshockwasthere.AndIdidn’tknowifitwasbecausehe wasn’t expecting me to be in the room or it was due to my new glitteryappearance.

Buthe . . .he lookedgood.Healthyandbeautiful in thatwildwayofhis.Looking at him now, I could almost imagine that I hadn’t fed on him.That I

hadn’t seen him with those wretched shadows under his eyes or his sunkencheekbones.

IrememberedwhatI’ddonetohim,though.Thatmemoryfueledthewordsthatpartedmylips.“Like thenewlook?”Myvoicedrippedwithacid.“I looklikeavampire fromTwilight.”Turningmyhead, Iyankedback thewetcurls.“And look! Don’t need a costume for Halloween now that I got these superawesomepointyears.”

Hisheadtiltedtothesideashestaredatme.“Youlookbeautifulasalways.”Aharshlaughburstoutofme.“Seriously?”“Seriously,”hesaid.“Beautifulandhot.Theshirtisalittleweirdthough.”“AgiftfromTink,”Iexplained,wonderingifRenwasforreal.Howcould

hethinkIwasbeautifulwhenItrulylookedlikeIhadfaebloodinmenow?“Figured.”Awrygrintuggedathisfullmouth.“God,youhavenoideahow

Ifeelseeingyoustandinginfrontofme.Alive.Talking.Sexyeveninashirtthatshouldn’thaveeverbeenmade.”

Istaredathim.“Myskinisshimmeringandmyearsarepointynow.”“I didn’t even notice.All Iwas paying attention towas the fact youwere

standingandbreathing.”Hisgaze flickeredovermeagain. “Butnow thatyoumentionit,I’mkindofdiggingit.”

Mymouthdroppedopen.“HowintheworldcouldyoubediggingthatIlookmorelikethecreatureswewereborntohuntandkill?Thatdoesn’tmakesense.”

Ren looked taken aback. “You don’t get it. Your skin could be green andyourearsthesizeofUFOsandI’dstillthinkyou’reabsolutelystunning.”

Atthatpoint,IstartedwonderingifRenwashigh.“I’m about to sound cheesy as fuck and I’m kind of surprised that I even

havetosaythis,butit’snotjustabouthowyoulook.Don’tgetmewrong,that’sawaynicebonus,butit’syou,Ivy.What’sontheinside,Sweetness.”

Whoa.Thatwasn’tcheesyatall.Itwas...itwasactuallyabeautifulthingtosay

andsomethingIsodesperatelyneededtohearandwantedtobelieve.SilencestretchedoutbetweenusandthenRenmoved.Kickingthedoorshut

behindhim,hestartedtowardme,intenttensingthelinesofhismouth.Renwassuchashowerandnotateller.HewasgoingtoprovethathestillthoughtIwasbeautiful.Hewasgoingtotakemeinhisarms.Hewouldkissme,andIdidn’tknowwhatIwoulddo,whatIwascapableof.

Ilockedup.“Don’t.”Renimmediatelystopped,hisbrowspinchingtogether.“Imean,Idon’tknowifyoushouldcomenearmerightnow.”Thenextpart

killedmetoadmit.“I...Idon’tknowwhatI’lldo.”

Understandingflared.“Itrustyou.”“Youshouldn’t.”Ilookedaway.“Youshouldn’thavetrustedmebefore.”“Idid,andyoudidn’thurtme.”“Didn’t hurt you?” I gasped. “I fed on you. I saw what you looked like

afterwards—”“Iwasfine—Iamfine.Iwasjusttired.Thatwasall.”“Butthatwasn’tallIdid.”Mycheeksburnedasthememoryofrippingopen

hispantsresurfaced.“What came after you fed?” His voice deepened. “I didn’t have a single

problemwithit.Thatwas—”“Itwasmessedup,”Isaid,shakingmyhead.“Iwasoutofmymind.Ifedon

youandI—”“I toldyou to takefrommewhatyouneededandImeant that. Igaveyou

whatyouneeded,nomatterwhatthatwas.”“Youdidn’tthinkitwaswrong?”Myvoicedroppedtoawhisper.“I think howwe got to thatmomentwaswrong, butwhatwe did on that

tablewasn’t.Itneverisbetweenus.”AsIwatchedhim,Iknewthathebelievedthat,butIstillfeltlikeI’ddone

somethingwrong.Ifoldedmyarmsovermywaist,lookingaway.Hewasquietforamoment.“IranintoFaye.Shetoldmeyou’dwokenup

and were fine. That you went up to our room. I came as soon as I heard.Would’vebeenthere.Iwantedtobethere,but—”

“I know.Theywanted tomake sure Iwasn’t going to suck the life out ofyou.”Mylipstwistedintoagrossreflectionofasmile.

“Ineveroncebelievedyou’ddothat.”Hisgazewassteadyashereachedtohisside.ThatwaswhenIrealizedhewascarryingthethornstake.Heunhookedit, laying it on the small table by the door. I guessed the whole not carryingweaponsthingwasnowoffthetable.“Notonce,Ivy.”

“Really?” I lookedathimagainandwelcomed thesame razor-sharpangerI’d felt towardTink despite howgood their intentionswere.Being angrywassure as hell a lot easier than the roaring confusion and nearly overwhelminganxiety.

“Youcould’vedone it,butyoudidn’t.Youstopped.”Renstepped forwardbeforestoppingagain.“Iknowthatyouwillalwaysstop.”

Hemayhavebelievedthat,butIdidn’t.“You’reanidiotifyoubelievethat.Youshould’veneveragreedtomefeedingoffyou.Itwastoodangerous—”

“Iwouldriskitagain.”Anotherstepforward.“Ahundredpercent,Iwouldriskallofitagaintosaveyou.”

Disbeliefthunderedthroughme,asdidfury.“Youknowwhatcanhappento

humanswhenthey’vebeenfedon.We’vehadtoputthemdown.Youhave!”“LikeIsaid,Iwouldriskitalloveragain.”Heheldmygaze.“Thatwasmy

choice.”“Itwas never your choice,Ren! Itwasmine, and itwas taken away from

me.”“Whatchoicedidyouhave?”Hestopped,nostrilsflaring.“Youweredying,

Ivy.Therewasno time togeta surgeonor takeyou to thehospital.Youwerebleedingoutrightinfrontofme.Therewasnochoice,becauseallowingyoutodiewasneveranoption.”

“Ifyou’ddonethatatleastthenIwouldn’thavebeenforcedtofeedonyoujust like the Princemademe do!” Themoment thosewords came out ofmymouth,IwishedIhadn’tsaidthem.

Ren’sfacepaled.“You’dratherbedead,Ivy?”Isuckedinabreath.“I’mnotsayingthat.”“Thenwhat are you saying exactly, and Sweetness, I need you to be real

detailed,becauseI’mthinkingtheworst.”Iturnedaway,thrustingmyhandsthroughmyhair.Iwasn’tstupid.IfTink

andRenhadn’tforcedFayetodothecompulsion,Iwouldbedead.AndIdidn’twanttobedead.

ButIdidn’twanttobethis.God,Ijustdidn’twantanyofthis.“Ivy.”He’dspokenmynamesosoftlythatIreactedtohimwithoutthought.Ifaced

him,loweringmyhands.“WhenIfoundyououtside,IthoughtIwastoolate.WhenIcarriedyouinto

thatdamnroom,Iwascoveredinyourblood.Drenchedinit.”Ashespoke,hisgazeneverleftmine.“Andwhenthatfaedoctorsaidthatyouweredying,itfeltlikeapieceofmediedrightthenandthere.”

Iopenedmymouth.“Letmegetthisoutandyoucanyellatmeandbepissedallyouwant,”he

insisted, and I snappedmymouth shut. “Ihaveneverbeenmoreafraid than Iwasrightthenandthere.IwasgoingtoloseyoubeforeIevengottohaveyou.AndwhenTinksaidtheremaybeanotherway,itwastheonlychoiceIhadandImadethatchoiceknowingyoucouldhatemeforit.Imadethatchoiceknowingthatitcouldhurtme.Imadethatchoiceknowingthatyoumayneverforgivemeforit.”

Ren’svoice thickened.“I’dratherhaveyoupissedoffatmefor therestofyourverylonglifethantoallowtheworld’sbrightestfuckingstartogoout.Youcanhateme todayand tomorrow,butat leastyou’llhavea tomorrow,and I’ll

makedamnsureyouhaveawholebunchofthemtobeangrywithme.”OhGod.Ididn’tknowhowtorespondtothat.Emotioncrawledupmythroat.Tears

filledmyeyes.Isteppedbackandthentotheside.Sittingdownontheedgeofthebed,Ileanedforward,droppingmyarmsintomylap.

Rendidn’tmakeasound,butIfelthimmovecloser.Hedroppeddowntohiskneesinfrontofme,surprisingme.Lookingup,heplacedhishandsoneithersideofmyhips,closebutnottouchingme.“I’msorrythatItookpartinmakingyoufeed.Ihateddoingthat,knowingwhatyou’dbeenthrough.Ihatedthefactthat I wasn’t with you when you were attacked. Fuck,” he bit out. “I wish Ihadn’t walked away from you the night you told me you were a halfling. Icould’vestoppedallofthis.”

Istiffened.“Ren—”“Yeah,you’regoingtosaythatwasn’tmyfault,butifIhadn’tactedlikea

dick and gotten myself captured, the Prince would’ve never been able tomasqueradeasme.Noneofthisbadshitwould’vehappened.”

Thatwasn’ttrue.EvenifRenhadfullyacceptedwhatIwasthemomentI’dtoldhim,Drakewould’vefoundanotherway.

Hewascreepyandpsychoticlikethat.“And I have to live with that for the rest ofmy life,” Ren added, slowly

liftinghishands.Hefoundmine, threadinghisfingers throughthem.“AndI’llhavetolivewiththechoiceImadeandthechoiceItookfromyou.Iammorethanwillingtodothat,butIdonotregretonesecondmakingthatchoicetosaveyou,evenifitmeansthatyouhateme.”

Deepdown,Iknewthetruthandhowmessedupitwas.Iftheshoeswereondifferent feet, andRenwasahalflinganddying, Iwould’vedone the same tosavehim.

Iwould’vetakenhischoicefromhim.Iwould’vetakenhiswillaway.Iwould’vesavedhimevenifitcostmehislove.My chest squeezed and I whispered the truest thing I could say in that

moment.“Idon’thateyou.”Ren’s grip tightened on my hands as he bowed his head. His curls fell

forwardandwhenhespoke,hisvoicewasrough.“Ican’tloseyou.”“Youhaven’t.”Hebroughtmyhandstohismouth,kissingthe topofbothof them.“Then

whydoesitfeellikeIalreadyhave?”Startled,Ipulledonmyhands,butheheldon.“Whydoyouthinkthat?”Helookedupatme,hiseyesthecolorofdewygrass.“Doyoureallyhaveto

askthat,Sweetness?”Istartedtosayyes,buttheworddiedonmytongue.Mythoughtsracedto

findawaytodenywhyhe’dfeelthatway,butIcameupempty.Notbecausehewasright.Notinthewayhethought.

Becauseitwasn’thimlosingme.Itwasmelosingmyself.

Chapter10

RenandIdidn’ttalkmuchafterthat,butheconvincedmetogodownwithhimtohavedinner,andIdidn’thaveitinmetomakeupanexcuse.

Idiscovered then thatRenhadconfiscated the irondaggers at somepoint,andwearmedourselvesupjustincasesomeonewantedtogoforaroundtwowithme.

“Was there anyone else involved in the attack?” I asked as I hooked thedaggertomyhip.Itfeltgoodtohaveitback.Ituggedmyshirtoverthebeltanddagger.

“NotasfarasIcantell.”Renopenedthedoor,andwestarteddownthehall.“Andtrustme,I’vebeenveryconvincingonwhenitcomestohowimportantitistotellthetruth.”

Iglancedathim.Hisjawwassetinahardline.“So,youthinkitwasonlythosetwo?”

Rennoddedashehit thebutton tobringup theelevator.“I’ve interviewednearlyeightypercentofthefaehere.Sofar,noneofthemwereinvolved.”

Eightypercent?“Damn,you’vebeenbusy.”The elevator doors slid open, and he stepped aside, allowingme to enter.

“HadtokeepbusysinceIwasbannedfromyourroom.Itwaseitherthatorgocrazy.”

I foldedmy arms over my waist, focusing on the brown paneled walls. Icouldn’timaginewhatitwouldbelikeifRenhadbeeninjuredandIhadn’tbeenabletoseehim.

“Idohavesomequestions.”Renleanedagainstthewall,drawingmygaze.“Didthefaesayanythingtoyou?”

Exhalingslowly,Inodded.“Theydidn’tcomeaftermebecauseI’manOrdermember.” I paused. “Or was. Who knows at this point. Anyway, they did itbecauseIwasahalflingand...”

Whatthefaehadsaidtomecameroaringback.Holycrap,I’dforgottenthatthe fae had said the Prince would find me here, that he’d eventually breakthroughtheglamour.

Mystomachbottomedoutjustastheelevatoropenedonthemainfloor.“Andwhat?”Rensteppedout.Ifollowed,myskinfeelinglike ice.“Theywerejustscared.Thatwasall.”

Mygazeliftedtohis.“Theywerejustscared.”

“Idon’tgiveafuckif theywereterrifiedornot.”Hiseyeshardened.“Youweresupposedtobesafehere.Youweren’t.”

Thedoorsclosedbehindus,butneitherofusmoved.“AndIshould’vebeenabletodefendmyself.”

“Youdidn’thaveadagger,somethingthatwon’thappenagain.”“Withorwithout thedagger, Ishould’veeasily taken themdownorgotten

away,”Ipointedout,stilldisgustedoverhoweasyithadbeenforthefae.“Iwasunpreparedandhadn’tbeenpayingattention.”

Rensteppedintome.“Youtookoneofthemdown,Ivy.Withoutaweapon.Afterbeingstabbed.Giveyourselfsomecredit.”

My lips twitchedbut it didn’t spread into a real smile.Notwhen the fae’swordswereechoinginmyhead.“IneedtotalktoTannerrealquick.I’lljoinyouinthecafeteria.”

Hisheadcocked.“Icangowithyou.”“Youdon’tneedto.”Iquicklysteppedaroundhim.“It’sonlygoingtotakea

coupleofminutes.I’llberightthere.”Renopenedhismouth,but Ididn’tgivehim thechance to sayanything. I

joggedoffdowntheothercorridor,relievedwhenIlookedovermyshoulderanddidn’tseehim.

It tooknoamountof timeforme to findTanner.Hewas inhisoffice,andwhen I burst into the room, he was sitting in a wingback chair across fromMerle,engaginginsometeatime.

MerlehadbeenostracizedfromtheOrderagesago,somethingthatalwaysirritatedme since she had given her life and then some to them. Rumor wasshe’dbeencaughtbyafaewithouttheprotectionofacloverandhermindhadbeenafewscrewsshortsincethen,butwhoevenknewifthatwastrue?Merlemaybeodd,butshewassharpasatackwheneverIwasaroundher.

AndIcouldn’thelpbutrememberherstandinginthebackoftheroomRenhad brought my bleeding body into. Her face had been void of all emotion.Couldshehavehadsomethingtodowithit?

Shecouldbeodd,butshealwaysseemedtolikeme.“Ivy.”Tannerputhisitty-bittycupontoaplatterandsmiledeventhoughit

wasobvioushewassurprisedtoseeme.“I’msogladtoseeyouupandmovingabout.”

“Areyoureally?”Iasked,staringpointedlyatMerle’sback.Shedidn’tturnaround.

“Of course.” He looked and sounded surprised by the question. “Whathappenedtoyouwasinexcusableandyouhavemymostsincereapologiesthatitoccurred.Ipromisedyousanctuary.Youdidnotreceivethat.”

Before I could respond,Merledid. “Ivy is a trainedmemberof theOrder.Twoordinary faeshouldnothavebeendifficult forher tohandle.Back inmyheyday,Icouldtakefouroutintheblinkofaneye.”

Wow.Myeyesnarrowedonherback. “Well, thankyou formaking it sound like

gettingstabbedwasmyfault.”“Itwasnotyourfault,”Tannerwasquicktoadd.“Iamgladtohearthatso

farRenhasnotfoundanyconspirators.”Hisgazedroppedtowherethedaggercreatedaslightbulgealongmyhip.“ThoughIdounderstandwhyyoufeeltheneedtoarmyourselves.”

“I’mnotheretotalkaboutgettingstabbed.”“Thenwhatareyouhere for?”Merleglancedoverhershoulderatmeas I

stalkedtowheretheysat.“Iimagineit’ssomethingquiteurgentsinceyouforgotthatitwaspolitetoknock.”

AsmuchasIlikedMerle,Ihadtoignoreheratthispoint.“CanthePrincefindmehere?”

Tanner’s brows lifted as he leaned forward in his chair. “Outside of whathappened,you’resafehere,Ivy.Icanassureyou—”

“I’m not asking if I’m safe,” I cut him off. “Because nomatterwhat youclaim,that’sobviouslynottrue.I’maskingifthePrincecansniffmeouthere?”

HeglancedatMerle,whocalmlytookadrinkfromhertinyteacup,andamomentpassedbeforeheanswered. “Ourpresencehere isheavilyglamoured,evenfromotherfae.Unlesstheyknowtolookandsee,theywillnotfindus.”

Iwasn’tstupid.“Thatdoesn’tanswerthequestion,Tanner.”Claspinghishandstogether,hetiltedhisheadtotheside.“Theglamourisn’t

infinite.Everythinghasalimit,Ivy.ThePrincewasn’tlookingforusbefore,butbynow, Iamsureheknows thatweexist inNewOrleans.He’llbe searchingandhe’spowerful.”

Myheartturnedoverinmychest.“Whatdoesthatmean,exactly?”Merleloweredhercup.“Whathe’ssaying,dear,isthatthePrincecouldpoke

aholethroughtheglamour.Itwouldnotholdagainsthiswill.”OhmyGod.“Soyou’rebasicallysayingthatifhesomehowfiguredoutthat

HotelGoodFaewashere,hecouldripawaytheglamourandenter?”ThesmileslippedfromTanner’sfaceashenodded.“Hecould,butwehave

noreasontobelievethathewouldbecomeawareofus.”“And why is that?” I demanded. “You have hundreds of fae here. Any

numberofthemcouldsaythewrongthingtothewrongfae.”“They knowwhat is at stake,” Tanner replied. “None of themwant to be

foundbythePrince.Theyknowwhatwouldhappentothem.”

Evenifthatwasthecase,thatstilldidn’tmeanitwasunlikelythatthePrincewouldeverfindthisplace.“DiditeveroccurtoyouthathecouldhavesomeonelikeFayeonhisteamplayingspy?”

Tanner’slipsthinned.Merledidn’tanswer,andIseriouslywonderedifthathadcrossedtheirminds.Ifnot,theywereutteridiots.

Pressureclampeddownonmychest.“WhatwouldhappenifthePrincegotinhere?”

“Besideshimtakingyou?”Merleliftedherchin,herunlinedfacehidinghertrue age. “The fae here,without feeding, are nomatch for the Prince and hiswarriors.”Merle’sgazewassharp.“Ifhecomes,theywillnotsurviveanyattackhemaylaunch.”

Iclosedmyeyes.Sothefaewhoattackedmewasright.“Mebeinghereisadangertoallofthem.”

“ThePrincebeinginthisworldisadangertoeverylivingcreature,”Tannersaid, andwhen I openedmyeyes, hehad sat back in his chair. “The faewhoconsiderthisplaceahavenknowthis.”

“Iamthinkingafewarenothappyaboutthat,”Ipointedout.TherewasnothingTannercouldsayinreturntothat.“So, letmeget this straight.The faehere arebasically safe as longas the

Princedoesn’tcatchwindofthisplace?Butifhedoes,he’llfindawaytogetinandhewillkilleveryfaeinhereforshitsandgiggles?”

Tannerpaled.“Thatisanunlikelyyes.”Unlikely?Yeah.Right. I felt like IknewDrakewell enough toknowhe’d

eventually,sooner than later, find thisplace.“I thinkyouforgot tomentionallthisinyourstayatHotelGoodFaepitchwhenIfirstarrived.”

“Hedidn’t fail tomention it, dear.He chosenot to.”Merle heldmygaze.“ThesafetyofthosehereisirrelevanttothemissionofkeepingyourbellyemptyofthePrince’sseed.”

I vomited a little in my mouth. “Can you never say it like that again?Please?”

“It’s the truth,” she replied. “These fae would be dead if the Princediscovered the locationwhetheryouwerehereornot.Keepingyououtofhishandsisthetoppriority.”

Thatwashardtoswallow.Ididn’t likeknowingthatmylife—or,well,mywomb—hadahighervaluethanotherlives.“OrIcould,youknow,justdie.Thatwouldfixtheproblem.”

Sheheldmygaze.“Itwould,however, it appearsyou’rehard tokillwhenyoucanfeedandhealyourself.”

Isuckedinasharpbreath.“Ididn’tchoosetodothat.”

“I know.” Something flickered over her face. Sympathy? Compassion?Constipation?Whoknew?“Iknowyouwouldnothavemadethatcall,buttherearepeopleherewhowillmakethatcallforyou.Andtheywillcontinuetodoso,tosaveyou.”

Shewas right. “Butme being heremeans that the unlikely chance of himdiscoveringthisplacemovesclosertothelikelyterritory.”

“It’sirrelevant,sweetie,”Merlerepeated.I blinked at her and then turned toTanner. “Every time someonegoes out

there—outintheworldbeyondtheglamourofthisbuilding,theyruntheriskofbeingseenbyoneofthePrince’sminions.”Myheartlurchedinmychest.“JustlikewhenRenandFayewentout there lookingfor theCrystal.Theycould’vebeenseenandfollowed.”

“Fayeiscarefulandshe’sawareoftherisk,”Tannerstated.“AndwhataboutRen?”Tannerdidn’treplyandahorriblethoughtoccurred.DidRenknowaboutthe

dangerofme stayinghere?No.Therewasnowayhewould’ve signedoffonputtingthefaehereindanger.ButthenIthoughtaboutwhathe’ddoneforme.Iobviouslydidn’tknowwhatextenthe’dgotokeepmesafe.“Yousaidthatmebeingherewasnoproblem.”

“Anditisn’t,Ivy.”Tannerpickeduphiscup.“Wehavesurvivedherelongerthanyourealizewithoutbeingdiscoveredbythosewewishtoremainhiddento.Weshallcontinuethatway.”

“Thingsaredifferentnow.ThatwasbeforethePrincearrived.”He shook his head. “Things are just more complicated.” A faint smile

appeared, one of approval. “I appreciate your concern for my brothers andsisters,morethanyouknow,especiallyafterwhatwasdonetoyou,butwearewillingtoshouldertherisktomakesurethePrincedoesnotopenthosedoors,destroyingthemortalrealmjustlikehiscourtdidtoourworld.”

Noteveryfaeherewasobviouslywillingtoshoulderthatrisk.“Idon’t appreciateyour concern,”Merle retorted. “It’smisguidedandwill

leadtofoolishdecisions.”“Doyounotcareaboutthefaehere?”Idemanded.Asmallsmileappeared,thekindthatremindedmeofagrandmother’s.“You

wouldn’twantmetoanswerthatquestion.”“Andwewouldn’taskhertoanswerthatquestion,”Tanneradded.Icouldn’tbelievetheycouldbesodismissiveoftheriskinvolvedorthefact

that they thought I’dbeokaywith this.The inhabitantsof thisplacewere fae,buttheyweren’thurtinghumans.LikeTink,theywerejusttryingtoscratchoutsomesortof life.AndTinkandRenwerealsohere.Themstayingsafewasof

theutmostprioritytome.“I’mnotokaywiththis.”“Wedon’texpectyoutobe,”Merleanswered.“Wejustexpectyoutodeal

withit.YougrewupintheOrder.Youknowsometimesyouhavetosacrificethemanytoprotect thefew.You’ve lived that lifeeverydayyou’vebreathed.Getwiththeprogram,Ivy.Ithasn’tchanged.”

IsuckedinairandturnedtoTanner.“Youallhavetorealizethatit’sonlyamatteroftimebeforethePrincerealizesyou’reharboringmehere.It’snotifhedoes, it’swhen he does.What do you do then?How longwould the glamourholdagainsthim?”

Tanner took a sip of his tea. “We’d hopefully have weeks.” There was apauseashispalegazemetmine.“Butifwe’relucky,we’llhavedays.Hoursifwearen’t.”

Chapter11

Getwiththeprogram?Oh,Iwassogoingtogetwiththeprogram.Throwingthedoorshutbehind

me, I flipped on the light and stalked toward the narrow closet next to thedresser.

Spying the weekender bag Tink had used to pack some of my stuff in, Igrabbeditfromtheflooroftheclosetandtosseditontothebed.

Days?Hours?Weeks?TheyhadnoideahowlongwehadbeforethePrincefoundthisplaceandbroke throughtheglamour. Itwasn’tanunlikelyevent. Itwas inevitable. Therewere toomay fae here, toomany unknown variables atplay.Withmehere,thePrincewoulddiscoverHotelGoodFae,andtherewasnodoubtinmymindthattheveryfirstpersonhe’dtakeoutwasRen.

PanicunfurledinthepitofmystomachasIstaredatthebag.Withsuddenclarity,IknewIcouldn’ttellRenorTinkwhatIwasplanningtodo.Neitherofthemwouldwantmetoleave.They’dstopme,andthewholepointwastokeepthemsafe.

ThatmeantIhadtoleavewithoutthem.RawpainpunchedmychestasIturnedtothedresser.CouldIdothat?Could

Iwalkoutofherewithoutsayinggoodbye?Withoutonemorekiss?OnemoreIloveyou?

AndwhataboutTink?Hewouldbesopissed,andwouldprobablyannoyRentothepointofgetting

himselfmurderedincoldblood,butTinkhadtounderstand.HeknewwhatthePrincewascapableof.

“OhGod,”Iwhispered,pressing theheelofmypalmtomyforehead.ThebackofmythroatburnedasIclosedmyeyes.

WhatwasIdoing?Thepanicturnedintothekindofhurtingthatsuckedawayatthesoul.Ihad

toleavethem.Iknewthat.Itwastheonlywaythey’dbesafeuntiltheyfoundthatdamnedCrystal,orI...foundawaytoweakenthePrincesohecouldbekilled.

Loweringmy hand, I openedmy eyes. Theywere damp as I stared at thedresser. Everyone was focused on putting the Prince back in the Otherworldbecausekillinghimwasvirtuallyimpossible,butnothingwastrulyimpossible.

Someoneouttherehadtoknowhowtoweakenhimenoughthatcuttingoff

hisheadwasfeasible.SteelyresolvefilledmeasIsteppedforward,openingthedrawer.Sincethe

Princecouldsenseme,hehadtoknowIwasstillinNewOrleans.IfIleft,thenhe’dfollow.I’djusthavetokeepmovinguntilIfiguredoutawaytoweakenthebastard long enough to kill him.While Iwasgone,Ren andTink couldworkwithTannertofindtheCrystal.They’dbesafe,andthatwasallthatmattered.

ThedooropenedjustasIyankedseveralpantsoutofthedrawer.Spinningaround,IsawRenstandingintheopendoorway.

Crap.IguessedIwouldn’tknowifIcouldwalkoutofherewithoutseeinghimor

sayinggoodbye.Thisjustgotahellofalotharder.Nothingabouthimlookedrelaxedashisgazemovedfrommyhandstothe

open bag on the bed. “You didn’t come to the cafeteria.” Therewas a pause.“Whatareyoudoing,Ivy?”

What Iwasdoingat that exactmomentwasbeing frozenbetween thebedanddresser,cradlingpantstomyboobs.“I...I’mpacking.”

Stepping into the room, he closed the door behind him. “Packing to gowhere?”

Iopenedmymouth,but Ihadno ideawhat tosay. Ihadn’tplanned toseehimbeforeIleft.

Hisbrowsloweredashecamecloser.“Whatareyoudoing,Sweetness?”Swallowing,Iglanceddownatthebag.AhugepartofmewishedIcouldlie,

butI’dalreadyliedtoomanytimestohim.Asmuchasthiswasgoingtosuck,Ihadtotellthetruth.“I...Ineedtoleave.”

“Leave?”Hestoppedbesideme.“Okay.IfeellikeI’mmissingavitalpartofsome story.Did something else happen?”His eyes flared a vivid green. “Didsomeonetrytoattackyouagain?”

“Therewasn’tanattackbetweenthetimeIleftyouinthehallwayandnow.”I placed the pants in the bag and looked up at him. “Did you know that thePrincecangetthroughtheglamourhere?”

His expression smoothed out. “You’re safe here, Ivy.Nomatterwhat. I’mgoingtomakeitso—”

“I’m not worried about me being safe!” My frustration rose. “Why doeseveryone keep bringing that up like I need to be taken care of? I gotmy asskicked.Ialmostdied,butI’maliveandI’mnotscared.”

Confusionfilledhisstrikingeyes.“I’mnotsayingthatyou’rescared,butitwouldbeokayifyouwere,Ivy.Noonecouldblameyouforthat.”

Cursingundermybreath, I spunandgrabbedahandfulofunderwear.Thething was, I wasn’t scared. I was angry. Furious. Enraged all the time, but I

wasn’tscared.Notformyself.“I’mnotafraid.”TherewasapausewhileIshovedmyunderwearintothebag.“Ivy—”Iwhirledonhim.“DoyouguysevenrealizethatI’mtheonlyoneherethat

thePrincewon’tkill?Unlesshefindsanotherhalflingsomewhereintheworld,spoileralert,I’msurvivingthisstory.Ican’tsaythesameforallofyou.”

“Yeah,andwhathewantsfromyouisn’tawalkinthepark,Ivy.”Myhandstightened.“Iknowexactlywhathewantsfromme.Trustme.Igot

frontrowticketsforthat.”Rendrewback,wincing. “I’msorry.Thatwascallousofme to throw that

outtherelikethat.”“Itdoesn’tmatter.”Iwavedhimoff.“Ican’tbehere.NotwhenthePrince

knowsdamnwell I’mstill inNewOrleans.Hehas tobeout there lookingforme.It’sonlyamatteroftimebeforehefollowsafaehere.”

“So you’re . . . leaving the one place that could protect you from him toprotectthefaehere?”

“Yep.” I moved to the dresser, searching for tops. “That sums it up quitenicely.Andlet’snotforget,it’snotlikeeveryoneishappytohavemehere.NotthatIcanblamethemfornotwantingmehere.IfIgo,they’resafe.”

“That’sabsurd.”“Idon’tthinkyoureallybelievethat.”“I’mgoingtogetrealwithyou.Idon’tgiveafuckaboutthefaehere.”IgaspedasIfacedhim.“Wow,Ren.”“What?”Hischestrosewithaheavybreathashemetmywideeyes.“It’sthe

truth.I’mnotwishingillonthem.Exceptfortheverydeadbastardswhowentafteryou,therestseemcool,butthereisnochoicewhenitcomesbetweenyouandthem.”

Thatkindofmademefeelallwarmandfuzzyinmychestforallthewrongreasons.“It’snotjustthefaethatareindangerbecauseofme.Tinkis.Youare.”Panicspreadinmystomach,reachingmychest.“ThePrincewouldlovenothingmorethantokillyou.Youknowthat.”

Amuscletickedinhisjaw.“Iwouldlovenothingmorethantocomefacetofacewiththatfucker.”

Horrorseizedme.ThemerethoughtofRengoingtoetotoewiththePrincemademewanttoscreamuntilmyvoicegaveout.“Areyouserious?Youknowwhathe’scapableof.It’snotlikefightinganormalfaeorevenanAncient.ThePrince—”

“I know what he’s capable of,” Ren growled, eyes glimmering. “Do notunderestimatethestrengthofmyhatredforthatsonofabitch.”

“Idon’t,but—”

“Icantakecareofmyself.SocanTink.You’renotdoingusanyfavorsbyleaving.”

Grabbingshirts,Iwalkedthemovertothebed.“Idon’tthinkI’mdoingyouafavor.I’m....”Squeezingmyeyesshut,Ishookmyheadandtriedagain.“Icouldn’t live with myself if something happened to you or Tink. Do youunderstandthat?Icouldn’tdealwiththat.”

“Andwefeelthesamewayaboutyou.Ithinkyouknowthatalready.”Idid.Lookwhatthey’dalreadydonetosaveme.Renwouldlivewiththeguiltof

forcingmetofeedfortherestofhislife.Tinkprobablydidn’tfeelallthatbadabout it, but whatever. They were already making sacrifices and horrifyingchoicesbecauseofme.

Itstoppednow.His voice was closer, more even. “I get that you don’t want to put these

peopleindanger.ThatyouwanttoprotectTinkandme,butSweetness,you’rejust...you’rereactingbecauseofwhathappenedtoyou.Kneejerk.You’renotthinkingthisthrough.”

I dropped my shirts into the bag. “I’m reacting because I have to dosomething.Ican’tsitaroundandjustwaitforhimtostormthisplaceorwaitforoneoftheothertwentypercentyouhaven’ttalkedtothatmayormaynotwanttokillmetoprotecttheirfamilies.I’mnotgoingtodothat.”

Renplacedagentlehandonmyshoulder,butIstill jumpedat thecontact.Thistime,though,hedidn’tpullhishandawaylikehenormallywouldwhenIwasjumpy.Instead,hecarefullyturnedmetohim.

I drew in adeepbreath. “I can’t stayhere,Ren.Youknow that I can’t dothat. I can’tbeokaywithputtingother lives indanger,and Iknowyou’renotokaywiththateither.”

He looked likehewasabout todisagreewith the last statement.“Wehavehelpcoming.FaethatcanfindtheCrystal.Tomorrow.”

“Butwhatifitdoesn’twork?”Iasked.“Whatiftheycan’tfindtheCrystalintime?AndifwegetthisCrystal,howinthehellarewegoingtotrapthePrince,andgethisbloodandmybloodonitintheOtherworld?”

Hisjawtightened.“Wehaven’texactlycrossedthatbridge—”“That’sthepoint.Idon’teventhinkthatbridgehasbeenbuiltyet,sowhatif

wenevercrossit?”“Wewill,”hesaid,voicehard.“EvenifIhavetobuildthatfuckingbridge

myselfwithmyowntwodamnhands.”Isighed.“Weshouldbefocusingonfindingawaytoweakenhim.Therehas

tobesomethingoutthere,someonewhoknows.”

Therewasapause.“Andthat’swhatyouwant todoout there?Findout ifit’spossible?”

“Ithastobepossible.Hehastohaveaweakness,andevenashardaskillinghimwillbe,ithastobeeasierthancompletingtheritualofbloodandstone.”

AndIknewexactlywhereIwasgoingtostart.TheOrderandtheElite.Ifanytwogroupsouttherehadanyidea,itwould

bethem,anditwasfarpasttimeforthemtostarttalking.Alongmomentpassed.“Okay.”Hisshoulderssquaredasifhehadcometo

somekindofconclusion.“Wherewouldwego?”“Ihaven’texactlythoughtthatfarahead,”Iadmitted,leavingoutthewhole

payingavisittotheOrderthing.Iwouldn’tbeabletostayinNewOrleanslong.My visit with them would have to be quick and I had a feeling it would bebloody.ThistimeIwouldn’tbeunprepared.Ohhellno.“ButIthinkI’dhavetogetasfarawayaspossible.MaybeEurope?Ihavemoneysavedup.IthinkIcangetoutbeforeherealizeswhereIam.”

“And then what?” he asked, cupping my cheeks in his broad hands. Hebroughtmetohim,againsthischest.Onearmcircledmywaist.“Tellmewhatthenextstepis.”

Relaxing intohis touch, I letouta littlesigh.Weariness invadedmybonesandmuscles. I didn’t want to leave him. God, that was the last thing I trulywanted todo.“Idon’tknow.Keepmovinguntil . . .wefigureouthowtoputhimback inhisworldorcankillhim,but I’llbewhereverandyou—youandTinkwillbesafe.”

Everything aboutRen changed in an instant.A small tremorwent throughhimandthenhisentirebodystiffened.“Wait.You’replanningtoleavewithoutme?”

Aslight frownturned thecornersofmy lipsdown.“Idon’twant to,but ifI’mnotaroundyou, thenyou’renot indanger—well,you’dbe in lessdanger.ThePrincewillgowhereIgo.You’lljustbein...normaldanger,whichisalotbetterthanpsychoPrincedanger.”

Renpulledback, tiltingmyheadupsoourgazesmet.His lipspartedonasharpinhale.“Youwereinherepackingyourstuff toleavewithoutme.That’swhatyouweredoing.”Understandingseeped intohis features.“Holyshit. If Ihadn’twalkedintothisroom,wouldyouhaveevenstoppedtosaygoodbye?Orwereyouplanningtosneakoutofherewithoutsayingaword?”

Crap.Ididn’twanttoanswerthatbecausehewouldn’tunderstandmyanswer.Rendroppedhishandandtookastepbackandthenanother.“Shit,Ivy.”Oh,thiswasnotgood.“Idon’tknowwhattosay.”

“Ithinkthatsaysitall,”hereplied,voicerough.“No—no,thatdoesn’tsayanything.”Adifferentkindofpanicblossomedin

thecenterofmychest.NoneofthiswasgoinghowI’dplanned.Thenagain,Ididn’thavemuchofaplan.Renhadbeenrightaboutthewholekneejerkthing.“Youdon’tunderstand.IfIhad—”

“You’re right. I don’tunderstand, Ivy. I cannot evencomprehendhowyoucouldwalkoutofherewithoutsayinganythingtome.”Hisgazedriftedovermein a way that made me think he wasn’t sure who he was staring at. “Aftereverythingthathashappened,you’ddothattome?”

My spine stiffened. “I’d do anything to protect you. Just like you’d doanythingtoprotectme,right?”

“Areyoufuckingshittingmerightnow?”heexploded.“Doesprotectingmeincludestressingmethefuckout?”

Ifoldedmyarmsovermychest.“Well,no—”“Okay.Howabouthavingmego insanewithworry?”Hesteppedforward,

chindipped.“Doesprotectingmealsomean leavingme to think thegoddamnworstthinghashappenedtoyouagain?Thatanotherfaegottoyouorworse?”

Ijolted.“Iwould’veleftaletter.Iwouldn’t—”“A letter? You have got to be shitting me.” Lifting a hand, he thrust his

fingers through his messy hair. “I should’ve known.” Dropping his hand, helaughedharshly.“You’vealreadydonethisbefore.”

“Whatdoyoumean I’vedone this before?Last I checked, this is the firsttimewe’vefoundourselvesinthispredicament.”

Hiseyeswidenedwithdisbelief. “It’snot.Backat thatdamnmansionyoumadeadealwiththatsonofabitchtofreeme.”

Myarmsfelltomysides.“Thatisnotlikethisatall.”“It’snot?Youputyourselfindangerneedlessly,”heargued.“WhatwasIsupposedtodo?”Ishouted,fightingbacktears.“Hewasgoing

tokillyou,Ren.Doyounotgetthat?WhatelsewasIsupposedtodo?”“Anythingbutagreetogiveyourselftothatmonstertofreeme!”heyelled

back,bodytense.AirlodgedinmythroatasIstumbledbackastep.“DidyouthinkIforgotaboutthat?”Heshookhishead.“ThehellI’mletting

youwalkoutofheretodothatagain.”“Areyougoingtostopme?”Ishotback.“Lockmeupinthisroom?Chain

metothebed?”Onesideofhis lipscurvedupinahumorlesssmile.“Don’t temptme,Ivy,

because you’re obviously in need of someone to make better life choices foryou.”

My heart thundered in my chest. The ever-present fury that had beensimmeringinsidelongbeforeIescapedthePrinceeruptedlikeasupervolcano.“Really?”

“Really.”Hecrossedhisarms.“At least thenIknowIwon’t findyou inabloody heap somewhere, or you won’t be running around, getting yourselfcaptured.”

Ilostit.“ThenthatmakesyounobetterthanthePrince!”Blood drained from Ren’s face. Immediately, I knew I’d gone too far.

Holding anyone anywhere wasn’t cool, but Jesus, Ren was nothing like thePrince.

Whatwaswrongwithme?Something had to be forme to say that to him. Something horrible.But I

didn’tgetachanceforsomedeepself-discoverytofigureoutexactlyhowmuchmyheadwasmessedup.

Ren’s expression locked down. “Tanner said that the fae should be heretomorrow.Canyouwaituntilthenbeforeyourunoffanddo—”Helookedawayforamomentandthenrefocusedonme.“Dowhateveritisyou’regoingtodo?”

I flinched. His tone was so incredibly distant—cold. I’d never heard himsoundlikethattome.Ever.

“Will you stay?” he demanded, emerald eyes blazing. “Stay until the onesTanner thinkscan locate theCrystal come? If that’s abust, then Iwon’t sayaword.Promisemeyouwillstayatleastuntilthen.Please.”

Partofmedidn’twanttoriskwaitinganotherhour.WhoknewwhenthesemagicalCrystalsniffingfaewereactuallygoingtoshowup.IhadnodoubtinmymindthatthePrincewoulddiscoverthisplace,butweprobablyhadacoupleof days before that happened. Maybe even a week, but when the Prince didcome,Iknewtherewouldn’tevenbehoursbeforehebrokethrough.

Ren . . .Renhadsaidplease, andall I could thinkofwashimsaying thatsamewordtome,beggingmetohangonwhenI’dbeeninjured.

Iexhaledraggedly,ploppingdownonthebed.“Fine.I’llstayuntiltheygethere,butiftheycan’thelp—”

“You’reout,”hegrowled.“Gotit.”Mygazeflickeredtohis.“Ren—”“Don’t,” he cut me off, and my stomach soured. “I don’t want to hear

whateverisabouttocomeoutofyourmouth.”I stiffened. Therewas nomistaking the fury etched into his face or in his

tone. It was restrained but there, like the eye of the storm in themiddle of ahurricane.

“Iknowyou’vebeenthroughhellandyou’retryingtodeal.Damn,Iknow

thatthere’sahugepartofyoustillstuckinthathell,especiallyaftertheattackandwhat we did to save you—what happened between us afterward. I knowthere’sahugepartofyoustillthere,backatthathouse.That’swhatwakesyouup every night and that’s why you spend your day hiding from me—fromeveryone.That’swhyyoudon’ttalktome.”

“I-Italktoyou,”Isaid,feelingmythroatsqueezeshut.“Bullshit,”heshotback.“Seeingyouhurtingandhavingnocluehowtohelp

youkillsme—eatsawayatmeeverydamnday.ThatpainisworsethananythingIwentthroughatthatdamnhouse.”

“Youhaven’ttalkedtome!”Iremindedhim.“It’snotlikeyou’vedonethewholecaringandsharingthing.”

“Youhaven’tasked,Ivy.”Airlodgedinmythroat.OhGod,hewasright.Ihadn’t...Ihadn’tasked.“But you want to know now? Fine. As you already know, I got my ass

captured the night you toldmeyouwere theHalfling. Iwas caught up inmyheadandwalkedrightintoadamntrapthatbitchhadset.Igotknockedout,andwhenIwokeup,Iwasinthatpitch-blackcell,chainedtoadamnwall.IsawthePrincefirstand that’showIknewwhathewasgoing todo.After feedingandbeatingtheshitoutofme,hebecameme.ThenheleftmetoBreena.”

Mystomachtwisted.“Thatbitchknowshowtousehernailsandteeth.”Theimageofhisbarechestsurfaced.Hisskinhadbeenshreddedandbitten.

I could taste the fury I’d felt upon seeinghimand Iwanted todrawbloodalloveragain.“Didshe...?”

“Didsheforceherselfonme?”Hiseyesflashed.“Woulditchangethingsifshehad?”

“God.No.”Everything inside ofmewas twisted up. “Itwouldn’t be yourfault.Iwouldn’tthinkdifferentlyofyouoranythinglikethat.”

Renwasquietforalongmoment.“Shemessedwithme,butshewasmoreinterestedinfuckingwithmyheadthanmybody.Prettyconfidentshe’sactuallydisgusted by humans and wouldn’t lower herself to screw one. Did she saysomethingdifferent?”

Abitofreliefsweptthroughme,butitwasbittersweet.KnowingthatwhatBreenaclaimedhadhappenedbetweenthemwasfalsedidn’tlessenthehorrificthings thatweredonetoRen.“Shedid,andIwasneversure if Ibelievedher.FayesaidBreenahadn’t,butFayewouldlietokeepmefromattackingBreena.”MemoriesofBreena’stauntsreturned.“SheknewwhereyourOrdertattoowas.”

The three interlocking spirals were in the same place as mine, near myhipbone.

“Their favorite pastimewas to stripme naked and leaveme to freezemyballsoff.”

“Jesus.” Exhaling raggedly, I sat back down on the bed. The wearinessreturned,dampeningtheangeruntilitreturnedtoasimmer.

ThesilencewasbrokenwhenRensaid,“IknowthatI’monlyawareofaboutonetenthoftheshityouwentthroughthere,andI’vewantedtoknowallofit.EverysingledamnhorriblethingsothatIcanbethereforyou,butI’vewaited,becauseIwantedyoutobeready—tobeatthepointwhereyoucantalktome.Soitshockstheshitoutofmethatyouweregoingtorunwithoutme,withouteventellingme.Thatyoudidn’twantmebesideyou,nomatterwhat.”

AnythingIwasabouttosayturnedtoashonmytongue.Thatwasn’thowImeantforittocomeacross.Notatall.

Heswallowedhard.“AndyouknowwhatIjustnowrealized?You’vebeenrunning without me this whole time, haven’t you? There’s never been an us.There’sbeenyouandthenthere’sbeenmechasingyou.”

TearscrawledupthebackofmythroatasIroseonshakyknees.“That’snothowit’sbeen.Ren,that’s—”

“It’snot?Youmightwanttothinkaboutthat.”Hesteppedback,openingthedoor.“Thefuckedupthing,Ivy?Youwerewillingtostay,butnotforme—notforus.Andthat’snotbecauseyou’retryingtoprotectme.Youwerebailingonme.Youwerebailingonus—ifthereeverreallywasanus.”

Chapter12

Ididalotofthinkingthatnight.ItwasallIdid.Andforonce,Ididn’tspendthenightthinkingaboutwhathadhappenedor

what could’ve happened while the Prince held me captive. I wasn’t eventhinking about getting stabbed. Instead, I lay there,my thoughts consumedbywhatRenhadsaidasIstaredattheblandwhiteceiling.

Renhadleftandhadn’tcomebacktoourroom,andIdidn’tsleep,nordidIputallmyclothesbackinthedresser.Instead,I’dcreatedmyselfalittlebug-outbag,stashingabouttwodays’worthofclothinginthebagandplacingitbackintheclosetjustincaseweranoutoftime.

ThenI’dwaited.PartofmehadexpectedRen to return,but theotherhalfknewthatwhat I

hadplannedcuthimdeepandafewhourswasn’tgoingtostitchtheholeIdugopeninhimbacktogether.Ihadn’tmeantforeverythingtoturnoutthewayitdid.Ijustwasn’t...

God,Ijustwasn’tthinkingstraight.NowthatIwashere,allalone,withnothingbutmyownstupidheadtokeep

myselfcompany,Irealizedthatthewholetakeoffrunningwithnoideawheretogowas incredibly stupidandcruel.Sodamncruel,not just toRenbutalso toTink.

Ren had been right about what my leaving would’ve done to them. Itwould’ve been terrible, and even though I’d had the best of intentions, in allhonestly,theywerepanickedintentions.

Igaveway topanic, and the ideaof runningwasat leastdoing somethingotherthansittingaroundandtwiddlingmythumbs.

Orgettingstabbed.You’vebeenrunningwithoutmethisentiretime.It took several hours forme towork through the denial of that statement.

HadIbeenrunningfromhimthisentiretime?Ididn’twanttobelieveit,becauseitwassoterrible.

God, it sucked ass to admit it to myself, but it was true. Even from thebeginningI’dmadeeverythingexceptionallydifficultforRen.Itwasn’tbecauseIwantedtobeachallenge.WhenImetRen,hewasthefirstguyIwasinterestedin after the death of Shaun. I’d been so closed off, so awkward at being

interestedinaguy.ThingshadbeeneasierbetweenuswhenIfinallyopeneduptohim—whenIfinallyallowedmyselftofallinlovewithRen.

ButthenIfoundoutIwastheHalfling.Thatwaswhen I started lying tohim—when I startedrunning.Maybenot

physically but definitely mentally. I hadn’t told him about seeing the PrinceoutsideCafeDuMonde.I’dhidthetruthofwhatIwasuntilIvirtuallyblurteditout tohimon thedamn street.Renhadbeen trained sincebirth andhewas amemberof theElite.Heknewhow to takecareofhimself, but I’dblindsidedhim,bringinghisbiggest fear to life.Notonly that,but I’dconstantlycuthimoutofdecisions.Itwasn’t likeIhadtoincludehimineverything.LordknowsRenneverexpected that frommeoranyone,butwhenyouarewith someone,whenyoulovethem,youincludethem.

You’reateam.Youdon’thide thingsfromthem.Yousureashelldon’t lie,andyoudon’t

comparethemtoamonster.I’d screwed up, more than once, and long before the Prince had dug his

clawsinme.Nowthegulfbetweenustrulyseemedunsurpassable.NowonderRenfeltthewayhedid.Weneverreallygotthechancetohave

normalcy in our relationship. To go out on dates and spend lazyweekends athome, exploring each other and inevitably getting on each other’s nerves.Wehadn’tgottenthechancetohavenormalfights,aboutwhattoeatorifwewantedmoreinthefuture.Wedidn’tgetthechancetobuildanyamountoftrust,whichwaswhyIwasamazedbyhowacceptingandpatienthe’dbeenupuntilafewhoursago.Wewerestill...newatus,andwenevergotachancetofullytakeoffandbecomeanything.

Everythinghadbeenrockyinthebeginning,raggedinthemiddle,andnow...atpossiblytheend...itwasacatastrophewaitingtohappen.

Wewerebroken.Itwasn’tallonme.Rentakingpartinthatcompulsionandallowingmeto

feedonhimwasn’tasmallmisdeed.Igotwhyhedidit.Ievenunderstoodit,butitstillhappenedanditwasstillbetweenus.Butother thanthat?Iwaswomanenoughtoknowitwasonme.

AndIhadnoideaifitwasfixableorifRenwantedtorepairthedamage,butIdidknow that itwouldn’tmatter ifRenendedupkilledor if thePrincewassomehow successful when it came to getting himself a bouncing baby. Ourrelationshipwastheleastofourworries.Notthatitdidn’tfeellikemychestwasbeingcrackedopenandmyheartspoonedoutofme.Itdid.Ithurtjustasbadasgettingstabbedintheback.

I needed to focus, though. I needed to getmy shit straight before I couldeventhinkaboutgettingmyhouseinorder.

ThePrincewasgoingtofindme.Eventually.Becauseatthemoment,Iwasan easier target for him than to find another halfling somewhere in theworld,especiallysincetheElitemadeittheirdutytostraight-upmurderanytheycameacross.

For the whole baby Armageddon to work, the baby-making between thePrinceandIhadtobeconsensual.Hehadtoknowthatwasnever,evergoingtohappen, so what could the Prince hope to accomplish? The only reason he’dgottenmetoagreetostaywithhim,tobewithhim,wastofreeRen.

Hehadcollateral.AndDrakestilldid.ItwasintheweehoursofthemorningwhenitstruckmethatI’dbeenwrong

about the Prince killing Ren on sight, and that realization was what had mepacingtheroomuntilthesunbegantorise.

ThePrincewouldn’tkillRen.Ohno,hewouldusehimagainstme,justlikehe’ddonebefore.ThePrincewoulddothesamewithTinkifhediscoveredhispresence.He still had themeans to controlme.All he neededwas to get hishandsononeofthem.

Stoppingatthewindow,Iliftedmygazetothefadingstars.Iwasbacktosquareone.Even if I lefthere, thePrincewouldstillgoafterRen,becauseheknew it

woulddrawmebackfromtheendsoftheEarth.He’ddowhathedidbefore,useRen,andeventhoughIknewwhatwasatstake,IlovedRen.Icouldn’tbethereasonhewashurt.Notagain.NeveragainafterShaun.Thatwasmyweakness.

NotRen,butmypast.Shivering,Isawthattherewereonlythreeoptionsbeforeme,andasthelast

ofthestarstwinkledout,Iknewrunningwasn’toneofthem.FindtheCrystalandcompletetheritual.FigureouthowtoweakenthePrinceandkillhim.OrgodownthepaththathadstoppedTinkfromtellingmefromdayonethat

IwastheHalfling.ThesamepathRenandTinkhadyankedmefromafewdaysago,whichwastopermanentlyremovemyselffromtheequation.

IlookedlikecrapasIstaredinthemirror,havinghadonlyafewhoursofsleepandstillnosignofRen.Thehealthyglowfromsuckingtheessenceoutofhimwas lost in the dark shadows undermy eyes and the,well, slightly shimmery

skinthatwasn’tactuallyashimmer.Tinkhadbeenwrongaboutthat.SohadI.It was a very faint silvery sheen that only looked shimmery. I knew this

because Iwas standing in front of the longmirror attached to the backof thebathroomdoor,buckassnakedforawhilenow.

BeforemyskinstartedtolooklikeIhadcoveredmyselfinUrbanDecayeyeshadow, staring at myself completely naked wasn’t something I did often. Imean, I really didn’t need to check out the many different scars and stretchmarks,buthereIwas.

Why?BecauseIhadanewlifemotto.Itwassimple.Getmyshittogether.Sinceoffingmyselfwasn’texactlymytopchoiceofoptionsandIcouldn’t

helpfindtheCrystal,theonlynextthingformetodowasfindawaytoweakenthePrince.

Iwasforcingmyselftocometotherealizationthatmybodyhadchanged.Itwasdefinitelyanewskintone,myfeaturesweresharper,moredefined,andmyearswerepointy, andyeah,myeyeswere . . .well, theywerekindof cool. Imean, the contrast between the irises and pupils was kind of striking. Peoplewould probably think they were fake. I could deal with this. My body hadchangedbutitwasstillmine.

Mygazedroppedbelowmynavel.Ireallyneededtofindarazor.Orawaxer.But I coulddealwith this,because Ihad todealwith this.Myappearance

mayhavechangedalittle.Imayhavegottenmyasshandedtomeafewdaysago. Imayhave lost a little ofmyselfwhenDrakewasholdingme captive. Imayhavelostmyselfalongtheway,butIwasstillIvy.

Itwistedtothesideandsighed.Andmyasswasstillnotthemostattractivethingintheworldnaked.You’d

think the extra fae-ness would’ve given me a nice heart-shaped bottom orsomething.ThatIwouldn’thavecomplainedabout.

Whatever.Turningtotheotherside,Iranmyhandsovermysidesandback,myfingers

skatingovertheroughridgeofanewscar.I swallowed hard, facing themirror oncemore. I keptmy eyes open as I

smoothed my hands over my waist and then up, over my breasts. My handsstayedthere,cuppingthem.

Allofthiswas...itwasmine.Mybodydidn’tbelong to thePrince.OrRen.Mybodysureashelldidn’t

belong to somewhackedoutprophecy. Itwasmine—silveryskin,pointyears,andallthescarsweremine.

RealizingthatIwasbasicallyfondlingmyownbreasts,Irolledmyeyesanddroppedmyhands.Iquicklychanged,leavingmyhairpulledupbecauseIdidn’tcareaboutmyears.Nope.Notatall.

Now Iwas off to findTink,whichwasn’t hard. I just had to look for thelargestandloudesttableinthecafeteria.

Hewaspracticallyholdingcourt.All Icouldseewashisshockinglywhitehairinthecenterofadozenorsofairerheads.

Ignoringthewaymystomachacidsdecidedtogetallbubblyatthescentofcookedmeat, I strode into the cafeteria. Iwas also going to need to invest insomeTumsbecausethenotbeingabletoeatthingwasstupid.ItwasoneofthereasonsI’dgottenmyasskicked.

Heads looked up and followed my progress. Conversations stopped.Whispersstarted.

Myshouldersstartedtocurveinwardundertheweightoftheirstares,butIcaughtmyself.OldIvywouldnotbowherchin.Shewouldnotcare.

SonewIvydidn’tcare.Fixing the kind of smirk onmy face that always annoyed the piss out of

Daniel,IliftedmychinandapproachedTink’stable.Itwasn’tuntilIwasrighttherethatIrealizedtwothings.

TinkwasDixon-less.AaandRenwasatthetable.How in the world I hadn’t seen him until then showed that I also really

neededtoworkonmyobservationskills,buttherehewas,hisrussetheadbentoveraplateofeggwhitesandwhatwasprobablyturkeybaconandwholewheattoast.

BecauseRenwashealthylikethat.Seeing him threw me completely for a loop. He hadn’t gone back to the

roomwhenI’dbeenthere,buthewasfreshlyshowered.Hishairwasstilldampandhe’dchanged.Hewaswearingablackthermal,pusheduptohiselbows.Ihadnoideawherehe’dshoweredsincehehadn’treturnedtotheroom.

A thousand words rose to the tip of my tongue. I wanted to apologize. Iwantedtotellhimthathe’dbeenright.Iwantedtoaskhimtohelpmefixthings.

But I said none of those things, because those were things neither of usneededanaudiencefor.Certainlynotme,becauseIwouldprobablybreakdowninugly,horribletears.

Ihada feelingheknew Iwas therewithout lookingup.Maybe itwas thewaythechatteratthetableeasedoff,oritwashisweirdsixthsensekickingin,buthisshoulderstensedandhestoppedchewing.

Tink, on the other hand, had no idea I was there . . . or alive, because it

looked likehewaseye-screwing themale faeacross fromhim.An impressivelevel of eyeball fuckery that I could’ve taken lessons from. But when I sawTink’slipspartandhelookedlikehewasasecondawayfromlickinghisbottomlip,Iintervened.

Iclearedmythroat.“Tink.”“Ivy!”Tinkbeamedupatme.Threeemptyplateswereinfrontofhim,the

faeacrossfromhimforgotten.“Youheretoeatwithus?”“Uh, no. I already ate.” I managed to scarf down a banana on my way

downstairs,sothatwasn’talie.Turningoveranewleafandall.“Ineedtotalktoyou.”

Hesighedheavily.“Look,thefirelastnightwassmall.Iputitoutbeforeitspread,andIalreadyapologizedforit.Theroomneedsremodelinganyway.”

IforcedmygazefromRen.Hestillhadn’tacknowledgedIwashere.“No,it’snot—wait,therewasafirelastnight?”

“Oh.” Tink sat back, crossing his arms. “Forget about that.What do youwanttotalkabout?”

I openedmymouth and thendecidednot toquestion thewhole fire thing,becauseIprobablydidn’twanttoknow.“Iwanttotalktoyou.”IpeekedatRen.He’dstoppedeating,forkdown,handsflatonthetable.“Inprivate,Tink.”

“Oh,secretsquirrelstuff.”Tinkstartedtorise.“I’mhereforthis.”Renlookedupjustthen,hisgazesnaggingmine.“Hey.”Thatonewordwasflat,emotionless.Empty.“Hi,”Imanagedtocroakout.Hestaredatme foramoment,and Iworkedup thecourage toaskhim to

join us.But then his jaw tightened. Picking up his plate, he rose and steppedawayfromthetable.“Seeyouguyslater.”

“Wait . . .” I trailed off, because it was no use. Renwas already halfwayacross the cafeteria.Watching him leavemade it feel likemy chest split rightopen.

“Whatthehell?”Tinkasked.Iturnedtohim,blinkingbackthesuddenrushofhot,stupidtears.Icursed

myself. I hadn’t planned to exclude Ren from this conversation. I just hadn’texpectedtoseehimsoI’dwastedpreciousmomentsstandingtherelikeanidiot.

OperationGetYourShitTogetherwasofftoawonderfulstart.Itookadeepbreath.“Canwestepoutintothehall?”“Yeah.”AfrownmarredTink’sfeatures.“Sure.”Itookthefewsecondstoputmyselfbacktogether.Ineededtofocusandnot

beonthevergeofcrying.“What’s upwith you andRen?” he asked themomentwewere out in the

hallway.“Areyouthereasonhenearlyknockedmyheadoffthismorningwhen

Itoldhimhelookedlikeshit?Becausetheboydidlooklikehewasrodehardandputawaywet.”

Istopped,crossingmyarms.“Idon’tevenwanttoknowwhatthatmeans.”“Well,itmeansgettingfu—”“Tink,”Isnapped.“Ididn’taskyoutocomeoutheretotalkaboutRen.”“ButIwanttotalkabouthim.Youguysbarelyspoketoeachotherinthere.

That’sweird.”Itookadeepbreath.“Iknow.Wehadafightlastnight,butit’llbeokay.It’ll

befine.”“What?”Concernflashedacrosshisface.“Likeabigfight?Orasmallone?

OhmyGod,areyoutwobreakingup?WhowillIlivewith?”“Whowillyoulivewith?”Igapedupathim.“You’renottwelveandyou’re

notourkid.”“ButIneedtobetakencareof.Loved.IneedaccesstoAmazonPrime.”“Thengetajob,Tink.Youlookhumanenoughtodoit.”“A job?”Absolute horror filled his face. “The loss of bloodmust’ve done

somethingtoyourbrainbecauseyou’reoutofyourmind.”“Okay. This conversation has veered off into very pointless territory.

Everything is fine.Movingon.” I struggled to remainpatient.“Look, IhaveacoupleofquestionsIwanttoaskyouaboutthePrince.”

A faewalkingnearus stoppedandgasped.Her silvery skin turnedapalershadeofgray.

GrabbingTink’sarm,Ipulledhimintoanearbyroom.Itwassmall,withjustaroundtableandtwochairs.“Takeaseat.”

Tink sauntered over to the one furthest from the door and dropped down,stretchingouthislonglegs.“Beinginherewithyoufeelsnaughty.”

IshookmyheadasIclosedthedoorbehindme.“There’ssomethingwrongwithyou.”

Hegrinned.“Icouldsaythesamethingaboutyou.”“Touche,”Imuttered,sittingdownacrossfromhim.“Butlet’sanalyzeeach

otherlater.YouoncetoldmethatkillingthePrincewasimpossible,butnothingisimpossible.”

Tinktossedanarmoverthebackofhischair.“Well,yeahtechnicallyit’snotimpossible.”

“Right.”Irestedmyarmsonthetable.“WeknowathornstakewillweakenanAncient—”

“Soyoucanchoptheirheadoff,”hefinishedforme.“YoucandothesamewiththePrince,butasyouknowfirsthand,evencuttinghimwithastakeisn’teasy.”

“No, it’snot.”ThePrincehadwhippedmyasseachtimewe’dfought,andthe last time I’d had a thorn stake. “So the only way to kill the Prince is toweakenhimenoughtofighthim.”

Tinknoddedslowly.“Okay,sotherehastobesomethingouttherethatweakenshim,right?That

willmakeiteasiertokillhim.”“Yeah.Athornstake.”Hesquinted.“Butyoualreadyknowthat.”Itappedmyfingersonthetable.“Therehastobesomethingelsethatdoesn’t

requiregoingtoetotoewithhim.Ineedyoutothinkaboutthis,Tink.”Hisheadtilted.“Ihavethoughtaboutthis.”“Think hard,” I insisted. “I need you to really think about it. Maybe it’s

somethingsmall.Maybenot.YouwereintheOtherworldwhilethePrincewasthere.Maybeyousawsomething—heardsomething.”

Hisnosewrinkled.“TheonlythingIsawwashimfeedingandscrewing.Alot.Iheardalotofmoansandscreams.Notpain-filledscreams.Youknow,thePrincewasalwaysadick,butnotasbigofadickasheisnow.Oh!Maybesexisaweaknessforhim.”

Mybrowslifted.Heraisedashoulder.“Probablynot. Imean,asmuchashewasdoing it, I

doubteditweakenedhim.Probablygavehimstrength.Likeeverytimehecame,hepowereduplikeMario—”

“All right, let’smoveonfromthewholesex thing.” Iwasgoing toneedaBrilloPadformybrainlater.

Hekickedahugefootuponthetable.“Whyareyouevenaskingaboutthis?IthoughtsomefaewerecomingthatcouldhelplocatetheCrystal?”

“Theyare,butI’mtryingtoplanaheadincasetheydon’tfindtheCrystal,”Iexplained.“Plus,we’regoingtohavetogethisblood.Noneofthatisgoingtobeeasywhenfightinghimincombatisnearlyimpossible.”

BeforeTinkcouldrespond,thedoorswungopenwithoutwarning,revealingFaye.“Ourvisitorsarehere.”

Chapter13

Tink and I followedFaye down the hall, towardTanner’s office,which Iwasguessingwasnowtheofficialmeetingplace.IhadnoideawhereRenwas,ifhewasalready in the room,orcoming. Ididn’t likehowseparatewewere,but Itabledthatproblemtodealwithlater.

MyhandbrushedthedaggeratmyhipasFayestoppedinfrontofTanner’soffice.Hergazefollowedmyhand.“Ourguestmeansyounoharm.”

Notinghowguestswentfrompluraltosingular,Iglancedatthedoor.“I’llbethejudgeofthat.”

“Can’tblameher for that,”Tinkchimed in, foldinghis longarmsoverhischest.

Herlasheslowered.“No.Icannot.”Therewasasmallpause.“Howareyoufeeling,Ivy?”

“Fine.”Thelookonherfacesaidshedidn’tquitebelieveme,butshedidn’tpushit.

Turning, she opened the door, and having no idea what to expect, I slowlyfollowedherin.

“Holyyummyinmytummy,”Tinkmurmured,stoppingbehindme.Iknewimmediatelywhathadprovokedhisreaction.Sittinginoneofthewingbackchairswasastrangerwholookedlikea . . .

well,aViking.Not thehistoricallyaccuratekind,but like theones thatgracedtheoldromancecoversI read.Hewastallandbroad,his thighswideandliketree trunks. His hair was a gloriousmane of blonde waves, reaching far pastshouldersthatstretchedtheplainwhiteT-shirthewore.

Thestrangerwasstunninglybeautifulandhewasdefinitelynoordinaryfae.The fae had the air of an Ancient, one of the most dangerous fae. Up untilrecently,we’dbelievedthattherewerenoAncientfaeleftinourworld.

Wemusthavebeenwrong.Ihadafeelingwe’dbeenliedtobytheOrder.Buttherewassomethinguncomfortablyfamiliarabout thisfae’sfeatures—

about the angular cheekbones and expressive mouth. It was the brow, too.Somethingabouthisfaceandhisshaperemindedme...

Achillrandownmyspine.HelookedlikeDrake—awarmerversionoftheWinterPrince.Iglancedat

Faye,butshelookedunperturbedasshetookaseatonthecouchbythewindow.

She had to see the similarities.Awarning that the stranger could pass for thecousinofDrakewould’vebeennice.

Airstirredaroundmyleftarm.Myheadwhippedtotheside.Renwasthere,as quiet as a damn ghost. Our gazes met, and my heart stuttered. Breakingcontact, he focused on the stranger. The only emotion he showed was thetighteningofhisjaw.

DidheseewhatIsaw?“Who is this?” thestrangerdemanded, staringatme likean insectundera

microscope.Tanner rose frombehind thedesk, but before he could introduceme,Tink

steppedforward,comingtostandnexttome.“She’sBuffywiththebadhair.”Slowly,Iturnedandlookedupathim.“Buffywiththebadhair?”Henoddedeagerly,glancingatthestranger.“Yeah,likeit’sacombinationof

BuffyandBeyonce,thetwogreatestfemalesofalltime.You’relikeBuffy.Badass.Butyou’renotBeckywith thegoodhair.Youhavebadhair.Weallknowthat.”

Istaredathim.“Myhairisn’tthatbad.”“Oh,it’sbad.”Tink’seyesglimmered.“Youdefinitelyaren’taBecky.”“I think it’s a compliment tonotbe aBecky,”Renchimed in, andwhen I

looked over at him, amusement danced in his eyes. “But I’m pretty sure thatbeingaBeckyisn’tjustabouthair.”

Ihatedallofthem.Seriously.Thestrangerliftedhischinandthenrose,hisnostrilsflaring.“You’retheone

whobelongstotheWinterPrince.”Wait.What?Rentensed.Didhereallyjustsaythat?Hearing that ranked rightup therewithhearingyouhadair cabinpressure

issueswhileonaplane,thirty-some-thousandfeetinthesky.“Idon’tbelongtohim.”Oneblondeyebrowrose.“YouaretheHalfling.”“Andyouareafaefivesecondsawayfromgettingthroatpunched.”He chuckled a low, soft, almost sensual sound. “Is that how you greet

someonewhoisheretohelpyou?”“YoudemandtoknowwhoIamandthentellmethatIbelongtoDrake—”Thefaehissed—baredsharpteethandactuallyhissed.Mybrowsliftedashis

lipcurledindistaste.“Donotspeakhisname.”“Why?He’snotVoldemort.”

“Voldemort?”Confusionfilledhisexpression.Istaredathimforamomentandthenshookmyhead.“Nevermind.Whoare

you?”Thefaeinclinedhishead.“IamFabian.”Theairaroundhimshimmeredlike

ahundredfireflieshadtakenflight.“PrinceFabianoftheSummerCourt.”Mymouthdroppedopen.PrinceFabian?FayeandTannersureashellhadn’t

mentionedthatoneofourguestswasaprince.Aprince.Aprincethatcouldimpregnateahalfling.Isuckedinasharpbreath.RenrealizedthesametimeIdid,becausehewassuddenlybesideme.“Relax,”Fabiansaid.“Ihavenointerestinginimpregnatingyou.”Iblinked.Wellthen,thatwasonebluntwayofputtingit.“Iamhappytohearthat.”Tink’ssmileremindedmeofwhenitwasPrime

DayonAmazon.Tannerclearedhisthroat.“I’msorry.Iknowthismustcomeasashockthat

ourguestisaprince.”“Damnrightit’sashock,”Rengrowled.“Youneveroncementionedthatwe

werewaitingonanotherdamnprince.”“Orthatourguestswerereallyjustaguest,”Iadded.“Ididnottravelalone,”Fabianexplained,sittingdown.“Myconsulsarenot

neededinthismeeting.Theyareresting.”“Consuls.Howfancy,”Imuttered.TheSummerPrincecockedhishead.Fayeshiftedinthebeamofsunlightstreaminginthroughthewindow.“We

didnotknowFabianwouldcome.Weassumedhewouldsend—”“Hisconsul.Gotit,”Icutin.“Ididn’tknowthattherewasstillaprinceof

theSummerCourt,aliveandwell.”“Upuntilrecently,youdidn’tknowtheSummerCourtstillexisted,”Tanner

gently remindedme, his tone level. Hewas right.We’d believed that the faecourtshadbeendismantled.Obviously,we’dbeenwrongorliedto.“OurCourthad all been destroyed in thewarwithWinter. The safety and location of theremainingroyalsisnotsomethingwetakelightly.Forgiveusfornottellingyousuch,butourPrincehasnointerestinfulfillingtheprophecy.”

“EvenifIwas,youwouldn’tbemytype.”Fabianleanedback,foldingonelegovertheother.“UnliketheWinterPrince,myobligationtoourworldisnotworthloweringmyselftobreedwithahalfling.”

Wow.

Iwasrelievedtohearthat,butIwasalsokindofoffended.HemadeitsoundlikeIwasastinky,single-celledorganism.

“That’sgoodtoknow.”Renleanedagainstthewall,appearingrelaxed,butIknewbetter.Hewascoiledtight.“Forgiveusfornotrollingouttheredcarpet.We don’t exactly have the best impression of Otherworld princes, especiallysinceyoulookliketheWinterPrince.”

There.ThankGodIwasn’ttheonlyoneseeingit.Fabianfrowned.“Ilooknothinglikethatbastard.”“Well,”Idrewthewordout,“yes,youkindofdo.Doesn’the,Faye?”Shenodded.“Iseearesemblance.”“I’veseentheWinterPrince.”Tinkfrowned.“Hedoesn’tlooklikehim.”Ishookmyhead.“Thehaircolorisdifferent.Someofthefaceis,butyeah..

.hedoes.”“Idon’tknow,”Tinkmused,hisbrowknittedtogether.TheSummerPrince’sgazelandedonTink,thelookappraising.“Abrownie.

Ihaven’tseenoneofyourkindinoverahundredyears.”Tinksmiledwidely.“Andyou’veneverseenabrownielikeme.”Irolledmyeyes.“You’llhaveplentyoftimetostrokeTink’segolater—”“Andhopefullyotherparts,”Fabianrepliedsmoothly.Ohdear.Renchokedonwhatsoundedlikealaugh.“Yeah,sure.Um,okay.So,you’reaprince.Howmanyoftheroyalcourtare

here,inourworld,anddoallofthemfeelthesamewayasyou?”“As in having no interest in ever seeing you naked enough to have

intercourse?”heasked.Myeyesnarrowed.Jesus.“Yeah.That.Thanksforputtingitsokindly.”“Thoseof thecourt thatarestillalive,andtherearefew,havenodesire to

fulfilltheprophecy.JustasTannerstated.WecameheretoescapeWinter’srule,toliveoutourlives.Weunderstandwhathispresencewilldotothisworld.Hewilldestroyit,justlikeheandhisQueenhavedonetoourworld.”

“Queen?”Renasked.“Mab?”IturnedtoTink,recallinghowhealwayssaidhername.Tink’s eyes widened. “Mab picked no sides. She’s neither Winter nor

Summer.She’snotaspettyasTitaniaorMorgana.”“Wait. I thought theywereall the samepersonwith justdifferentnames?”

Rensaid.I thought thesame,because thatwaswhat theOrderhad taughtus.Plus, I

was pretty sureMorgana was completely fictional, a part of the King Arthurtales.

Fabiansnickered.“Ifyoubelievethat,thenwhoarewetocorrectyou?”God,hewassohelpful.“Theirnameshavebeeninterchangeablethroughouttheyears,replacingone

anotherinvariousmyths.”Tannersatdown,restingonearmonthedesk.“Butthose aremyths.The truth is that they are not one and the same.Our politicshaveneverbeenrepresentedaccuratelyinthelegendsmortalshavespun.”

Rengavealittleshakeofhishead.“DoyouthinkaQueenisalsohere?”“WedonotknowifanyQueenhascometothisworld,”Fayeanswered.“Let

ushopethatonehasn’t.Thatisacomplicationthatnoneofusneed.”Myheadwasspinning.“Butwhatifoneofthemhas?”“Queen Morgana sided with Winter during the war. She became their

Queen.”Fabian’slipcurledindisgust.“Ifshehascrossedovertothisworld,Iwillpersonallyripthespinefromherback.”

Iliftedmybrows.“She killedmy brother during theGreatWar and refused us the honor of

buryinghisbody.”ThePrince’seyesburnedwithunholylightfromwithin.“Sheis,howdoyouhumansputit?Theworst?”

“Soundsaboutright.”Renunfoldedhisarms.“DowehaveanyevidencethatsheoranyQueenisinvolvedinthis?”

“No,”Fayeanswered.“I’vebeenwiththePrince.IhavenotseenMorganaoranyotherQueen.”

“Would you even know whatMorgana looks like?” Fabian twisted in hischair.“Sheisthequeenofmanyfacesandhasperfectedtheartoftreachery.Itwould take a royal to recognize that bitch.” He paused. “Or coincidentally, abrownie.TheirabilitytoseethrougheventhestrongestglamourwasoneofthereasonstheWinterCourthuntedthemdown.”

Inherhumanform,asheenofdullnesssettledoverFaye’sdarkskinandshelookeddown.

“Howwouldwekillherifshewerehere?”Iasked.“The sameway youwould kill any of us,” the Summer Prince answered.

“Decapitation.”The line of questioning brought me back to my earlier conversation with

Tink.“Butshewouldobviouslyneedtobeweakened.ThesamewithDrake.”Iignoredthewayhislipsthinned.“Howdoweweakenoneofyouenoughtogotoetotoe?”

The roomquietedasFabianeyedme fromwherehesat. “Andwhywouldyouwanttoknowhowtoweakenaroyal?”

Imethisburninggaze.“TokillDrake.Duh.”“I thought you needed help finding the Crystal?” Fabian leaned forward,

placingbothfeetonthefloor.ItwasthenthatIrealizedheworenoshoes.Odd.“NotwithkillingtheWinterPrince.”

“WedoneedhelpfindingtheCrystal.”Tanner’sgazebouncedbetweenus.“IvywascapturedbythePrinceatonepoint.She’sunderstandablya little . . .murderouswhenitcomestohim.”

“She’snottheonlyone,”Renthrewout.“I’mnotalittlemurderous,”Iclarified.“I’malotmurderous.”“YouthinkIwouldtellyouhowtoweakentheWinterPrince?Whichwould

meanyou’dknowhowtoweakenme?”Fabianchuckled.“You’refoolish.”SteeldrippedintomyspineasIsteppedforward.“Youwantustotrustyou

blindly and yet you will not do the same? We have no reason to use thisknowledgeagainstyou.IonlywanttokillthePrince,becauseI’llbedamnedifIspendweeksormonthsortherestofmylifelookingovermyshoulderforhim,wonderingifanyoneIknowissafebecausehe’llusethemtogettome.”

Fabiansmirkedashisicygazelandedonme.“Yousillylittlegirl.Youspeakasifyou’reaspecialsnowflake,uniqueandoneofakind.”

Rensnortedfromwherehestood.I shot Ren a death glare before glaring at Fabian. “You don’t know who

Voldemort is, but you knowwhat special snowflakemeans? I call bullshit onthat.”

Fabiancockedhishead to the side. “Onealwaysknowswhen theymeet aspecialsnowflake.”

“Yeah, and those calling others snowflakes are historically the actualsnowflake.”

“Sticks and stones,”Fabianmurmured. “Or I am rubber andyou are glue.Whateveryousaybouncesoffmeandstickstoyou.”

Mymouthdroppedopen.OhmyGod,itwaslikehavingaconversationwitharuderTink.

Who,by theway,waspracticallyshimmyingwithexcitementashe leanedin,whisperingintomyear.“Ilikethisguy.Ireallylikehim.CanIkeephim?”

TheSummerPrince heard him, and interest sparked in his pale blue eyes.“I’veneverbeenkeptbyabrowniebefore,but...I’veheardthings.Interestingthings.”

Isoneededanadultrightnow,buttheadultswereallstaringattheceiling,pretendinglikealiveversionofFaeTinderwasn’tgoingdownrightinfrontofus.

Tinkstraightened.“Dotell.”Fabiansteppedtowardus.“Isittruethatabrownie’sco—”“Okay,”Rensteppedin,apparentlytoTanner’sreliefbythelookonhisface.

“Let’s get back on topic. You were talking about how Ivy isn’t a specialsnowflake.”

Dearmountainmomma,Iwastwosecondsfromlaunchingmydaggeracrossthe room and stabbing the Summer Prince in his eye, punching Tink, andthrowingRenoutthewindow.

“All right,Fabio,” I snapped. “Can you get past the insulting me part tosayingsomethingactuallyhelpful?Foronce?”

Hisfairbrowsknitted.“Areyoudense?MynameisnotFabio.It’sFabian.”I rolled my eyes. “Whatever.” I didn’t have the patience to explain who

Fabiowas.“Justsaywhatyouneedtosay.”The Summer Prince’s smirk grew. “The Prince has found another halfling

andhe’sleftNewOrleans,takingtheCrystalwithhim.”

Chapter14

AllhellbrokeloosearoundmewhileIjuststoodthere,inthecenteroftheroomstaring at theSummerPrince.Fayewas standing and sowasTanner.Renhadmovedforward,askingquestions,butIdidn’thearwhathewassaying.Tinkwascalm,though.Sortof.HewaseyeballingFabioagain,inthewayRenlookedatmewhenheactuallylikedme.

But I . . . Iwas just so shocked I couldn’t thinkpastmy roilingemotions.Onestoodout.Relief.Itcoursedthroughmeinwaves,leavingmedizzy.

ThePrincewouldn’tbelookingforme.Renwassafe.SowasTink.Iwassafe.Well,assafeasanyofuswere,butDrakewasn’tgunningformeanymore.Mythroatthickenedastearsrushedmyeyes.All of that probablymeant somethingwaswrongwithme. Imean,Drake

was still out there bound and determined to knock up some poor, randomhalfling,buthewasn’tcomingafterme.

A laugh bubbled up my throat, but I squelched it before it escaped as Iblinkedbacktearsofrelief.Noonewouldunderstand.

Iwas such a terrible person, but I couldn’t help it.Weight lifted frommyshoulders.WestillhadtodealwithDrake,butI...Ifeltfree.

“I thoughttheElitehadkilledall thehalflings?”Tanner’svoiceroseabovethenoise,drawingmyattention.

“TheElite hashunteddowneveryhalfling they’vebeen able todiscover,”Ren answered, and I flinched, knowing that Iwas one of them. “That doesn’tmeantheygotallthehalflingsinthewholeworld.ThePrinceisobviouslybetteratfindingthemthanwewere.”

“Idon’tknowifthat’struesinceyouguysprobablykilledawholecraptonofthem,”Tinkpointedout.

Ren shot him a dark glare before turning to Fabian. “How do you knowthis?”

“JustastheWinterPrincehashadscoutsoutlookingforpossiblehalflings,we’ve had our own eyes on them.”Fabian yawned, appearing boredwith thiswholeconversation.“Heandhisconsullefttwodaysago.”

Twodaysago?WhileIwaspassedoutbecausesomefaetriedtomurderme

becausetheythoughtthePrincewashere?Anothernearhystericallaughstarteddeepinmybelly.

“You had no idea that theywere scouting for other halflings?”Ren askedFaye.

“IknowValorwanted thePrince to look foranother,but as far as Iknow,theyweren’t actively seekingone.”Disbelief coloredher tone.At somepoint,she’dlostherhumanform.“Wheredidhego?”

Fabian stretched out his legs, crossing them at the ankles. “Thatwe don’tknow.”

“You apparently know everything else, but you don’t know this?” Idemanded.

“Yes.”Hisgazeflickeredtome.“ThatisexactlywhatI’msaying.Itwastoomuchofariskformyspiestofollow.”

Whatever relief I’d feltwhen I discovered thatDrakewouldn’t be lookingformebegantofade.“ThenheandthisHalflingcouldbeanywhere.”

Heliftedashoulderinanelegantshrug.“Thischangeseverything,”Fayesaid,sittingbackdownheavily,lackingher

normalgrace.“Iknewnothingofthescoutsorthathe’dbeabletofindanotherhalflingthisquickly.”

“Itdoesn’tchangeanything.”Alleyesfocusedonme.WhatIsaidwastrue.Everythingchangedforme,butwestillhadthesamemission—amoreurgent,desperateonenow.“Weneedtofindhim,puthimbackwherehebelongs,orkillhim.”

Renwhirledonme.“Areyououtofyourmind?”“Excuseme?”“You don’t need to do anything but keep your pretty little ass here,” he

announcedlikehedidn’thaveadeathwish.“ThePrincemightbeon thehuntforanotherhalfling,butyou’restillahalfling,Ivy.”

“Noshit,” I spatback.“Butonly Iget tosaywheremyassgets togoanddoesn’tgo.”

Hiseyesflaredadeepshadeofgreen.“Ifhe’snothere,there’snoreasonforyoutogoafterhim.Thesmartestandsafestthingisforyoutostayhere.”

“Andwhat?You’regoingtogoafterhim?”Hisjawtightened.“Thatismyjob.”“Andit’smyjobtoo!”Tinklightlytouchedmyarm.“Hehasapoint,Ivy.”Henarrowedhiseyesat

Ren.“He’sreallybadatmakingsaidpoint,buthedoeshaveapoint.”“Thanks,”Renbitoutbeforetakingadeepbreath.“Look,Igetthatit’syour

dutytoo,butyou’restillatrisk.Hecouldturnhisattentionbacktoyou.”

Foldingmyarms,Icockedmyhipout,movingintothestandardpissedoffstance. “And I get it’s your duty, but you do realize the onlyway the Princecontrolsmeisthroughyourass,right?”

Rensteppedback,hisspinegoingrigid.“Yeah.Letthatsinkin,buddy.”Iwasonaroll.Nostoppingnow.“Yougo

out there,and ifhedoesn’tkillyou,he’llcaptureyou.Usingyou togetmetoagreetothingsisprobablyaloteasierthanconvincingsomerandomhalflingtohavesexwithhim.”

“Actually,”Fayecutin,“iftheHalflingdoesn’tknowwhatsheisandwhatheis,itwouldn’tbehardatall.One-nightstandshappenallthetime.”

Tannersatdownheavily.“Thisisbad.”“It’sstilltooriskyforyoutogo.”Renignoredthem.“Nottryingtobeanass

aboutit,butthefurtherawayyouare,thebetter.”“So, I’m supposed to sit around and dowhat exactly? Tend to the garden

outside?Maybetakeupknittingclasses?”“Atleastthenyou’redoingsomething.”Onesideofhislipskickedup.“Idle

handsarethedevil’splayground,orsotheysay.”Iwasgoingtohithim.Seriously.“I’mabouttoshovetheseidlehandssofarupyourass,you’llthinkyou’ve

becomeapuppet.”“Youknowwhat?”Renleanedforward,loweringhisvoice.“Imightactually

enjoythat.”Mybodyflushedoutofangerandsomethingtotallydifferent.Iignoredthe

latter,gettingrightupinRen’sface.“I’mnotstayingbehind,Ren.Notgoingtohappen.”

“You’re impossible to reason with.” Shaking his head, he thrust his handthroughhishair.“IsweartoGod.”

“Stopfighting,”Tinksaid,dancingbackandforthbetweenus.“Itmakesmeanxious.”

“ItmakesmewishIhadpopcorn,”Fabianadded.IspunontheSummerPrince.“Whyareyouevenhere?Youcamefromwho

knowswhere—”“Florida,”hesupplied.“Figures,”Renmutteredunderhisbreath.“You came here just to tell us that Drake had left? You couldn’t, I don’t

know,phonethatpieceofknowledgein?”Tannersighedfrombehindthedesk.“Youstillneedme.”Hethreadedhisfingerstogether.“Afterall,howdoyou

plantofindtheCrystal?OrtheWinterPrincewhenwedon’tknowwherehe’sgone?Evenifwedodiscoverthat,hewillbesmarter,hidinghispresence.Wewillbeabletosenseoneanother,buthewillnotknowI’mworkingwithyou.”

“Wouldhetrulythinkthataprinceofacourthe’shelpederadicateisinthesame city as him to joinhim for dinner?”Rendemanded, bringingup a goodpoint.

AmusclethrummedalongFabian’sjaw.“TheWinterPrincewillnotseemeasathreat.Ifanything,he’lljustbecurious.”Hisgazeslidtome.“Thatwillbehisweakness.”

Meeting theSummerPrince’sgazehead-on, Ihadafeeling thatwasn’t theonlyweaknesstolearn.

“None of that trulymatters ifwe don’t knowwhere thePrince has gone.”Fayeliftedherhands.“Wecansithereandargueoverwhoisleavingandwhoisstaying,butnoneofthatmatters.Wehavenoideawherehewent.”

“That’sanothergoodpoint,”Tinkchimedin.Those around me started speculating, but that was all they could do.

Speculate.Whichmeant nothing.We couldn’t chase false leads or suspicions.Wedidn’thavethetime.Weneededtofindsomeonewho’dknow—

Thenithitme.“IknowwhowouldprobablyknowwhereDrakehasgone,”Isaid,andall

eyes turned tome. “Marlon—Marlon St. Cyers. The developer in the city?” Iadded when everyone continued to stare at me. “He’s an Ancient who wasworkingcloselywithDrake.Hemayknowwherehewent.”

TannerturnedtoFaye.“Doyouthinkthat’spossible?ThatDrakewould’vetrustedhimenoughwiththatinformation?”

“Theywereclose,soit’spossible.”Excitementsparkedinherpaleeyes.“It’sworthcheckingout.”

“Thenthat’swhatwe’lldo.”Resolvefilledme.“We’llfindMarlonandwe’llmakesurehetalks.”

Chapter15

Themeetingsortoffellapartafterthat.Tannerwantedeveryoneto‘calmdownandgainperspective’beforewespokeof leaving to searchdownMarlon.Renshotmealookthattoldmeourconversation—er,argument—wasn’toverbeforehe stalked out of the room. Prince Fabian rose fluidly, and when I saw he’dzeroed in on Tink, I made my way out into the hallway. Ren had alreadydisappeared.

Faye followed, andwhen I glanced over at her, there was nomissing thetensionliningherface.“Areyouokay?”

“Yeah.” Faye nodded, but she still looked a little ill. “It’s just somethingFabian said about QueenMorgana. How I wouldn’t recognize her if I’d seenher.”Drawinginadeepbreath,shereachedup,tuckingherhairbehindanear.“Just the possibility of being near her without knowing makes me feel as ifsomeonehaswalkedovermygrave.”

Mybrowslifted.“She’sthatbad?”Faye stopped, facing me. “What has been told about her spun in tales to

entertain children are just that. Tales.” She gave a little shake of her head.“Storiesof her brutality areonlywhispered among theoldest of our kind, hercrueltymosthorrendous.Shehascommittedsuchgrievouscrimes,herabilitytocreatelifewasstrippedfromher.Inaway,she’sourboogeyman,somethingweall fear. Her hatred of the Summer Court is only surpassed by her hatred ofhumans.”Fayelookedaway,swallowinghard.“Ifsheisinvolved,thedoorwaystotheOtherworldopeningwouldbetheleastofourworries.”

AfterthesomewhatcreepyconversationwithFaye,ItriedtofindRenbecauseIwasmore than ready for round twoof our argument. I knew I’d hurt him thenightbefore,butthatdidn’tchangethefacthehadabsolutelynorighttotrytotellmewhatIcoulddo.

Unfortunately,hewasmissinginaction,whichwasdisappointingbecauseitmademewanttoyellathimmore.

I likedyellingathim, actually. Itmademe feel . . . normal.And thatwaskindofmessedup,butwhatever.

Sincehewasnowheretobefound,Ididthenextbestthing.Iheadedtothegym, but I didn’t go into the roomwith the treadmills. Iwent for the smaller

room,theonewiththickmatscoveringthefloorandapunchingbag.That’swhereIspenttherestoftheday,goingthrougholdtrainingsessions

withmyself, likeIwassixteenagain.Afewmonthsago,Iwould’vebalkedatthe notion that I needed to practice evasive techniques or groundwork, but Iknewbetternow.IneededallthepracticeIcouldget,especiallyifIplannedonfacingtheWinterPrinceagain.

Itwould’vebeennicetohaveapartnerthough.Imovedontothepunchingbag,workingwiththeirondagger.Ididn’tjabas

hardasIcould,becauseIdoubtedthefaeherewould’veappreciatedabagfullofcuts,butIpickedupspeedasthenowtoofamiliarsensationsimmeredtolifeinmy stomach. It remindedme of gnawing hunger, but it was a craving, thesamekindIimaginedanaddictwentthrough.Itwasnowherenearasbadasithadbeenbefore,butitwasstillthere,ashadowinsideme.

Sweatwasdrippingintomyeyeswhenthedooropenedandaburstoffreshairenteredtheroom.Yankingthebladeoutof thebag,IspunaroundandsawBrighton.

Shewasstandingjustinsidethedoor,onehandcurledaroundtheendsofherponytail.“Sorry.Ididn’tmeantointerrupt.”

“It’s okay.” Swiping an arm over my forehead, I sheathed the dagger.“What’sup?”

“Iwasjustroamingaround.Sawthatyouwereinhere.”Shenoddedatthesmallwindow in thedoor.“Ihaven’t seenyousince . . .well, sinceyouwereattacked.Youseemtobedoingwell.”

“Iam.IwouldsayI’mlucky,butIguessbeingpart fae iswhyI’mokay.”Thosewordsrolledoffmytongueeasier thanI thought theyeverwould.“Thewholefeedingthingsavedmylife.”

“That’swhatIheard.MindifIsitorisitadistraction?”“Sit.”Ishrugged.“I’mdoneanyway.”She pulled out one of the middle chairs and unfolded it. “How are you

handlingeverything?Thewholefeedingthing?”I started to tell her that I was doing fine, but that’s not what I said. “I

honestlydon’tknow.”Iwalkedovertowhereshesat.“Imean,I’mhappytobealive,butknowingwhatIdidtobeheredoesn’tsitright.”

Shelookedupatme.“Icanunderstandthat.”Looking away, I bit down onmy lip. “Do you knowwhat Ren and Tink

did?”Therewasabeatofsilence.“Iheard theymadeFayeuseacompulsionon

you.”“Theydid.Iwassoangrywiththem,but....”

“You’renotanymore?”“Istillam.”Exhaling roughly, I satdownon themat in frontofher.“And

I’malsonot.Igetwhytheydidit.Iappreciateit,butI’mnotokaywithit.”She folded her arms in her lap. “I guess the question is, can you forgive

them?”“Ialreadyhave,”Isaid,andthatwastheGod’shonesttruth.“Ikindofhad

to,youknow?BecauseIwould’vedonethesamethingtosavethem.”AfaintsmilepulledatBrighton’slips.“Well,I’mgladyou’restillalive.”Iwonderedifhermomtrulyfeltthesame.Thenagain,itreallydidn’tmatter.

“Me too.Anyway.” I leanedbackonmyhands.“Didyouhearanythingaboutourvisitors?”

Brighton widened her eyes as she nodded. “Yeah. Freaking unbelievable.Anotherprince?Andhalfling?”Hershoulderstightened.“ThefuckingOrderhasliedtousfromdayone.”

I couldn’t help it. I squelched a laugh, but she cursed, and I couldn’trememberhearinghercursebefore.

“Imean,nearlyeverythingwethoughttobetrueturnedoutnottobe.”Herlipsthinned.“Whatelsedowethinkweknowthatisn’ttrue?”

“God.Itcouldbeanything.Buttherehastobeareasonwhytheydidn’ttellusabouttheSummerfaeortheroyalcourts.”Istretchedoutmylegs.“AnddoestheOrderevenknowthePrincehasleft?”

“Ihavenoclue,andat thispoint, it’sa risk toevenreachout to themandfindout.”Shesatback.“Butwe’regoingtohaveto.Onceweget theCrystal,we’llneedtheirhelpopeningthegates.”

“OrwekillthePrince.”Iignoredhergaspofsurprise.“We’dprobablyneedtheOrderforthattoo,consideringwe’dneedallthehelpwecanget.”

Brighton then pointed out the obvious. “Killing the Prince is almostimpossible.”

“Almost impossible,” I stressed. “He has to have a weakness other thanhavinganego,andtheSummerPrinceknowswhatweakensthem.”Iwrinkledmy nose. “I kind of understandwhy hewouldn’t be so forthcomingwith thatinfo,butifwecanweakenhim,wecanprobablykillhim.”

She appeared to consider that. ‘Then we just have the other princes andprincesses to worry about, right? Because who knows how many from theSummerCourtarehere?”

Isnorted.“Right?We’rejustsupposedtobelievethatallofthemareliveandlet live hippie fae?” Something occurred to me. “And I seriously doubt theSummerPrinceisn’tfeeding.Thepowerpracticallydrippedoffhim.”

“Ithink—”Thedoortotheroomopened,revealingTink.Hehadcompany.

“Merleandcrewwerelookingforyou.”Hesteppedaside.“Toldthemyouwereprobablyhereorthelibrary,soIdecidedtobetheirescortbecauseI’mcoollikethat.”HeglancedatBrightonandthenwavedather.“Hi!”

Brightonseemedtosinkintothechairasshemurmured,“Hello.”Heturnedawayfromus.“Ialsofoundyourdaughter.Iamsohelpful.”IarchedabrowasIlookedaroundhim.StandingbehindMerlewasTanner.

Neitherlookedhappy.I pushed off my hands, sitting up straight. I figured they were ready to

discusstheplanstofindandquestionMarlon.“What’sup?”Merlestormedintotheroom.Somethingmetaldangledfromherhand.Wait.

Werethose...handcuffs?“Rentoldus.”Achillsweptthroughme.“Toldyouwhat?”Tinkfrownedashisgazesweptoverus.Merle’seyeswerelikeglaciersofice.“Ivy’splanningtorun.”

Chapter16

For a good, long second, Iwas too shockedby the fact thatRenhad actuallyrattedmeouttohavemuchofareaction.

Holycrap,he’dactuallygonetoMerleandTanner?Iwasgoingtopuntkickhimintonextweek!“What?”Tink shouted, his voice echoing off thewalls of the small room.

“You’regoingtorun?”“Notanymore.”Merleliftedthehandcuffs.Thepurposeof thehandcuffs registeredwithsuddenclarity. I launchedoff

thefloor.“You’regoingtohandcuffme?Areyououtofyourmind?”Merle’sgrip tightenedon thehandcuffs. “Mymind is as sharp as a fiddle,

girl.”Sharpasafiddle?Thatdidn’tevenmakesense.Whatever.She tookastep

towardme,andmyhandflewtomydagger.“Ifyoucomeoneinchclosertome,you’llfindoutthatthisdaggerissharperthanafiddle.”

“Ivy,”Brightongasped,risingfromherchair.Merleheldstill.“Youwereplanningtorunoff—”“Iwasplanning to leavewhenI thought thePrincewasstillhere,which is

totallymychoice.”Myfingerstightenedaroundthehandleofthedagger.“Butallofthatisamootpointnow,isn’tit?”

“That’swhatItriedtoexplaintoMerle.”Tanner,everthemediator,stoodtomyright.

“It’s still dangerous. Doesn’t matter if he’s found another halfling toimpregnate or not.”Merle liftedher chin. “Wedon’t need Ivy running aroundout there, too. LikeRen said earlier, she needs to stay here,where the Princeisn’t.”

Istruggledtokeepmyvoiceeven.“Firstoff,ifIwanttoleavehere,Iwill.Noone isgoing tokeepmehereagainstmywill. I’vealreadybeendownthatroadandhavethebaggagetoproveit.I’mnotgoingforaroundtwo.”

Merleopenedhermouth,butTannerplacedahandonherarm,silencingher.“Thatistrue.Wearenotholdingheragainstherwill.Shecanwalkoutofherewhenevershepleases.”

I appreciated his support, but I wasn’t done. “Secondly, you’re seriouslyoverreactingatthispoint.”Musclesinmynecktensedup.“WhenIlearnedthatthe Prince could get through the glamour here, I did plan on leaving. My

presenceherewastoomuchofariskformetolivewith,andIdon’tgiveafuckifyouagreewiththatornot.”

Merle’seyeswidenedslightly.“But I agreed to stay until the guests got here.None of thatmatters now.

Drakehasfoundanotherhalfling,andwhilethat’sahellofarelief,thatdoesn’tmeanmydutyhasceased toexist.”Whenshestarted tospeakagain, Icutheroff.“Youreallydonotwanttohavethatargumentwithme.Seriously.Becauseyouaren’tgoingtowin.”

Sheclampedherjawshut.“Mom,”Brightonbeganquietly.“YoucannotseriouslyhandcuffIvy.That’s

notright.”“Sometimeswhatisnecessaryisn’talwayswhatisright,”sherepliedcoldly.Iignoredthatdeepstatementoftheday,becauseboydidIeverhavebigger

fishtofryatthemoment.IzeroedinonTanner.“WhenwillwediscussfindingMarlon?”

StillfocusedonMerle,hesaid,“We’vealreadydiscussedit.”Ahotflushsweptoverme.“Youhave?”Onlythendidhelookatme.“Afewhoursago.Ateamleavesatnineinthe

morningtoscoutforhim.”Isawred.“AndI’mguessingIwasconvenientlyleftoutofthismeeting?”Tanner’sgazedroppedaway.Abitterlaughpunchedoutofme.“ButIbetRenwasn’t.Duringthismeeting

didhetellyouaboutmyplantoleave?”“He did before Fabian and his consul arrived,” Tanner answered. “I do

believehedidn’tmeanforthistohappen.”HeglancedwrylyatMerle.“ImadetheerrorofmentioningittoMerle,whoasyoucansee,hadastrongreaction.”

Iwasabouttohaveastrongreaction.“Iwill bewithwhatever team leaves tomorrow.” I stepped aroundTanner

andMerle,silentlydaringhertogetthosehandcuffsnearme.“Iamdonewiththisconversation.”

I didn’t give them the chance to respond, stalking out into the hallway. Imadeitaboutfivefeet.

“Ivy.Wait.”ItwasTink.Inhalingdeeply,Iturnedtotellhimthatwhateverhehadtosayhadtowait,

butIsawthelookonhisface.Hisexpressionwasstricken.“Youweregoingtoleaveme?”OhGod.“I—”“Youreallyweregoingtodothat?”Tinkcreptcloser,hiseyeswellingwith

emotion.“Whywouldyoudothat?”

Runningmyhandsdownmyface,Ishookmyhead.“Itdoesn’tmatter.ThePrince—”

“Found a new halfling and doesn’t care about you anymore. Yeah, I wasthereforthat.”Hishandsopenedandclosedathissides.“Butbefore?Youwereplanningtoleaveme—leaveus.That’swhyRenissoupset.”

“Well,therearealotofreasonswhyhe’supset,butyes,that’soneofthem.”Tinkstaredatmeforsolongthatuneasefilledme.“So,youweregoingto

leavewithouttellingme.”I shifted my weight, uncomfortable. “I learned that the Prince could get

throughtheglamour.I...Ipanicked.AllIcouldthinkaboutwashimusingyouorRen.IthoughtthatifIleft,thenyouguyswouldn’tbeatrisk.”

“Didyounotthinkthatwewould’vefreakedoutandleft,lookingforyou?”hedemanded.

“Ididn’treallythinkitthrough.”“No.”Hurtfilledhiseyes.“Youdidn’t.”Shamesettledovermelikeacoarseblanket.“Iknow,andI’msorry.Iwould

do...Iwoulddoanythingtoprotectyoutwo.”“Andwe’ddoanythingtoprotectyou,”hesaidquietly.“Yousavedmylife,

Ivy.”“Yousavedmine,”Iremindedhim.“Andyouyelledatmeforit.”WhenIstartedtorespond,hecontinuedon.“I

getwhy.Ido.”I rubbed theheelofmypalmagainstmyhip. “Canwe . . . Idon’tknow?

Startover?Ireallyamsorry.Itwasastupidplan—”“Acruelandstupidplan.”“Yes.”Isighed.“Itwas.”Heliftedhischin.“Ialreadylostmyfamilyonce.Idonotwanttolosemy

familyagain,Ivy.”Mybreathcaught.“Andthat’swhatyouaretome—youandevenRen,”hesaid,andIsortof

wishedRenwasheretohear that.“Youtwoareall thatIhave.Ifyouhadleftme,itwould’vekilledme.”

Guiltwasaknotinmythroat,oneIneededtolivewith.Isteppedforward,placingmyhandonhisarm.“I’msorry,Tink.Ijustpanicked,andIknowthat’snotagoodexcuse,butit’sthetruth.IpanickedandIdidn’tthinkaboutwhatitwoulddotoyouandRen.Andthatwaswrong,becauseyoutwoareallIhaveleft.Youare...”Idrewinadeepbreath.“You’remyfamily.”

Tinkstudiedmeamomentandthensprangforward,wrappinghislongarmsaround me. He hugged me—hugged me tight, and I reacted without thought,

foldingmyarmsaroundhim.Squeezingmyeyesclosedagainstthesuddenrushoftears,Iplantedmyfaceagainsthischest.

IwaslearningTinkgavegreathugs.“Allisforgiven,”Tinkmurmuredintomyear.“Butifyoueverthinkabout

doingsomethinglikethatagain,Iwillnotforgiveyou.”“Okay,”Iwhisperedthickly.“AndIwillgoontoAmazonandordersomeweirdshit.Notonly that, I’ll

makemywishlistpublic,whichmeansitwillbeyourwishlist,”hecontinued.“Youdon’twantthat.”

MylipstwitchedasIpulledback.“Idon’twantthat.”“Good.”Drawinginadeepbreath,Iglancedatthecloseddoortothegym.“Ineedto

findRen.Doyouhaveanyideawherehe’sat?”“Ithinkhe’satthepool.”Surprisefilledme.“There’sapool?”Tink looked atme like Iwas half stupid. “All the roaming around you’ve

doneandyouhaven’tfoundthepoolyet?Youarenotlivingyourbestlife.”

Tinkwasright.Iwasn’t livingmybest life if Ididn’tknow therewasadamnpool in this

building, and there apparentlywasoneon the second floor.The faint scent ofchlorine led theway, andwith each step,myearlier anger resurfacedwith thevengeanceofathousandburningsuns.

IknewI’dmadeamistakewiththewholeleavingthing.Renhadbeenright.Ithadbeenaknee-jerkreaction,buthimrunningtoTannerwasgoingtoofar.

Itwastimetohavethatstrongreactionthatdidn’tincludecryingandfeelinglikeadouche.

Slamming my hands into the double doors, I burst into the room andimmediatelycametoanabrupthalt.Myeyeswidened.Theroomwaslargeandbrightdue to the floor-to-ceilingwindowsallalong the furthest side.Thepoolwas one of those huge ones, Olympic size, but it wasn’t the pool that hadrenderedmecompletelyincapableofmoving.

ItwasRen.“Holycrap,”Iwhispered.He didn’t hearme, because he was currently gliding under the water like

some kind of sea God, his body sleek and quick as he swam. He was onlywearing what appeared to be black boxer briefs. There was a pile of neatly

folded clothing on a nearby bench, and I could almost picture him standingthere,foldingthejeansandshirt.Hisshoesweretuckedunderthebench.

Thepanthertattooonhisbackmovedwithhim,anabsolutelystunningpieceofartworksomehowhighlightedbytheglisteningwater.Leanmusclesalonghisback flexedashebroke the surface in thedeepend.Hedidn’t seemeat first,whichwasgreatbecauseitgavememoretimetocreeponhimasheliftedhispowerfularms,pushingthewaterandhairfromhisface.

Mymouthdriedasazingshotfrommychesttomycore.Hewas....Ren’s head swung sharply inmy direction. Those eyeswere like polished

emeraldjewels,placedperfectlybehindthick,wetlashes.Tensesilencefilledtheroomaswestaredatoneanother.Hewastheoneto

breakit.“Hey,”hesaid,wadingawayfromthemiddleof thepool, toward theedge

whereIstood.Iblinkedslowlyandthengotmyhormonesincheck.Okay.Renwashotand

helookedlikesomekindofGod.Whatever.Iwasnotthateasilydistracted.“Iamsopissedatyourightnow,”Itoldhim.“Really,”hereplieddryly,droppingaheavyarmonthecement.Onesideof

hislipskickedup.“Isthatanydifferentfromthismorningwhenyouwerepissedatme?”

“Oh.”Ilaughedharshly.“Youthinkthisisfunny?”Thesmirkdidn’tfade.“Ialwaysthinkyou’refunny,Sweetness.”Didhenow?“Okay.I’llshowyousomethingthat’sreallyfunny.”His other arm came up and landed on the cement. “You have a riveted

audienceforit.”Spinningaround,Istalkedtowardthebenchandpickeduphisclothing.“Ivy—”Iwhirledandengagedfull-bitchmode,dartingtotheendofthepool.“Don’tyoudare. I swear toGod, Ivy!”Muscles inhisarmspumpedashe

liftedhimselfstraightoutthepool.Hewasonhisfeetwithinseconds.“Ivy—”“Toolate.”Ithrewhisclothingintothepool.Ren spun, but there was no saving his stuff. His shirt and tactical pants

landedwithasatisfyingsplash.Hestaredatthemforamoment.“Fuck,”hespat.Ifacedhim,grinningliketheMadHatter.“Thatwasrealfunny,wasn’tit?”Hisnarrowedgazelandedonme.“Areyououtofyourmind?”“Nah,butI’mthinkingyouare.”“I’mthecrazyone?Youjustthrewmyclothesintothepool!”“AndIwishIcoulddoitagain!”Istalkeduptohim.Sincehewasagood

foottallerthanme,Ihadtoleanmyheadbacktoglareathim.“YourattedmeouttoTanner!”

Understandingflaredinhisfaceandthenherolledhiseyes.“That’swhyyouthrewmystuff in thepool? Jesus, Ivy.”Hecoughedout a short laugh. “I toldTannerthismorningbeforethatSummerPrinceshowedup.”

“Oh, so because you ratted me out before it became irrelevant makes itokay?”

His brows furrowed. “He needed to know in case you didn’t hold to yourpromiseandmadearunforit.”

Igapedathim.“Areyouserious?”Shoving his wet hair off his face, he stepped back. “As serious as you

throwingmyshitintothepool.”“I’mabouttothrowyou into thepool,”Isnapped,struggling tonot letmy

gazewander fromhis face,becausehewaswet andhada lotofhard skinondisplay.“Youdidn’thavetotellhim.”

A muscle ticked in his jaw as he looked away, and dammit, my gazedropped.Hischestwasallwetandhard,andwaterstillcourseddownthosetautabs. The band on his briefs hung indecently low and they left little to theimagination.Soakingwet,theyclungtoeverylong,hardinch....

Wait.Washehard?Myeyeswidened.Yes.Yes,hewas.“Myfaceisuphere,”Renmocked.Iflushedasmygazejerkedtohis.“Asshole.”“NotthatImindyoustaringatmelikeyouwanttotakeabiteoutofme,but

rightnow,I’mkindofworriedyoumightactuallybite.”I folded my arms over my chest. “I promised you that I’d stay until we

learnedabouttheCrystal,andIwouldhave.”Myhandscurledintofists.“Youcould’vetrustedme.”

Shakinghishead,helookedupattheceiling.“Itrustyou,Ivy.ItrustyoutoalwaysdowhatIleastexpect.”

Myheadtiltedtotheside.“Doyouhaveadeathwishrightnow?”Renlookedawayagain,frowningashispantsfloatedpastus.“I’msorrythat

youdidn’tlikethatItoldTanner,butIfeltheneededtoknowsincehe’dgivenus shelter—not the greatest shelter, but a place nonetheless.Whoknowswhatwould’ve happened if you’d left, what effect could’ve rippled back on thisplace?But no, that’s not something you thought about.”His hard gaze foundmine.“Youknow,withyourgreatescapeplanandall.”

Dammit,hehadabitofapoint there,but Isureashellwasn’t tellinghim

that.“DoyouknowwhatMerledid?”“Ididn’ttellMerleshit.”“ButTannerdid,”Isaid.“Sheshowedupjustafewminutesagowithapair

ofhandcuffs.Yes.Handcuffs.”“What?”Helaughed,thistimethesoundlighter,moregenuine.“Iwould’ve

paidmoneytoseethat.”“Areyouforreal?”He said something and laughed again, and I swear my vision went white

withrage.Stormingforward,Islammedmyhandsintohischest.Hislaughwascutoffashelosthisbalance,fallingbackward.Idon’tevenknowhowwhathappenednextwentdown.Ren’sarmsflailed

outandhemust’vegrabbedmyarm,becausethenextthingIknewIwasfallingsidewaysintothepool.

Myshriekwassilencedby the rushofwater swallowingmewhole. I sanknearlytothebottom,eyessqueezedtight,mouthfullofair.

Holyshit,thewaterwascooold.Usingmyfeetagainstthebottom,Ipushedmywaytothetop,breakingthe

surfaceandgaspingforair.Icouldhearsplashingnexttome,alertingmetoRendoingthesamething.Theimpacthadknockedmyhairdown,anditcoveredmyfacelikeared,tangledveil.Usingonearmtoswimtotheside,Iusedtheotherhandtopushitoutofmyface.

Renturnedinthewatertowardme,hiseyeswidewithsurprise.“Youpushedmeintothepool.”

“Youpulledmeintothepool!”Myfeetreachedthestairs.He stared atme for amoment and then did the craziest thing.Ren started

laughing—laughingdeep,bellylaughsasheheldontotheothersideofthepool.Somethingabouthislaughwas...infectious.Mylipstwitchedandthenagiggleescaped.Itwaslikealeveebreaking.One

soft laughandI lost it.Ourlaughterreachedthehighceiling,andmystomachcrampedfromtheforceofit,becausethis—us—wasridiculous.

IwasgaspingforairbythetimeImadeittotheshallowendwhereIcouldstandwith the water reachingmy chest. “We are so stupid . . .” I trailed offbecauseI’dlookedoveratRen.Hewasjuststaringatme,mouthslightlyopenlikehe’djustwitnessedatotalsolareclipse.“What?”

“I...”Heshookhishead,hischeeksflushingpink.“Ijusthaven’theardyoulaughlikethatinalong,longtime.”

I frowned, my arms floating at my sides. Our gazes connected over thedistance.“It...feelslikeit’sbeenalongtime.It’snicetolaughlikethat.”Ifeltlikeafoolforadmittingthat,somycheeksflamedtolife.

Renpushedawayfromthewall,wadingoutintothecenterofthepool.“Itwasbeautiful.”

IbitdownonmylipasIwatchedhimcomecloser.“Really?”“Yeah.”Hereachedtheendwherehisfeetcouldhitthebottom.Amoment

passedashischestroseandfellsharply.“IjustwishIhearditmoreoften.”Mybreathcaughtasabubbleofemotionswelledinsideme.Renstoppedmoving.“AndallIwantisforyoutofeelitmoreoften.Atthe

endoftheday...that’swhatIwish.”Iopenedmymouthtotellhimthereweresomanymoreimportantthingsto

wish for, but the words got stuck in my throat because I wanted that too. Iwishedforthat,too.

Icouldfeelmyfacestarttocrumple.“Talktome,”Renpleadedquietly,likehealwaysdid.“Talktome,Ivy.”Itwaslikethesharpedgeofadaggertakentoanoverinflatedballoon.Iburst

wideopen,every thoughtandfeelingon theoutsideofme,drenchingmyskinandthreateningtopullmebackunder.

Therewasnohiding,nopretending.Therewasnoroomlefttolie.Iclosedmyeyes.“Idon’t...Idon’tknowwhoIamanymore.”

Chapter17

There.I’dsaidit.I’dsaid itout loudandI’dsaid it toRen.Therewasnotakingitback,not

whenitwasoutthereintheopenlikethat.Noway.“Ivy.”He saidmyname like it brokehim.Likehewasaballoon thathad

burst,too.IkeptmyeyesclosedbecauseIdidn’twanttoseehisface.“Eversincethe..

.thePrince,Ihaven’tfeltlikemyself.IdidthingsandIknow—Iknowhemademedothosethings,butitmademefeellikeIwasn’tme.”Iliftedmyhandsfromthewater,squeezingthemintofists.“NowIdon’tevenlooklikeme,andIhavethisthinginsideme—thisneedthatwasnevertherebefore—thishunger.Ijust...”

Pressingmylipstogether,Iinhaledroughlythroughmynoseandopenedmyeyes. Ren hadn’t come any closer. He was as still as a statue, but he waswatchingme,andIknewhehadn’tlookedaway.Notonce.“AndI’vebeenstuckin my head, you know? Just trying to make sense of every damn thing thathappenedsoit’shardtogetoutofmyhead.That’swhyIgotmyasskickedbythose fae. Iwasn’tpayingattention, and Ihaven’tbeeneating right, and—andthatnightItoldmyselfI’dfinallytalktoyou.Iwouldtellyouwhat’sgoingon,butyou...IsawyouwithTinkandFayeinoneofthecommonrooms,andyoulookedsorelaxed.SorelaxedandnormalthatIdidn’twanttoruinthat.Ididn’twanttotakethatfromyou.”

Renclosedhiseyes,facetensing.“I reallydidplanon talking toyou thatnight,but then . . . then thewhole

stabbingthinghappened.”Idrewinashudderingbreath.“ThenIfedandwe—you know what happened. Then I learned about the Prince being able to getthrough theglamour,and I justpanicked. I flippedoutandyes—yes!Myplanwasstupid.Itwasaknee-jerkreaction.You’reright.AndTinkisright,becauseitwasalsocruel.And I’msorry fornot tellingyou. Iwas running,and itwaswrong,butIjustwantedtomakesureyoutwoweresafe,becauseyouandTinkareallIhave.Iwantedtobeincontrol,butIjustdidn’tthinkitthrough.”

Hiseyeswereopenagain,hisexpressionstrained.Pale.Itwashardlookingathim,becausehelookedlikehowIfelt.

“AndI . . . Iwokeup thismorningand toldmyself that Iwasgoing tobe

okay.Iwasgoingtogetmyshit together.ThatIwasincontrolofme.Icouldignorethehunger.Thatmybodywasmine,mythoughtsweremine.ThatIcouldbeokaywithhavingslightlysilveryskinandpointyears.Ievenworemyhairuptoprovethat.”IwasramblingnowandIcouldn’tseemtostopmyself.“IwokeupthismorningtellingmyselfIwasincontrol,andthenI...Ireallywasn’t.”

AtremorcoursedthroughmeasIsteppedback,bumpingintothepoolwall.“You tellingme I had to stay here, thenMerle trying to handcuffme toGodknowswhat,andallIwantisforthingstobethewaytheywerebefore.”

Ren’sjawtensed,andatoo-longmomentpassed.“I’msorry.”Notexpectingthatresponse,Iblinked.His chest rosewithwhat appeared tobeaheavybreath. “Ididn’tmean to

take that from you today. Fuck.” He lifted a hand, running it over his head,pushinglocksofwethairback.“Ijustwantedyousafe,andifthePrincehadleftNewOrleans,thenyouwouldbesafehere.”

“Iknow,” Iwhispered,wipingat the tearsonmycheek.“But Ihave tobetherewhenyougotofindMarlon.Ihaveto...”

“Take back control. I know.”He dropped his hand as he stepped forward,stirringthewater.“I’vemadethisharderforyouwhileI’mthinkingI’mmakingiteasier,doingtherightthing.”

“Webothhave,”Iadmittedquietly,andthatwasthetruth.Weboththoughtweweredoingwhatwasbestforeachother,butintheend,weweredoingmoreharmthangood.

Renlookedaway,hisjawflexing.“Yeah,butIgaveyoushitforplanningtoleavewithoutme,andthenIturnedaroundandplannedtodothesamething.”

“Butyouprobablymeanttoactuallytellmefirst,”Ipointedout.“Thatdoesn’tmatter.”Themusclesinhisshoulderstensed.“Wefuckedup,

didn’twe?”Mybreath hitched again.Hewasn’t looking atme, and I feltmy stomach

droplikeIwasonarollercoaster.“Iknowyouprobablydon’twanttodothiswithmeanymore. IknowIhurtyouand—hell,youwere rightwhenyousaidI’vealwaysbeenrunning.Youdon’thavetokeepchasingme.That’snotright.”I swallowedhardwhenhisheadswiveled towardme.“Weneverevengot thechancetohaveanormalrelationship.Can’tbesurprisedthatthisisn’tworkingout.Wecan’t—”

“What?”Rencutthroughthewaterlikehewasborninit.Withinaheartbeat,hewasrightinfrontofmeandthenhishandsweretouchingmycheeks,cuppingthem. “Let’s hit pause for a second, because I want to make something realclear.”

Ourgazeslocked,andIcouldn’tevenformulatearesponse.

“Iwaspissedatyou.You’reprobablystillpissedatme.We’refightingandwegotsomeshit towork through,but that’snormal.Whatwe’redealingwithoutsideofusisn’t,butwearestillanus.”Hisgazesearchedmine.“Istillloveyou.I’mstillrightherewithyou.Hasthatchangedforyou?”

Myheartallbutexplodedinmychest.Ididn’tknowuntilthisverymomenthow badly I needed to hear that—to remember that thiswas normal.Couplesfought.Sometimestheysaidthingstheywishtheyhadn’t.Sometimestheydidn’tagreeanddidthingsthatcouldhurteachother.Itwasn’tlikeShaunandIneverargued.There’dbeencallsthatendedabruptly.Doorsslammedinfaces.I’djust...I’djustforgottenthat.

I’dforgottenthattherecouldstillbeanusthroughthestorm.And that’swhatmade thisdifferent,made this special,because Iknewout

there in thenormalworld, therewere peoplewho nevermade it past the firsthurdle,whogaveup themoment it got hardor required them to admit they’dbeenwrong.Andourhurdleshadbeenhigh.Theywere still there, the sizeofskyscrapers,loomingoverusliketheshadowofwinterwhenyou’redesperatelyclingingtosummer.

“I’mstillhere,”Isaid,myvoiceshaky,myentirebodytrembling.“I’mstillwithyou.Istillloveyou.Ineverstopped.Ican’t.”

Idon’tknowwhomadethefirstmove.Itcould’vebeenme.MaybeRen.ButwhateverdistancethatwasbetweenusevaporatedandIdon’tknowifitwashimwhokissedmeormewhokissedhim.Wewerebothgrabbingatoneanother.Renholdingmycheeks.Meclutchingathisshoulders,risingupontothetipsofmytoes.

And when our lips met, it was the sweetest, softest kiss. A touch of ourmouths that turned into a slow exploration as ifwewere getting reacquaintedwitheachother,and...wereallywere.

Hisbareskinagainstmyhandswashotandwetasoneofhishandsslippedback,his fingersbrushingmyearand tangling inmyhair.My lipspartedas Iwhisperedhisname,andthekissdeepenedasheshudderedagainstme.

God,Imissedthis—thecloseness,theintimacy.WhathadhappenedbetweenusafterIfedwasn’tintimate.Itwasjustferociousneeddrivingbothofus.Thiswasdifferent.

Myhandssliddownhischest,towherehisheartbeataswildlyasmine.Renpulledawaytoask,“Isthisokay?”Was it?Wewere in thepool andwe’dbeen fightingminutes ago.Anyone

couldwalkinonus,buttherewasstillanus,andIdidn’tcare.Iwantedhim.IneededhiminawaythatwaslikenothingI’deverexperiencedbefore,andwewerekissingwithoutmetryingtosuckouthisessence.

Ineededthis.“Yes,”Itoldhim,andIthoughtIoughttoshowhimtoo.Hooking an armover his neck and leaning in, I broughtmymouth to his.

Thiskisswasnothingliketheonebeforeit.Itdidn’tstartoffsweetandslow.Oh,no.Renmadethissoundinthebackofhisthroatthatcurledmytoesandturned

mybloodintomoltenlava.Thehandatthebackofmyheadtightenedandhisother dropped, his arm circling my waist, sealing our hips together. The kissdeepenedandthefirsttouchofhistongueagainstminewaslikestrikingamatchtogasoline.

Renpushedin,trappingmebetweenhisbodyandthepoolwall.Itiltedmyhead as the hand atmy hip slid downmy thigh.He liftedmy leg, curving itaroundhiswaist,andImoanedintothekiss.

Withhimwearingnothingbutboxerbriefsandmeinthinleggings,italmostfelt as if there was nothing between us. Almost. I could feel his hard lengthagainst my core, and when he pushed his hips in, I thought I might have anorgasmrightthen.

Mybodyreactedwithoutthought.Iwasn’tthinkingaboutusfighting,abouthow I’d changed, orwhat thePrince haddone tome.Therewasno room forthat.Wewerekissing likewe’dbeen inadroughtandwehad justbeengivenwater. Each time I rolledmy hips, he answered and gave it back.Our bodiesweremoving,stirringthewater,andourhandswereexploring,slippingoverwetskin.Hiswereundermyshirt,skimmingovermyribsandupandupuntilmyheartwasslamminginmychest.

ThenRenstopped.Breakingthekiss,heplacedhisforeheadagainstmineashedraggedindeep

breaths.Hishandsplayedacrossmycheeknow.“Maybe...maybeweshouldslow it down?” His warm breath danced over my lips. “I want to make sureyou’rereadyforthis.”

Myheartsqueezedinmychestinthemostwonderfulway.Itouchedhisjawas I openedmy eyes, seeking out his gaze. I found it. “I’m ready.More thanready,andI...Idon’twanttowait.”

Ren growled something that sounded a lot like ‘thank God’ and then hekissedmeagain.Ourhandsfumbledinthewater.Imanagedtosliphimfree,andsomehowhegotmysoakingleggingsdownbelowmyknees.Itwasaslipperyjob,andwewerebothlaughing,becauseholycrap,wetleggingswerenoteasytoworkwith,butthenthelaughterdied.

Ren’sgazeheldminewithanall-consumingintensityasheliftedmeupjustenoughuntilIfelthimbetweenmythighs.Thenhislipsmovedovermineand

alongmyjawasIfelthishandagainstme.OnefingerandInearlywentofflikeafirecracker.

“God,”IgaspedagainsthismouthasIclutchedhisarm.Heworkedhishand,pressinghispalmrightagainstthemostsensitivespot.

Headdedanother finger, andwebothgroanedout loud. Itwas toomuch,andwhen he hooked that finger deep insideme, the first orgasmhitme so hard Idroppedmyheadtohisshouldertosmothermycry.

“I’vemissedyou.”Hisvoicewashuskyandragged.“Fuck,I’vemissedyousomuch.”

Rawemotionswelledasmybodyshook.Hekissedhiswaydownmythroat,coaxingmyheadback.“Imissedyou,”Isaid.“I’vemissedallofthis.”

“Notanymore,”hepromised.“Neveragain.”Thenhewasinsideme,inthewayIwanted,alwayswanted.Atfirstitwasa

shock.RenwasnotsmallandIcouldn’tspreadmylegswithleggingsdownatmy knees, and for some reason thatmade it all somuchmore . . .wow. Thefriction,thetightnesswasincredible.

Hestartedmoving,onehandclampedaroundthebackofmyneck,hisotherarmwrapped aroundmywaist as he pumped intome—one deep, long thrustafteranother.

Whatweweredoing,knowingwecouldbecaughtatanymoment,wascrazybutthatdidn’tstopus.Itwasjustus,ourbodiesmovingtogetheruntilitbecamefrenzied,sendingthewaterlappingovertheside.

“Hell,Sweetness,”hegroaned,andIfeltitbuildinginsidemeallover,thatterribletension,amessoflongingandlust.

Helaunchedusbackward,and then theroughcementwasdigging intomybackashepressed intomeas farashecouldgo,grindingagainstmeuntilhepushedme to the edgeofbliss again and then threwme rightover it. I came,cryingoutasheburiedhisheadinmyneck,thrustingonceandthentwicebeforehefollowedmerightovertheedge,mynameaharshburstofairatthatoddlysensitivespotbelowmypulse.

Iwaslimpinhisarms,mycheekslippingtohischest,vaguelyawareofhimpullingoutandloweringmesomyfeethitthebottomofthepool.Hedidn’tpullawaythough,stillholdingmetighttohim.

His breathing slowed as he droppedhis chin to the top ofmyhead. For alittle while, we stayed like that, neither of us talking. It was just us and theripplingofthewater.

ItwasRenwhobrokethesilence.Hishandtightenedaroundthebackofmyneck.“Areweokay?”

For the first time in days, I didn’t have to think about how to answer that

question.Iknewtheanswerimmediately.“We’regoingtobe.”

Chapter18

Having non-feeding related sex didn’t fix all the problems we had and werefacing,butitsureashellchilledmeoutenoughtobeabletotalkaboutthem.

“I don’t know how to do relationships,” I admitted fromwheremy cheekwasplastered toRen’schest.After thepool,we’dcomeback toour roomandchanged intodryclothes.Well,mostly.Ren threwonapairof sweats and I’dstolen one of his shirts. It was long enough to cover all the interesting parts.Thenwehitthebed,himonhisbackandmeonmyside,pressedupagainsthim.His armwas curled aroundmywaist, his hand resting onmy hip. “Imean, IthinkIusedto.IdidwithShaun.IguessIjustforgothow.”

“Idon’tthinkthere’sonewaytodorelationships.”Hishandwasstill,buthisthumbmoved in a slow, continuous sweepingmotion. “Andyouknowwhat Ithink?”

“What?”Renshiftedontohisside,and thenext thingIknew,wewereface to face.

“We’vegottocutourselvesabreak.”Mygazewanderedoverhisface.“Ilikethesoundofthat.”His lips quirked up on one side as he dragged his hand up my side.

“Seriouslythough.Bothofushavebeenthroughsomeshit.We’rebothgettingoverthat.We’renotgoingtobeperfect.”

Folding my hands between us, I smiled a little. “You’re pretty close toperfect.”

Hecaughttheedgesofmyhairandtuggedonacurl,pullingitstraight.“No,I’mnot. I should’vekeptmymouth shut thismorning.”He letgoof thecurl,watchingitbounceback.“Youhaveeveryrighttobepissedoverthat.”

Yeah,Idid.“Andyouhaveeveryrighttobepissedatmefortryingtobailonyouguys.”

“True.”His grin spread as he touched a finger tomy cheek. “Look at us,agreeingonsomething.”

“So,you’renotgoingtoflipoutwhenIgetupinthemorningandgetreadytogofindMarlon?”

“No.”Heletoutasigh.“It’snotgoingtobeeasy,butI’lldealwithit.”“Good.”Hetrailedhisfingeralongmycheekbone.“Andyou’regoingtokeeptalking

to me, right? Especially when you feel like you don’t know who you are

anymore?You’regoingtoletmehelpremindyou,right?”Tearsimmediatelyblurredmyvision.Rensawthem,becausehishandstilled

withhisthumbjustbelowmylip.“Right?”hepersisted.“Right,”Irasped,chokedup.Loweringhishand,heskatedhisthumbovermylip.“Promisemethat,Ivy.”Iswalloweddownthesuddenknotinmythroat.“Ipromise.”Heleanedin,hislipsreplacinghisthumb,kissingmesoftly.Whenhepulled

back,hisgazewasalittlelessheavy.“Whenwewereinthepoolandyouwerelettingmemakeyourdreamscometrue—”

“Wow.”Hesmiledbroadlythen,andmyheartskippedabeat.Therewasoneofthose

dimples!AndIbetifIcouldseehiswholeface,bothwouldbeoutinalltheirglory.“Howwereyoufeeling?Besidesbeingblissedoutofyourmind?”

Irolledmyeyes.“Ifelt...normal.LikeIwasn’tthinkingabout...”Heatcreptintomycheeks,butIdidn’tallowmyselftoshutdown.“Iwasn’tthinkingabouthimoranythinglikethat.”

IfRenhadbeenworriedaboutthat,hedidn’tshowit.“Andwhataboutthewholesuckingoutmyessencething?”

The warmth in my cheeks deepened, but I pushed through theuncomfortableness.“Ididn’twanttofeed.Itnevercrossedmymind.”

“That’sgood,right?”“Yeah,it’sjustthat...Idon’tknowifitwillalwaysbelikethatorifit’llhit

meagain—thecravings.”Iforcedmyselftokeepgoing.“Imean,it’sthere.Notallthetime,butit’slike...indigestion.”

Heliftedabrow.“Butmoreseriousthanheartburn,”Iadded.Renwasquietforamoment.“You’vegottotrustyourself,Ivy.Iknowthat’s

easier said thandone, but evenwhenyouwere . . . dying, youdidn’twant tofeed.Andwhenyouwerefeeding,youstopped.Thatpartofyouisnotgone.Inever onceworried about you jumpingonme like the face-clinger thing fromthoseAlienmovies.”

Ilaughedsoftly.“Goodtoknow.”“Itrustyou.”Hiseyesmetandheldmine.“I’mgoingtomakesureyoustart

trustingyourself.”My vision blurred again, and it didn’t help when he kissed the tip ofmy

nose.“Now,ontoamuchmoreseriousconversation.”Ohdear.

Heroseontooneelbow.“I’mnotsureifyourealizedthisornot,butyou’reprettystrong.”

“OfcourseIam,”Imurmured.Hedroppedhishandtothecurveofmywaist.“No,Ivy.Strongerthanyou

realize.”Ifrownedupathim.“When you pushed me into the pool, I wasn’t off-balance. You shouldn’t

havebeenabletodothatsoeasily.”UnsureifIshouldbeannoyedbythatstatementornot,myfrownincreased.

“I’vebeentrainingsinceIcanremember.Knockingyouoverisn’tthathard.”Hegrinneddownatme.“AndI’vebeentrainingsinceIcanremember.Plus,

Ihaveagoodhundredpoundsonyou.Whenyoupushedme,itfeltlikeatruckwasslammingintome.”

“Wow,”Imuttered.“That’snotflattering.”Chuckling under his breath, he raised his brows at me. “I want to try

something,okay?Iwantyoutoholdmedown.”Istaredathim.“Seriously?”Henodded.“Iwanttoseeifyou—”Rendidn’tneedtoasktwice.Sittingup,Iplacedmyhandsonhisshoulders

andpushedhimback,intothebed.Imoved,straddlinghim.“Okay.”Helaughed.“You’redownforthis.”Igrinned.“I’malwaysheretoknockyoudownapegortwo.”Heblewakissatme,and thenI felthismusclesflexundermypalms.He

startedtoriseup,butIpusheddown,keepinghimrelativelypinned.“That’sthebestyougot?Comeon,Ren.Stopmessingwithme.”“I’mnotmessingwithyou.”His jawlockeddownashisbodycoiled tight

undermine.Heliftedhisshouldersup,butIexertedmorepressure,keepinghimfrom sitting up. “Jesus,” he grunted, falling back and losing the inches he’dgained.“That’swhatI’mtalkingabout.”

Iblinkedandthenjerkedmyheadback.“You’rereallynotfoolingaround?Youcan’tsitup?”

“No.”Ididn’tbelievehim.“Tryitagain.”“Whatever.”Rendidanabcurl,andIcouldfeel thepowerandstrengthin

hisbody.Hewasn’t holdingback,buthewasn’t gettingvery far.Hismusclestrembled.“See?”

Shocked,Iletgoandthenheshotuplikearocket,snagginganarmaroundmywaistbeforeItoppledoffofhim.“Holycrap.”

“Yeah.”Oncehehadmesteady,hefellbackontothebed.“That’swhatI’m

talkingabout.You’restrongerthanme.”AllIcoulddowasstareathim.I’dalwaysbeenfastandstrong.Yearsand

yearsoftrainingdidthat,butRenhadmoremusclemass.Ishouldn’thavebeenabletooverpowerhim.

Thedimpleappearedinhischeek.“Andit’skindofhotashell.”Icockedmyheadtothesideandsighed.“What?Rememberthatnightwhenyouflippedme?”“Yeah,Iremember.Youhadbrokenintomyapartment,”Ireplieddryly.“Ididn’tbreakit.Thebalconydoorswereunlocked.”Irolledmyeyes.“Youstillenteredwithoutpermission,Ren.”Heskatedrightoverthat.“Anyway,Ithinkyou’vegotsomefaestrengthin

you.”Sittingback,Iletmyhandsrestonhisabs.“Youknow,beingahalflingand

all?Ineverreallygotsickgrowingup.Ineverbrokeabone,butI’veneverbeenthisstrong.”

“Probablythefeeding.”Hishandslandedlightlyonmyhips.IthoughtbacktowhenIfirstwokeup.“Fayedidsaytheremaybeother...

changesinme,andI...Ibroketherestraintstheyhadonme.I’dforgottenallaboutthat.”

“Restraints?”Thegrinfadedfromhisface.“Yeah.You didn’t know?Apparently, theywereworried I’d do something

terrible.”Iblewoutalongbreath,thinkingaboutwhenIwastrainingearlier.Ihadn’tgonefullbeastmodeonthedummy,soIwouldn’thavenoticedifIwasstrongerthanbefore.“Maybeit’llfade.”

“Maybe.” He tilted his head to the side. “But look at Faye or Kalen andDane.Theydon’tfeedandthey’restrong.”

And I had changed, physically.Therewasnodenying that.Being strongerwasn’tbad.Notatall.Consideringmylineofworkandwhatwehadfacingus,itwasablessing.

Odd.Iwasn’tsurehowtofeelaboutbeingokaywiththatchange.ThenIrealized

thatIcouldbeokaywithit.Ijusthadtoletmyselfbeokay.Coulditbethateasy?I shifted and then stilled, pulled completely out of my head. I felt him

hardeningunderme.Mybrowslifted.“Really?”A lopsided grin appeared. “I don’t know if you remember this or not, but

you’renotwearinganythingundermyshirtandyou’restraddlingme.”AsharptingleradiatedfromwhereIcouldfeelhimstrainingupagainstme.

“Goodpoint.”

“AndlikeIsaid,youoverpoweringmeishotashell.”I laughed as I tipped forward, marveling at the way his abs tightened in

responseandhowhiseyesdeepenedtoaforestgreen.“Itmustbenicebeingaguy.”

HiseyesbecamehoodedashisfingerstiptoedalongtheedgesoftheshirtIwaswearing.“ItiswhenIhaveyousittingonmydick.”

Alaughburstoutofme,andIgotblessedwithtwodimplesappearingonhisface.

Hisfingerscurledunderthehemoftheshirt.“Iwanttoseeyou.”My breath caught, because I knewwhat hemeant. Immediately,my pulse

pounded.Iwasseriouslynakedunderhisshirt.“MayI?”Bitingdownonmylip,Inodded.Renliftedtheshirt,slidingitupmysidesandovermyhead.Whenhetossed

itonto thebedbesidehim, Iwascompletelybareand therewasnohiding thefactthateverypartofmehadasilverytinttoit.

AndRenwastakingitallin.His gaze locked with mine and then slid south, the intensity almost a

physicalcaress.Ifelthisstareasitslippedovermyshoulders.Mybreastsgrewheavy, nipples tightening, and it was hard to sit still as his gaze continued tomove,overtheapexofmythighs,allthewaytowheremykneeswerebent.

“Thankyou,”hesaidfinally,hisvoiceahuskydrawl.Mymouthdried.Theverytipsofhisfingersdraggedovermysidesandhips,downmyouter

thighsandthenbackup,overmylowerstomach.Hishandsstoppedjustbelowmybreasts.“You’rebeautiful,Ivy.I’vetoldyouthat,right?”

Ifoundmyvoice.“Yes.”Ahalfgrinappearedashisfingersbrushedovertheswellofmybreasts.“I

don’tthinkItellyouthatnearlyenough.”Idrewinashallowbreath.“Youcankeeptellingmethat.”Myvoicehitched

ashisfingersgrewveryclosetomynipplesbeforeskatingaway.“Idon’tmind.”He bit down on his lower lip, sucking it between his teeth. Parts of me

clenchedinresponse.Hisfingerscircledtheverycenterofmybreasts,andthetortureofhimgettingcloseandthenpullingawaywaspossiblythemostwickedthinghecoulddo.

“We’re going to have to get up early tomorrow.” His gaze followed hisfingersnow.

“What’s...”Ishiveredashedrewcloseyetagain.“What’stheplan?”“FayeisintheprocessoffindingoutwhereMarlonlivessinceIdon’tthink

he’sstayingat thathotelanylonger.”Hishandsslippedtomyribs,andat thispoint,Iwaspantingwithanticipation.“Andsincehe’snotusuallyatFluxuntiltheevenings,wereallydon’thavethetimetowaitonthat.”

“Agreed.”Iswallowed,tryingtofocus.“Who’sgoingwithus?”Ren’shandsstayedatmywaist,much tomydisappointment.“Notexactly

sureyet.”I started to respond, butRen suddenly sat up.Circling an arm aroundmy

waist,hetiltedhisheadjusttheslightestashekissedme.Itwasbrief,toobrief,andthenheleanedaway,hisgazesnaggingmine.

AtfirstIhadnoideawhathewasupto.Icouldtellhewantedtotakethisfurther.Besidesthefacthestrippedmenaked,hewasstillhardunderme,andtherewasnomistakingtheintentinhisgaze,buthewasn’tmakinganymove.

Andthen. . . thenIrealizedwhathewasdoing,andI thoughtImightfallapart.

Renwasn’tjustwaiting.Hewashandingmethereinsinthis,givingmecompletecontrol.“I love you,” Iwhispered, and then I took it, showing himwhat Iwanted

withhishandsfirstandthenhismouth.

“Tookalotofdigging,butIthinkIfoundwhereMarlonlives,”Fayeannouncedthefollowingmorningwhilewesataroundasmalltableinthecafeteria.

There’d been stares, but I wasn’t letting them get to me. Right now, Icouldn’t afford to allowmyself to get caught up in stupid distractions, and Iwasn’t.ThefactthatTinksatonmyleftandRenonmyrighthelped.

“Since his new house was completed about a month ago, he hasn’t beenstayingatthehotel,”sheexplainedasIpickedupapieceofbacon.Myappetitestillwasn’t back to normal, but I needed to eat. “He actually bought an olderhomeoverinLakeVista.Renovationswerecompleteafewweeksago.”

“LakeVista?”Myeyeswidened.Holycrap,thatwasoneoftherichest,mostexclusive neighborhoods inNewOrleans. Being an evil, Ancient faemust beworkingoutwellforhim.

“Yep.HishouseisonFlamingoStreet.”Turningthelaptopshehadinfrontofheraroundtofaceus,wegotaviewofthemassivehome.“Nice,isn’tit?”

“I’m jealous,” I whispered, eyeing the beautiful two-story home with abalcony.Fayehaditpulleduponsomerealestatewebsite.

Tinkleanedover,squinting.“Whydon’tweliveinaplacelikethat?”Ilookedathim.“Ifyouwanttoliveinaplacelikethat,you’rereallygoing

toneedtogetajob.”“Idon’tthinkthereisanyjobI’dbequalifiedforthatwouldhelpyouafford

thathouse.”Rensnorted.“Anyway.” I munched down on the piece of bacon. “Pretty sure that

neighborhoodisgated.”“Withsecurity,”Fayesaid.“Shouldn’tbeaproblem.”Renpickedupasliceofwheatbreadanddropped

itontomyplate.Fayeclosedthelaptop.“Wedon’thurthumans.”“Notplanningto.”RenglancedtowhereDaneandKalensatnext toFaye.

“Weneedtogetintothatneighborhoodwithaslittletroubleaspossible.”“And that means you want us to use compulsion.” Dane leaned forward,

crossinghisarmsonthetable.“Ihavenoproblemwiththat.”Fayesighed.IhidmygrinasIbitintothebreadandimmediatelyregrettedit.Nobutter.

No jam.Tasted likecardboard. Idropped itonto theplateand reached formycoffeetowashtheblandnessaway.HowintheworlddidReneatthat?

“Idon’teither,”Kalenchimedin.“ButIdoubtwhoeverisworkingthegateishuman.Marlonwouldhavetobeafoolifthat’sthecase.”

“Good point.” Ren eyedmy discarded bread. “Eitherway,we’re going tohavetobequickandhopelikehellhe’shome.”

“Andthenwhat?”Tinkasked.“We have transportation that won’t arise suspicions immediately,” Dane

answered,tiltinghisdarkheadtotheside.“Andthenwhat?”Tinkrepeated.IignoredRenashepokedatthethinghecalledbread,nudgingitcloserto

me.“Thenwegetinsidehishouse.”TinktiltedhisheadasIgrabbedtheothersliceofbacon.“That’snotexactly

goingtobeeasy.”“No.”Rensighedheavilywhenherealizedtherewasnowayinhell Iwas

putting thatbread inmymouthagain.Hepicked it up frommyplate. “That’swhyweneedtobefast,becausethere’snowaytheywon’tknowwhoweare.”

“Buttheydon’tknowme,”Tinkpointedout.“Icouldblitzattackthem.”Islidhima long look.“Besidesyou.Youarestayingherewhereyou’llbe

niceandsafe.”Tinkfrowned.“ButI—”“YoushouldstayandkeepPrinceFabiancompany,”Fayesuggested.“He’s

notcomingwithus.”

The corners of Tink’s lips tipped up. “That I can do.When are you guysleaving?”

Kalen checked the time on his phone. “As soon as our wee little halflingfinishesherbreakfast.”

I stopped with the piece of bacon halfway to my mouth. “Wee littlehalfling?”

Thefaegrinned.“Areyoureadyforthis?”Daneasked,notatallsmiling.“Nottryingtobea

dickbyasking,butyou’vebeenoutofcommissionforawhileand—”“AndIgotmyasskickedbytwofaenottoolongago,”Ifinishedforhim.I

glancedatRen.He’daskedthesamequestionthismorning,andithadn’tbeenaneasyonetoanswer.“I’masreadyasIwilleverbe.”

Thatresponsedidn’tseemtosatisfyDane.“Ifhe’sthere,there’sgoingtobealotoffaewithhim,andhe’snotanormalfae—”

“He’sanAncient.Iknow.”Myshoulderstensed.“ButI’mnotthesameIvywhogotjumpedinthecourtyard.”

“She’sready.”RenmetDane’sstare.Danewasquietandthenhesaid,“She’dbetterbe.”My eyes narrowed, but thenRen draped his arm overmy shoulders as he

leanedover,kissingmytemple,andIwasthoroughlydistracted.“Finishup,”hewhispered, brushing his nose along the curve of my cheekbone. “And thenhopefullywe’llknowexactlywherethatbastardisbeforelunch.”

Chapter19

Themodeof transportationwasasurprisinglysmartone.Afloristvan,exceptthereweren’tanyflowers.Justabenchrunningalongonesideandtheothersidecontainedchainsboltedintotheside.

Thiswasatruekidnappers’van.Kalen andDanewere up front. Faye stayed behind out of concern for her

beingrecognizedsincewedidn’tknowifthere’dbefaeworkingthegatesorifthe faewould possibly recognize her right off the bat.The thingwas, if therewerefaeatthegate,theywouldsensewhatKalenandDanewereimmediately.The vanwas to not attract any attention leading up to the gate, but it wasn’tgoingtogetusthroughit.

BeingoutsideofHotelGoodFaewas...God,itwashardtoputintowords,but it hadn’t been easy for me. While Faye and the guys walked out of theopeninginthewallbeyondthecourtyardasifitwerenobigdeal,mystomachtwisted like itwasfullofvipers.Everyonehadbeen talking,but Ihadn’tbeenlistening.I’dstoppedattheopening,myfeetunabletomove.

Renhadplacedhishandonthecenterofmyback.Hehadn’tspoken,butIknewhe’dsensedmywariness.Itwasprobablyetchedintomyface.Withhimby my side, I’d stepped outside the protection of the courtyard and quicklyrealizeditwaswarmerthanthelast timeI’dbeenoutside.Morenormal tempsforOctoberinNewOrleans.

Ithadbeenstrangewalkingoutofthecourtyard,intotheworldthatexistedbeyondtheglamourofHotelGoodFae.EventhoughIknewthatDrakeandhisminionswerefaraway,Ihalf-expectedthemtoappearoutofthinair.

Theydidn’t.Apartofmestillwaitedfortheretobesomekindoftrap,forthePrinceto

suddenlyappearand telluswe’dbeenplayed.Theotherhalfofmewanted torunaround,breathinginallthegoodandbadscentsofthecity.

Ididn’tgettodothelastpart.Therewasn’talotoftimetoprocessthatIwas...free.

“We’renearingthegate.”Kalenpeeredthroughtheopenwindowseparatingthefrontofthevan.

Sittingbesidemeonthebench,Rennodded.“Gotit.”Kalen closed the door, and I exhaled roughly as I ranmy hands over the

kneesofmytacticalpants.

“Younervous?”Renaskedquietly.Istartedtosayno,butthennodded.“Alittle.BeenawhilesinceIevenwore

apairofpantslikethis.”Hisgazeflickeredoverme.“Youlookdamngoodinthem.”“Thanks.” I shot him a grin. Truth be told, they were looser than they

should’vebeenthismorning,butitfeltgoodpullingthemon.Iquietedwhenthevaneased toastop,hating that Icouldn’tseeanything,

but bothRen and I tensed.His handwent to the iron dagger at hiswaist andminewenttowhereIhadonesecuredtomythigh.Renhadthethornstakeontheinsideofhisboot.

“Hithere,”weheardDanespeak.“Wehaveanorderfor—”“Whatthehell?”exclaimedanunfamiliarvoice.Crap.Renunhookedhis dagger just asweheard a car dooropen, followedby a

gruntofpain.Someonecursedandthentherewassilence.We lookedat eachother, knowing it couldmeanone thingor a reallybad

thing.Wehadouranswerquickly.The back door swung open, revealing Kalen with a man slung over his

shoulder.Renshotoffthebench,reachingforhim.“One fae and thishuman,”Kalen said ashe andRen laid thehumanmale

downinthebackofthevan.“He’sout,butnotdead.Glamoured.Figuredwe’dkeephiminherejustincaseanyonecomesalongandseeshimpassedoutinthebuilding.”

“Goodcall.”Renrolledthehumanontohisback.“Andthefae?”“Recognized us immediately.” Kalen’s jaw hardened. “Took him out.” He

looked over to where I sat. “We’re heading up to the house now. You guysready?”

Inodded.“Yeppers.”Kalentiltedhisheadandthenshookit.Closingthedoor,thevanrumbledto

lifeoncemoreasRentookhisseatbesidemewhileIstaredattheunconsciousman.

Hewasluckytobealive.“Youknowwhat?” I said,blowingouta longbreath.“If itwere theOrder

conductingthismission,wouldtheyhaveknockedhimoutorkilledhim?”Ren didn’t answer for a longmoment. “Guess itwould depend onwho it

was.”“Yeah.” That didn’t sit well, because even though I knew we weren’t

supposedtokillhumans,ithappened.Alot.“Isuppose.”As the van slowed to a stop oncemore,Ren reached over and curved his

handaroundthenapeofmyneck.“Hey.”Ilethimturnmygazetohis.“Yeah?”“Iloveyou.”Hekissedmethen,movinghislipsovermineinawaythathad

mytoescurlinginsidemyboots.“You’regoingtobecareful?”Irestedmyforeheadagainsthis.“Areyou?”“Yeah,because Iwant toget you inbed at least onemore timebeforewe

havetohittheroad.”Henippedatmylowerlip.“Youlikethesoundofthat?”I did, so I kissed him back. “Then you better make sure you don’t get

yourselfhurt.”Hegrinnedagainstmymouth.“Wegotthis.”“Wedo,”Iwhispered,pullingawayfromhimwhenIheardthedriver’sside

dooropenandclose.Movingoffthebench,wewerecarefulnottosteponthepoordudeonthe

flooraswecrouchedatthebackdoor.Secondslater,thedoorslidopenandwehoppedoutintothesunlight.

Therewasn’tanytimetowasteortothinkaboutwhatIhadtodoandwhatwasgoingtobeneededfromme,becauseIknewalready.Itwasingrainedinmybonesandmuscles.I’dfoughtandhuntedathousandtimes.

Todaywasnodifferent.Ihadthis.RenandIroundedthebackofthevan,rightbehindKalen,justintimetosee

a tall female fae rundown thewide, stone steps.Danemether there. I barelysawhimmove,buthegother.Shestumbledback,shockregisteringonherfaceforamomentbeforeherfeaturescrumpledintothemselves.

Ishotupthesteps,myheartpoundingwith...actualanticipationforbattle.Ithadbeenso long,but thatmixtureof fearandexcitementcouldbeaheady,dangerousmix.Oritcouldsharpenthesenses.

Andmysensesweresharp.Curlingmyhandintoafist,Ibangeditoffthedoublebronzedoorsandthen

steppedback.Iknewwithoutlookingbehindmethattheguyswererightthere.Thedoorinchedopen,andtherewasaglimpseofsilveryskin.AllIneeded

tosee.Iplantedmybootedfootintothecenterofthedoor,kickingitwideopen.Thefaebehindthedoorslidback,losinghisbalance.HewentdownasRenflewpastme.Thefaewasdeadbeforehecouldsoundthealarm.

Butthealarmdidn’tneedtobesounded.As I scanned the wide open foyer, I saw several fae—at least a dozen of

themloungingabout,standingandtalkingintheatriumstyleroom,orwatchingTVfromtherecroombehindthespiralstaircase.

Withthismanyfae,Marlonhadtobehere.

“Oh,look.”Renrosewithfluidgrace.“Awelcomeparty.”“Yay.”Dane flipped a dagger—an iron dagger—in his fae hands.He, like

Kalen,waswearingglovessincethemeretouchofironsingedtheirskin.The welcome party did that creepy hiss thing really pissed off fae were

knownfor.Thentheycharged.TherewasatinypartofmethatwonderedifmaybeIwasn’tready,butpure

adrenalinecoursedthroughmyveins,yearsoftrainingkickingin.Instincttookover.

Stridingacross theSpanish tile, Iunsheathed thedaggersatmy thighsandspun,slammingtheverysharpendintothechestofthefaeonmyright.Yankingthe dagger out, Iwhirled and took out the fae onmy left before the first onefinishedcollapsingintoitself.

Anotherchargedme,and Idipped low,kickingoutandknocking the fae’slegs out from underneath them. I shifted, stabbing the fae in his stomach.Popping up, I darted to the right, just missing what would’ve been a meanuppercut.Icaughtthatfaeintheback,rightbetweentheshoulderblades.ThenIspun,notevenoutofbreath.

Rencaughtafaewithhishandarounditsneck.Thosebrightgreeneyesofhiswerefocusedonmeas Ishoved thedaggerdeep into thegutof thefaehewasholding.“Sofreakinghot.”

Flushing,Igrinned.“If youguys are done screwing eachotherwith your eyes, headuphere,”

Kalencalledfromhalfwayupthestairs.“Giveusonemoresecond.”Renwinkedatmeashepivoted,slamminghis

shoulderintothefaerushinghimfrombehind.Rollingmyeyes, I tookoff for thesteps, taking themtwoata time.Kalen

reached the second floor, coming face to facewith a very tall, very bald fae.Uneasepowereddownmyspine.ThefaelookedlikeoneoftheKnights—

“Shit,” hemuttered, and a second later, the fae lifted a hand. The daggerripped free fromKalen’s grasp and slammed into the nearby wall, where thebladetrembledfromtheimpact.

AnAncient.Yep.HewasoneoftheKnightsthathadcomethroughthegatewaythenight

thePrincehadenteredourworld.“You picked the wrong side as usual, Summer fae.” The Ancient stalked

forwardjustasfootstepspoundedupthestairsbehindme.“Andyouwilldieforit.”

TheAncientswunghisarmtotheside,andwithouteventouchingKalen,hethrewhimintothewall.Drywallcrackedandplumesofplasterflewintotheair.

Kalendroppedtohisknees,obviouslystunned.TheAncientturnedtome,cockinghisheadtotheside.Curiositymarkedhis

featuresatfirst,andthen,understanding.“Halfling?”“Hi!”Ichirped, launchingintotheair.Ispun,kickingoutandcatchingthe

Ancientinhisstomach.IlandedinacrouchastheAncientstumbledandlosthisbalance,goingdownononeknee.ThesurprisethatfilledhisgazemirroredwhatIfelt.

Anormalkick like thatwould’ve takendownahuman forhours. Itwouldhavestunnedanormalfae,maybeknockedittotheground,butanAncient?Itwould’vemadethemstumble.

IthadknockedtheAncientdown.Iwasstronger.Rising,Ismiledwidelyasmygriptightenedonthedaggers.“Surprise.I’m

notyournormalhalfling.”“You’llbeadeadhalflingsoon.”Heshottohisfeet.“Oh,Idon’tknowaboutthat.”CatchingRen’sgazeoutofthecornerofmy

eye,Inodded.WehadtogetpasttheAncientbeforeMarlonescaped.“Sortofalreadydidthat.Itdidn’tstick.”

TheAncientstartedtolifthisarm,andIknewwhathewascapableof.Ishotforward,spinningasRendartedpastus.IcaughtsightofDanegrabbingKalenbythearm,liftinghimupastheAncientcaughtmyleg.Hethrewmetotheside.Irolled,bracingmyselffortheimpact.Ihitthefloorhard,butIheldontothedaggersandbreathedthroughthejarringpain.

“Notgoingtofallforthatagain.”TheAncientstartedtowardme.Isprangup.“Butyoualreadydid.”He drew up short and thenwhipped around, but itwas too late. Ren shot

forward,andtheAncientletoutagutturalgroan.YankingthethornstakeoutoftheAncient’schest,Rensmirked.“Guessyou’regoingtodothedyingthing.”

TheAncient’smouthdroppedopenashestareddownathischest.Ishotpasthim,flippinghimoffaswejoinedtheSummerfaeattheendofthehall.Allthedoorswereopen,theroomsempty.Oneremainedshutattheend.Doubledoors.Obviously,themasterbedroom.

Daneslammedhisshoulderintothedoors,andtheygaveway,flyingopen.IsawMarlonatonce,standingbeforealargebed.Heliftedhisarm,andhishandwasn’tempty.Itheldagun.

AgunthatwaspointeddirectlyatRen.“Shit.”Myheart lodged inmy throat. Idarted tomy left,knockingRen to

thesideasthegunshotechoedinthehall.Rencaughthimself andme, throwinganarmaroundmywaist ashis eyes

widenedslightly.Hestraightenedashisgazemetmine.“Thanks,Sweetness.”Nodding,IpulledawayasIheardthegunfireagain.DaneandKalenwere

onMarlon.Thebullethadfiredharmlesslyintotheceiling.“Agun?”KalenchoppeddownonMarlon’sarm.Thegunfelltotheflooras

DanetwistedMarlon’sotherarm.“That’skindoftacky.”“Iguessyou’vebeen relying tooheavilyonyourguards,because thiswas

fartooeasy.”Danesmileslightly.“Pathetic.”Marlon sneered as Danemoved behind him. “You’re going to regret this.

WhenthePrince—”“ThePrinceisn’there,nowishe?”Iwalkedintothebedroom.“So,he’snot

goingtodoshit.”Marlon’s gaze narrowed onme asDane clicked iron handcuffs around his

wristandKalenforcedMarlon’sotherarmback.“You’rethatfuckinghalfling.”“That’sme.”Ismiled,sheathingtheonedagger.“Sit,”Dane ordered, and thenmade sure theAncient did just that, forcing

himdownontothebenchwithaheavypushonhisshoulder.“Lookinglesslikeahalflingandmorelikeafae,”Marlonspitout.“That’s

interesting.”“I am. That’s a long story, but I’m not here to tell you all about that.” I

hookedtheotherdagger tomythigh.“Becausefrankly, Idon’tcareenoughtotellyou.”

Marlonsmiled,baringhis teeth.“Heshould’vekilledyou.Heshouldhavewentaheadandfuckedyouandthenkilledyou.”

Ididn’tgetachancetorespondtothat.Renmovedlikeacobrastriking.HisfistslammedintothesideofMarlon’s

jaw,knockinghimtotheside.KalencaughttheAncientasRenknelt,gettinghisfaceright inMarlon’s.“Youreallyneed to thinkwiselyaboutwhatyousay toher.”

“Irememberyou.”Marlonlaughed,andbluish-redbloodtrickledoutofthecornerofhismonth.“Youwereherpet.”

Istiffened.“Icannotwaittokillthatbitch.”Marlon lifted a dark brow as his gaze flickered tome. “You think you’re

goingtokillher?”Helaughedagain.“You’reanidiot.”“I nearly gouged her eyes out once.” Anger flowed as I stepped forward.

“I’mgoingtodoitagain.Slowly.”“Isthatso?She’llgougeyoursoutanddineonthemasasnack.”Irolledsaideyes.“Whywouldanyonewanttoeateyeballs?That’sgross.”KalengrinnedashefistedMarlon’shair,yanking theAncient’sheadback.

“WheredidthePrincego?”

“Heleft?”Marlonreplied.“Don’tplaylikeyoudon’tknow.”Ifoldedmyarms.“Youknowdamnwell

he’snotinthecity.Heleftbecausehefoundanotherhalfling.Andyou’regoingtotelluswherehewent.”

“Is thatwhyyou’vereappearedafteryourdaringescape?”Marlonsnorted.“You’resobrave.”

Ismirked.“We’regoingtofindoutjusthowbraveyouare.”“I’mnotgoingtotellyoushit,”Marlonsaid,growlingwhenKalenyanked

onhishair.“Youmayaswellkillmenow.”“Oh, you’re going to talk.” Tilting his head to the side, Ren straightened,

thornstakeinhand.“Doyouknowwhatthisis?”Marlon’s gaze flickered over the stake. Therewas a tightening around his

mouth.“Ido.”“Andyouknowwhat itcando toyou?Itcanhurtyou.”Rensmiledashe

placedthestakedirectlyabovethefae’sheart.“Itcankillyou.”“SowillthePrinceifheknowsItalkedtoyou.I’lldieeitherway.”Marlon

swallowed.“Killingmeisnotathreat.”IcouldseethecoldsmilegraceRen’slipsashedrewthestakeupoverthe

centeroftheAncient’sthroat.“Dyingistheeasypart.I’mnotgoingtomakethiseasyforyou.”

AndRendidn’t.Itwasn’t easyor clean. Itwasbloodyandmessy, andMarlonheldout far

longer than many would have. Hundreds of thin slits covered every inch ofexposedskin,andafewtimes,Iwantedtolookaway,butIforcedmyselfnotto.NotwhenRenwieldedthestakeanddidn’thavetheluxuryofclosinghiseyes.So Imademyselfwatch, and I didn’t flinchwhen blood sprayed from a vitalarteryalongtheAncient’sthroat,dottingRen’sfaceandthefrontofmyshirt.Ididn’t look away once, and that’s how I knew deep in my bones that whenMarlonutteredthewordswe’dbeenwaitingfor,itwasthetruth.

“SanDiego,”Marlongasped.“ThePrinceleftforSanDiego.”Thosewerehislastwords.

Chapter20

Wedidn’thavealotoftimealoneoncewereturnedtoHotelGoodFaeandmetwithTannerandcrew.

SanDiego.Itwouldtakewelloveradaytogetthere,roughlytwenty-sevenhours,and

wehadtodrivesincewewerecarryingweaponsandthatwouldrequirewaytoomanyhumanstobeglamouredforustotravelbyair.

BothRenandIneededtoshowersinceneitherofuswantedtohittheroadwithbloodonus,andweprobablydidn’tgetreadyasquickaswecouldhave,because it was someone’s idea—Ren’s—to shower together, not that I wascomplaining.

How could Iwhen it wasRenwhowashed the smudges of blood offmyface?Orwhen Idid the same forhimaswe stoodunder the steady streamofwater?Iwasthinkingabouthowweneededtogetontheroadwhenhefoundhiswaybehindme in the shower.Andwhenhe got his hand involved, and otherpartsofhisbody,complainingandstrategizingandthinkingingeneralwasthefurthestthingfrommymind.

“Wedidgoodtoday,”hewhisperedagainstthesideofmyneck.“Wedid.”Hekissedthespacebelowmyear.“Youwereamazing,Ivy.”Asmallsmilepulledatmylips.“Sowereyou.”“Yeah.”He lifted hismouth frommy neck as his fingers skimmed on the

mostsensitivepartofme.“Itwasn’tmy...”Iplacedmyhandoverhis,stillinghim.“Wasn’twhat?”“Todaywasn’toneofmyfinermoments.”Mysmilestartedtofade.“Whatdoyoumean?”Hewasquietforamoment.“IknewwhatIhadtodotomakeMarlontalk.I

knewwhathewas.Whathewould’vedonetousifgiventhechance.ButIstilldon’tlikethatIhadtodoit.”

Mychestsqueezed.“Butyouhadto.”Rendidn’t respond,soIstarted to turn tohimbut thehandcurlingaround

myneckstoppedme.Heguidedmyheadback,turningitjusttheslightest,andthenhekissedme,scatteringmythoughts.Thehandbetweenmythighsslidupandhisarmfoldedaroundmywaist.Heliftedmeuponto thevery tipsofmytoes.

Igaspedintohismouthwhenheenteredmefrombehind,thrustingsodeepIthoughtatfirstIcouldn’ttakeit,butheprovedthatIcould,againandagain.Wewereaslippery,soapymessasI threwmyarmsout,plantingmyhandsonthewet tile infrontofmeasRenkeptonearmsecuredaroundmywaistandthentheotherwentbetweenmythighsagain.Heworkedmewithhisfingersandhiscock,hisbreathhotonmyneck,hiswordsscorchingmyears.WhenIcame,Ithrewmyheadbackagainsthisshoulder,havinganearoutofbodyexperience.

Twothingssurprisedthehelloutofmeinthatmoment.One,Ihadn’tendeduponmyass,andtwo,evenafterthewholeshowersexthing,Renwasreadytogoagainwhenweweregettingchanged.

SometimesIwonderedifRenwasevenhuman,butIguessedwewerejustmakingupforlosttime.

Andwehadalotofmakinguptodo.Wewerereadywithminutestospare,andIusedthem,stoppingatthedoor

beforeweleft,blockingitwithmybody.Renarchedabrow,ourbagsinbothhands.“Whatareyoudoing?”“IwanttosaysomethingandIwanttohaveyourfullattention.”One side of his mouth kicked up. “You always have my full attention,

Sweetness.”“Iknow,butIreallywantitrightnow.”Itookadeepbreath.“Whatyoudid

today togetMarlon to talkcouldn’thavebeeneasy. Iknow that. Ihadahardtimewatching,butIdid.Iwatched.That’snotthesameasactuallydoingit.”

“No.”Heexhaledroughly.“It’snot.”“Butyouhadtodoit,Ren.WeneededtoknowwherethePrincewent.You

didwhatyouhadtodoandyoushouldn’tloseamomentofyourselftothat.”Hischindipped,andforabriefmomentIwasn’tsurehewouldrespond.“I

won’t.”Iwasn’tsureIbelievedhim.“Youpromise?”Ren’sgazefoundmine.“Ipromise.”“I’ll keepyou to that promise,” I swore.Springing forward, I stretchedup

andkissedthecornerofhismouth.Hisarmssweptaroundmeandheheldmetight tohis chest.Severalmoments passedbefore I could forcemyself to pullawayfromhim.“Webettergetgoing.”

“Yeah.”Hisvoiceroughened.“Ifwedon’t,wemaynever leave thisroom,apocalypsebabyornot.”

I blushed as I turned, opening the door, knowing he’dmake good on thatratherpleasantwarning.WearrivedinthelobbytodiscoveraratherdecentsizegroupwaitingforusbythedoorsI’dneverseenopenedbefore.Theyappearedtoleadouttothefrontofthebuilding.

DaneandKalenstoodbesideFaye, the threeof themcarryingblackduffelbags,soIassumedtheywerepartofourentourage.Iscannedthegroup,relievedto see thatMerle wasn’t there but a little unnerved by the fae faces I didn’trecognize.

Tinkwastherethough,standingalittlebitapartfromthegroup.Therewasarather large suitcase beside him. Slung over his shoulder was a . . . WonderWomanbackpack. I parted fromRen,walkingup tohim. “Wheredidyougetthat?”

“Istoleitfromalittlefaegirl.”Hepaused.“Hashtagthuglife.”“What?”Mymouthdroppedopen.“I’mkidding,”hesaid,andIwasn’tsureifIbelievedhimornot.“Orderedit

fromAmazonafewmonthsago.Goesgoodwithmyleotard.”IeyedhimasRenjoinedme,holdingtwopapercupsofcoffee.Hehanded

meonewithawink.“Thanks.”ThenIfacedTinkagain.“Whydoyouhaveyourbagsdownhere?”

“Why?”Tinkwrinkledhisnose.“Wehavenoideahowlongwe’regoingtobegoneandI’mnotgoingtowearthesameclothes.”

“You’renotgoing,Tink.You’restaying—”“I’mnotstayinghere.Hellno.You’regoingtoSanDiego,andsoamI.You

needme.”Frustrationsnappedatme.“Tink—”“Don’tTinkme,” he shot back. “I get that youwant to keepme safe and

sound,butIcanhandlemyself.”Iknewhecouldhandlehimself,butIstilldidn’twanthimputtinghimselfin

danger.“WhataboutDixon?Youcan’tbringhim.”“I know that.Huntingdown thePrince andpossiblykillinghim is not the

placeforanadorablekitten,”hesaid.“Brightoniswatchinghimforme.”Mybrows lifted, and then I shookmyheadas I steppedcloser toTink. “I

don’twantyouindanger.”Tink smiled. “Ivy-divy, I know that I’m fucking cute and adorable, but I

thinkyouforgetwhatI’mcapableof.Youguysneedmeonthistrip.”Renlightlytouchedmyarm,drawingmyattention.“Asmuchasthispains

metoadmit,Tinkisright.Wecouldusehim.”“Don’t take this fromme.”Tink lowered his voice. “You all are out there

risking your lives. I’ve already spent enough timewatching you leave and dothat.It’stimeIstepup.”

Iwanted toarguemore,butTinkandRenwereright.Wecouldusehim.Icouldn’ttakethatfromhim.Isighed.“Okay.”

“Good.”TinklookedoveratRen.“Wait.Haveyoutwostoppedfighting?Oh

myQueenMab,youguysareinloveagain!”My eyeswidened as I glanced around, seeing that several of the strangers

werewatchinguswithdetachedinterest.“Tink...”“We were never not together,” Ren said, dropping his arm over my

shoulders.The blue and red bag slipped to the floor as he clapped his hands like an

overexcitedseal.“Youguysare!Thisisamazing.”“Tink,”Isaidagain,thistimewithalittlemoreforcebehindhisname.“Thankthefaerylordsandladies,Iwillnotbeaproductofasplithome.”“For the last time, we are not your parents, Tink.” I shookmy head as I

startedtoturnbutstopped.“Pickupyourbag.”Ren leaned in as Tink snatched the bag off the floor. “You sound like his

mom.”“Shutup,”Ihissed.“Thereyoutwoare.”Tannersteppedoutofthehuddle.Hedidn’tlookatme

likeIwasn’tsupposedtobethere.“LetmeintroduceyoutoFabian’sconsuls.”The strangers stepped forward, and after a blur of very fae-like sounding

namesexceptfor the lastdudewhowasintroducedasFred,I realizedIwouldnotrememberasinglenamefromthispointon.

Eachonesmiledandnoddedkindly,leaguesmorepolitethantheirprince.“We have three vehicles waiting for you outside,” Tanner said, and Faye

steppedforward,carryingseveralpackages.“EachofuswillhaveaphoneequippedwithGPSthatwillbetrackedfrom

hereincasesomethinghappensandwemustseparate,”Fayeexplained,handingmetheenvelope.

Settingmycoffeeon thenearby table, I feltaround theenvelope, touchingfourseparatephones. I figuredTinkwouldbe travelingwithRenandI.“Whyaretherefour?”

“BecauseIwillbejoiningyou.”MyjawclenchedasIturnedaround.Fabianhadarrived,lookingasdashing

asadoorknob.“Yeah,you’regoingtoneedtofindadifferentcartoridein.”“Ivy,”Tinkwhinedinalowvoice.“Hewillberidingme.”Renchokedonhiscoffeeandturned,wheezingsoftly.IturnedtoTink.“Youwanttomayberethinkwhatyoujustsaid?”“Oh,no.Isaidthatright.”“Ifhe’sgoingtobeinthecarwithus,hewillnotberidingyouwhilewe’re

inthere,okay?”Icouldn’tbelieveIactuallyhadtospeakthosewords.“IthinkI’mgoingtofindwhoFayeisridingwith—”

“Oh no.” Ren caught the back ofmy shirt. “You are not leavingmewith

them.”FabianmoseyedonuptoTink,eyeingthesuitcase.“Whatisinthesuitcase?

Seemsrather...bulkyforclothing.”Cometothinkofit,theSummerPrincewasright.Grabbingthehandleofthelargesuitcase,TinklookedoveratFabian.“Our

lastresort.Meaningthissuitcaseisnottobeopenedunlesstheshithasgonesofarsouthwe’reuptoournecksinfuckery.”

Rennudgedme.“Uh,whatdoyouthinkisinthesuitcase?”“I have no idea, but I’m thinking I probably should find out.” I started

towardhim,butthedoorsopenedandsunlightpouredin.Justlikeearliertoday,IwasstartledforasecondtoknowthatIcouldjustwalkrightoutofhere.

Andthat’swhateveryonewasdoing.IfollowedRenoutsidetowhereFayeand her crew loaded up into one of the SUVs, Fabian’s consul got in whatappearedtobeafancyPorscheofsomesort,whichleftuswithanSUVthatwasthesizeofasmalltank.

Ididn’tevenattempttotakethekeysfromRen.After loading up the back with the bags Ren and I had hurriedly packed

beforewelefttheroom,Iwalkedaroundtothefrontpassengerseat.Tinktrailedafterme.“DoyouthinkthePrincehasalreadyfoundtheHalfling?”

“Ihopenot.” Iopenedup thedoor. “Because that sureashell complicatesthings.”

“It doesmore than complicate things.”Fabianwatchedme closely. “If theWinterPrincehasfoundheranddoeswhatwe’vefeared,we’llhavetohandleit.”

Istiffened.Ren’sfingerscoastedovermywaistashewalkedby.“Wewill.”Handleit.I knewwhat thatmeant. I hated it. Because it could easily beme in that

situation—it could bemebeing handled, just likeMerle had saidwhen I firstarrived here.But if the Prince had found theHalfling andmanaged to do thedeed,wehad tostop thebabyfrombeingborn,andIknewthecrewweweretraveling with wasn’t going to be down with having a very uncomfortableconversationwiththisHalflingandhopingshevolunteeredtodowhatwouldbetherightthinginthiscase.

IwatchedFabianwalkovertotheothersideoftheSUVandthenmygazeroamedovertotheothercars.

Iknewwhatthey’ddo.They’dtakethewomanout,noquestionsasked.The ideaofkillingan innocentwomanandherchildsickenedme. Ididn’t

wanttodothat.Ididn’twantanyofustodothat.

Sothatleftuswithonlyoneoption.“Webetterfindherfirst,”Isaid,fillingwithsteelyresolve.“Andmakedamn

sureshedoesn’tgetpregnant.”

Chapter21

Wehadn’tevengottenoutofthestateofLouisianaandIwasalreadyreadytoducttapebothTinkandFabian’smouthsshut.AfewhoursintothetripandI’dlearnedtwothings.

Fabiancouldmakeeverythingsoundlikehewasinsultingme.AndRenhadthismagicalabilitytotuneeveryoneoutandfocusondriving.

Rubbingmyforehead,IstaredoutthewindowaswecruisedondownI-10.Theoutsidewasablurofbuildingsandtrees,andsomehowtheconversationinthebackseathadmovedontomeandmyhair.

“I don’t think she can honestly brush it,” Tink was saying. He’d leanedforwardsohewashalfwaybetween theseats.“Becausewhenshedoes, it justturnsintoagiantpoof.”

Countingtoten,IslidaglanceoveratRen.Afaintsmileplayedacrosshislips,andifhehadn’tbeendriving,Imight’vepunchedhim.

“Soshedoesn’tcombitall?”Fabianasked,soundinggenuinelyconfused.Ilookedovermyshoulder.“Icombmyhair,youassholes.”Rensnorted.“I’veseenherdoit.Whenit’swet.”“Let’stalkaboutsomethingotherthanmyhair,okay?”IsuggestedbeforeI

climbedintothebackseatlikearabidspidermonkeyandstrangledallofthem.“Likewhat?”Tinksatback.“I’mbored.”“You’reboredalreadyandwehave likeanother twenty-somehours left,” I

remindedhim.Tinkgroaned.“I’mnotgoingtomakeit.”“Icouldentertainyou,”Fabiansuggested.“Wecould—”“Yeah,no,”Ijumpedin,becauseIhadafeelinghisversionofentertaining

Tinkwasn’tPG-13andIdidn’twanttowitnessanyofthat.MygazezeroedinontheSummerPrince.HewasobviouslyintoTink,butthefaewereprettymuchintoanythingthatwalkedandhadahole.Awaveofprotectivenessseizedme.“Let’stalkaboutyou,Fabian.”

TheSummerPrincestretchedanarmalongthebackoftheseatandinclinedhishead.“Ihavenoproblemwiththat.”

“Ofcoursenot,”Renmutteredunderhisbreath.Ifoughtasmile.“Howoldareyou?”The Summer Prince raised a fair brow. He looked like he was in his late

twenties,but instinct toldmethatwasn’this realage.“Older thansomeof the

treesplantedalongthisroad.”So my suspicions were correct. I glanced at Ren and saw that he was

listening.“Thenthatmeansyoufeed,becauseyousureashellaren’taginglikeTanner.”

“IamthePrince.Alloftheroyalcourtfeeds.”“Really?” I said,myhandballing inmy lap.Thatwas somethingelse that

Tannerhadnotdisclosed.“Youdon’t likehearing that.”Asmirkappeared.“Andyetyoufed tosave

yourlife.”“Itwasn’tachoiceImade,”Isaid.Tink leaned forward again. “What Fabian is leaving out is that they have

peoplewhovolunteertobefedon.They’renotbeingforced.”My brows lifted. “Volunteered or under a compulsion? I remember the

peopleDrakehadinthathouse.Somelookedliketheywantedtobethere,butIdoubtanyofthemknewwhattheyweregettingthemselvesinto.”

A shadow crossedFabian’s expression. “Thosewho allow us the honor offeedingfromthemdosoundernocompulsion.Theyknowwhatweare.Theychoosetohelpusaswehelpthem.”

Ididn’tbelievethatforasecond.“Andhowdoyouhelpthem?”“Inmycommunity,weprotectthemortalswhoallowustofeed.Theywant

fornothing.Money.Healthcare.Security.”Sort of remindedmeof escorts, but I figured I’dkeep that part tomyself.

“Andtheyknowwhatyouguysarecapableof?Howyoucandrainthemtothepointtheyturnintomindless,psychoticcreatures?”

Hiseyesnarrowed.“Wenevertakemorethanweneed.Ifanyofmysubjectswereto,they’dbeexecutedonthespot.”

“Really?”Ren’sgazeflickedtotherearviewmirror.“That’sprettyhardcoreforaraceofbeingsthathasalwaysputthemselvesfirst.”

“As ifyouknowanythingaboutour race,”Fabian replied. “Wehavebeenherefarlongerthanyouknow.Thinkaboutthat.”

“I’mthinkingaboutit,”hereplieddryly.“Youknewnothingof theSummerCourtor thatour courtshave takenup

residency here. There is a reason for that. We do not kill. We do not abusemortals.Believeitornot,weviewthemasequals.”

“I know it sounds hard to believe,” Tink chimed in. “But he’s telling thetruth.”

“Howdoyouknow?”Iasked,eyeingTink.Hemetmygaze.“Becausewhywouldhelie?”“Oh,Idon’tknow.Sowedon’tkillhim?”Ioffered.

TheSummerPrincesnorted.“Iamnoteasytokill.”“Yeah, back to that. If you’re the perfect example of a non-homicidal fae

who loves and cherishes humans, thenwhywon’t you tell us how toweakenDrake?”

He laughed, and the soundwas too cold for aSummerPrince. “Youdon’ttrustme.WhyintheworldwouldItrustyou?YoumaybeahalflingandhemaybeBoyWonder—”

“Boywonder?”Renwrinkledhisnose.“But theOrder has already betrayed us once,” Fabian continued, his stare

hard.“ThefactthatweareworkingwithyounowtostoptheWinterPrinceputsmeandmypeopleatan incredibledisadvantage.Doyou think Ichose to ridewithyoujustbecauseofhim?”HeglancedatTink.“SomeoneneedstokeepaneyeonyoutwoandIwillnotriskanyofmyconsulindoingso.”

Tinkdidn’tlookatallbotheredbythatstatement.“Howdid theOrderbetray theSummerCourt?”Renasked,slidingahand

overthesteeringwheel.“Tannermentionedit.Nowyouhave.We’reinthedarkonwhathappened.”

“You’re in the dark about a lot of things,” the Prince snarked, and thensmiledwhen I swore Icould feel steamcomingoutofmyears. “Doyoueverthinkaboutthat?”HisgazemetRen’sinthemirror.“ReallythinkaboutwhytheOrder and your preciousElite kept somuch from you—from the very peoplewilling tokill anddie for themwithout remorseorchallenge?Didanyofyouquestion that perhapsyouwerekilling innocents?That not every faewants torulethemortalworld?Didanyofyouonce,inyourincrediblyshortlives,everaskifyouwerefightingontherightside?”

Uncomfortablewithallthetruthinesshewasspeaking,Iflippedaroundandfaced the windshield. A moment passed, and I glanced at Ren. A musclethrummedalonghis jawashe stared straight ahead.What theSummerPrincequestionedhadstruckachordwithhimtoo.

Howcoulditnot?He’dbeenright.We’dkilledanddiedforanorganizationthathadliedtous.Andherewewere,judgingFabianandhiskind.

“Whatdidtheydo?”Iaskedquietly,unsureifIwasreadytohearitorifIwantedto.

Fabiandidn’tanswerforsolongthatI thoughthemightnever,butthenhedid.“Everythingyouknowispracticallyalie.”

Ren’sknuckleswerebleachedwhitefromhowtightlyhewasclenchingthesteeringwheel.“Yougoingtofillusin?”

“We did not start this war with mortals,” he said, looking at the windowwhileTinkwatched him quietly. “Wewere not the oneswho broke the treaty

betweenourkinds.”Afrownpulledatmybrow.“Whattreaty?”He smiled in a way I imagined parents did right before they wished they

could crate train their children. “We used to be able to travel more freelybetweenourworlds.Somewouldgrabhumansandtakethemback,buttrustme,when they did, it was usually people you would never miss. People whodeservedtheirfate.”

Tinkarchedabrow.“Otherscamewillingly.”Heraisedashoulderinanelegantshrug.“Afterall,

wearebeautifulandmortalsaredrawntobeautifulthings.Thereusedtobealotmorehalflings.”

Ibitdownonmylip.Istillhadnoideaifitwasmymotherormyfatherwhowasthefae.I’dprobablyneverknow.

“TheOrderhasbeen increationsincewefirstcrossedover,andour treatyremained in effect for hundreds of years. They hunted the ones who killedmortalsinthisworldandleftonesalonewhodidnot,andwhenourworldbegantofalter,andmorefaecrossedover,weworkedtogetherwiththeOrdertoensurewhatwashappeningtoourworlddidnothappentoyours.Weconfidedinthemourweakness.Wesharedoursecretsandhelpedthemsealthedoorways,butintheend,everythingweshowedandtaughtthem,theyusedagainstus.ItwasnotthefactthattheytooktheCrystalfromusthatcreatedtheriftbetweenourtwokinds.DidTannertellyouthat?I’msurehedid.Hewouldn’twanttooverwhelmyouwiththetruth.”

Theinsideofthecarfelticy.“Andwhatisthetruth?”He turned from the window. “Once we sealed the gateways, the Order

slaughteredeveryfaethathadfoughtbesidethem,tooktheCrystalweusedtoclose the doors, and then killed our King, ultimately weakening the entireSummerCourtandforcingusintoseclusion.”

Igaspedinsurprise.“We’dalreadybeenweakened,havinglostourQueenandmybrothermany

decades before in the fightwith theWinterCourt,” he continued. “TheOrderknewthat.Wetrustedthem.”

“Why?”Iaskedafteramoment.“Whydidtheydoit?”Fabiantiltedhisheadtotheside.“Thatisaquestionwehavewaitedmany

years to have answered. I have a feelingwe’ll have that answer sooner ratherthanlater.”

Talking abwe reachedout cold-blooded betrayal and what was tantamount tomurdersurekilledthevibeinthecar.TheonlyblessingwasthatitshutTinkandFabianupforthenextseveralhours.

I spent most of the time mulling over what Fabian had said. Initially, Iwantedtodenyeverything,becauseitwashardtoletgoofyearsandyearsofadifferenthistory,butIknewtheOrderhadlied.We’dseentheevidenceofthat.Thequestionwashowmuchhadtheyliedaboutandwhyhadtheyturnedonthefaethathadbeenhelpingthem?

Ididn’thave theanswers,butwhenwe stoppedabout eighthours into thedrive,somewhereinthenever-endingstateknownasTexas, tofuelupandgetsomethingtoeat,IusedthebriefalonetimewithRentogethisthoughtswhilehepumpedgas.TinkandFabianwereintheconveniencestorethatwasattachedtoa fast food joint.Ourconvoyhad joined themwith theexceptionof the faenamedFred.Hewasjuststaringoutsidetheglasswindowsof theconveniencestore,obviouslytakingwatch.

“WhatdoyouthinkabouteverythingFabianwassaying?”I leanedagainstthepassengerdoor,squintingintothefadingsunlight.

“Honest?”Heshiftedsohewasfacingme.“Idon’tknowwhyhe’dlie.Whatwouldthepointbe?”

“I know.” I sighed as I reached up, pushing a curl out ofmy face. “Whataboutthewholefeedingthing?”

“YouandIbothknowtherearepeoplewhoenjoythefeeding.”Hepulledthenozzleout.“It’squitepossiblethattheyhaveaharemofpeoplewillingtogiveawayalittleofthemselvesinexchangeformoneyandprotection.”

Isnorted.Haremofpeople?Forsomereason,IpicturedabunchofpeoplebarelyclothedfanningtheSummerPrincewithpalmfronds.

“And to be honest, I don’t even knowwhere I stand on that.A couple ofmonths ago? I would’ve been dead set against it, but now? Everything haschanged.”Placing thenozzleback,hebrushedhishandsonhispants.“I thinkwe’vegottoletgoofsomeofourbeliefs.”

Inoddedslowly.“Ithinkyou’reright.”“I’malwaysright,don’tyouknow?”Isnorted.“Keeptellingyourselfthat.”Grinning,hestoppedinfrontofme.“Processingeverythingwe’re learning

about theOrder isn’teasy.Makesyou thinkabout . . .aboutsomeof thestuffwe’vedone.”

Mystomachshiftedunsteadily.“Yeah,itdoes.”NamelyitmademethinkabouthowmanyinnocentfaeImight’vekilledin

thepast.Itwasn’tlikeeveryfaeI’dhuntedhadbeencaughtred-handed.Some

hadrunfromme.AndIchasedthemdownlike...likeananimalandkilledthem.“Hey,”Rensaidsoftly,drawingmyattention.I lookedupandsawconcern

poolinginhisgaze.“Whereisyourheadatrightnow?”“Just thinking aboutwho I’vehunted. If theywere innocent or not.Like I

could’vemurdered—”“Stop.”He leaned in, eye to eyewithme. “We can’t go back and change

what we did.We’ve got to live with that and deal with it. Doesn’t mean it’seasiertodealwith.Justmeanswe’vegotto.”

I found myself nodding again, because he was right.We couldn’t changewhatwedidordidn’tdo.“Wecanonlychangewhatwe’regoingtodo.”

“Exactly,”hereplied,lookingovertheroofoftheSUV.“Youwanttoheadinwithmeorhangouthere?”

“Hangouthere.”Rendippedhis chin, kissingmy temple and then the cornerofmymouth.

“Whatdoyouwantmetograbyoutoeat?Anddon’tsaynothing.Youhaven’teateninhours.”

“That’sbossy.”Hekissedmethenandwhenhepulledback,henippedatmylowerlipina

waythatsentajoltrighttoalltheinterestingparts.“Whatdoyouwantmetogetyou?”

“Aburgerandsomefries,”Irelented.“‘On it,” he murmured before kissing me again, and then he was off,

swaggeringacrosstheparkinglot.Hedidendupgettingmeaburgerandfries,andIate it—allof it—except

thetomato,becauseew.Renhadtakenthelimpslicefromme,slappingitdownontopofhisburger.

The burger and fries sat weirdly in my stomach, and afterward, a briefcraving for somethingmore hitme. Itwas almost likewanting a smoke afterdinner, but I focused on Ren, Tink, and Fabian, who were arguing about thespeedlimitofallthings,untilthecravingpassed.

Somewhereinthemiddleofthenight,Tinkfellasleep,andsodidFabian.Ioffered to take over driving, butRenwas insistent to keep going. I ended updozingoffwithRen’shandrestingonmythigh.

Itwas the suddenpitching forwardmotionandRen’s armsmackingme inthechestthatwokemehourslater.Igrunted,myeyesflyingopen.

All I saw at first was the dark road and the faint glow of red taillights.“What’sgoingon?”

“Faye has stopped up ahead.” Ren reached for the cellphone as Tink and

Fabianstirredtolifeinthebackseat.“Sheshouldn’tbestopping.”Ilookedoutthewindowandsawliterallynothingbutdarkness.“Whereare

we?”“About to cross into Arizona.” He lifted the phone to his ear. “The other

groupisaheadof—”Lights flipped on several yards ahead, the glaring intensity blinding as it

piercedtheblackness.Fabianwassuddenlyleaningbetweenthetwofrontseats.“Whatthe—?”Thenightaireruptedingunfire.

Chapter22

At first allofuswere frozen, so shockedby the sound rippingapart thenightsky.Thegunfirehadn’treachedus,butthatmeantnothing.Bulletscouldtravelquitesomedistance.

“Someoneisshootingatthem!”Tinkallbutflailedbehindme.“Letmeout.OhmyQueenMab,letmeout!”Herattledthedoorhandle.“Iamsogoingtokillthemshootingatmynewfriends!I’mgoingtogofullTinkonthem!”

“Youhitthechildprooflocks?”Iasked.“Damn straight.”Renwhipped around. “I need both of you to stay in this

damncaruntilweknowwhatthehellwearedealingwith.”Fabianleanedforward.“Iamaprince.Ican—”RenslammedonthegasandjerkedintotheleftlaneasecondbeforeIsaw

thecargunninginourdirection.“HolyChrist,”Ishouted,grabbingthehandleabovethewindow.The car came out of nowhere—out of the damndesert!The engine of the

SUVroaredaswegainedspeed,nearingwhereFayewastrapped.“I don’t give a fuckwhat you are,”Ren said. “But ifwe’re being shot at,

thenthere’sagoodchancetheyknowwhoisinthesecars.Meaning,thosearen’tregularbulletsinthoseguns.”

Understandinghitme.“Youthinkit’stheOrder?”“Whoelsewouldbeshootingatusinthemiddleofthenight,inthemiddle

offuckingnowhere?”“If that’s thecase, thentheyknewwewerecoming.”Rightnow,wedidn’t

havetimetoreallydelvedeepintothattheory.“Weneedyoualive,”RenwastellingFabian.“Trytostayinthiscarandnot

getdead.Becauseprettysureabullettotheheadisgoingtoputyoudownlongenoughforthemtotakethatbigheadoffyourshoulders.”

“Itwould,butIamfasterthanabullet.”“Canyoubothjuststaywhereyouare?”Idemanded.“Atleast—”Our back window exploded without warning. Glass shot through the car.

Spinninginmyseat,Isawthestrangestdamnthingever.FabianhadTinkpinneddownontheseat,coveringTink’sbodywithhis.Okay.Fabianhadjustearnedsomebonuspoints,butwasTinkhurt?“Tink?”“I’mdoingjustdandy,”hecalledout,voicemuffled.

“Getdown,Ivy.”Renreachedformewithonehand,yankingmedownsoIwasflattenedonthecenterconsole.

“Whataboutyou?”Iprotested.“I’llbefine.”“That’sso—”“There’sagunintheglovecompartment.”Renrubbedmyback.“Getit,but

staylow.”Muttering under my breath, I inched over and yanked open the glove

compartment.Reachinginside,IgrabbedtheGlock.Itwasheavyinmypalm.As Order members, we were trained in guns too, but we didn’t use them

often,usuallypreferringthemorequietstab-you-to-deathmethod.“Icanshoot.”“Givemethat.”“Screwthat,”Ihissed.“You’redriving.”“I can multi-task.” He pushed down on my back just as my window

shattered.Igaspedasglasspingedoffmyback.“Ren.”Hishand fisted thebackofmyshirt.Tires squealedashe slammedon the

brakesagain.“I’mfine.Handmethegun,Ivy.”Cursingundermybreath, I brokeRen’s hold andpoppedup inmy seat. I

whippedtowardthebrokenwindow,ignoringthecrunchingglass.Extendingmyarm,Ifiredseveralshotsatthesedanspinningoutinfrontofus.

“Dammit!”Renshouted,grabbingaholdofmyshoulderagain,pushingmebackdown.“Areyououtofyourmind?”

“Areyou?”Idemanded.“Youcan’tdriveandshootatthesametime.You’renotJamesBond.”

“LethimbeJamesBond,”Tinksaidfromwherehewasplasteredtotheseat.“Lethim—”

Thebackright-sidewindowblewout,peltingFabianas theshardsofglassflewsideways.

Ipeeredupthroughtheseats,noticingthatthesedanwasnowbehindusasweblewpast thecarFayewas in.Rencutbetween the two, leaving the road.Theride turnedbumpyasheswerved to the left. I felt theSUVgoupon twowheelsaswespunout.

“They’rebehindusagain,”Fabianadvisedrathercalmly.“Idobelievetheyeitherintendonshootingusuntilwedieorcausingustocrash.”

Dust poured through the shatteredwindows. Fabianwas right. Theywereobviouslytryingtokillallofus.

Cursingagain,IroseasRenshoutedatme.“Staydown!”IyelledatFabian.The fae’s eyeswidened as I leveled the gun over his head and pulled the

trigger. The sedan behind us suddenly veered to the left, fishtailing until itskiddedtoahaltyardsaway.

“Holycrap,”Iwhispered.“IthinkIgotthedriver.”“That’smygirl,”Renmurmuredasecondbeforeyankingmebackdown.Takingout thedriverdidn’t stop this.Therewereprobablymorepeople in

the car. Faye and crew were trapped, because their cars hadn’t moved.Whoknewiftheywereevenalive?Weneededtobringoutthebigguns.Andwedidhaveone—oneweneededaliveattheendofthis,butonewhocouldprobablyunleashtheKrakenonthesebastards.

“Stopthecar.”“What?”Rendemanded.Iwiggledoutfromunderhishand.“Stopthecar!”He glanced atme, andwho knewwhat he saw inmy face, but he strung

togetheranimpressivestringoff-bombsbeforehittingthebrakes.I stared into the back seat. “Canyou take outwhoever else is in that car?

Andcanyoudoitwithoutgettingkilled?”FabianturnedhisheadfromTinktome.Hesmiled.“Iamcapable.”“Thendoit.I’llprovidecover.”BeforeRencouldstopme, I threw thedooropenandslippedout,keeping

low.“Whatthehellareyoudoing?”demandedRenasheclimbedoutoftheSUV.“Providing thenecessarydistraction.” I crept along the sideof thevehicle.

“Stopworryingaboutme.Icantakecareofmyself.Youneedtodothesameandthat’stogetadamngun.”

Heglaredatmeforamoment,andthenIliketothinkherealizedhewasn’tgoingtowinthisargument.“There’ssomegunsintheback.Ivy—”

“I’dgetoneofthemjustincasethisgoessouth.”Rising,Iheadedtowardtheidlingsedanandopenedfire.“Now,Fabian!”

ThebackdoorblewupandoutshottheSummerPrince.Hestalkedpastme,hishairliftinginthesuddenhotwindthatswirledacrossthedesertfloor.Ikeptfiringuntil Iwasout, tossing thegunasideasFabian letouta roar thatdidn’tevenremotelysoundhuman...orfae.

A yellowish glow rippled from his body, encasing him in light until helooked like thesunhadrisen in thenight just forhim. In thedistance, IheardRenopeningtheSUV,butIcouldn’tpullmyeyesfromFabian.

Cardoorsonthesedanflewopen.Two—no,threepeopleflewout.Icouldseethemliftingtheirhands.Guns.Shit.

The air aroundFabianwarped and then expanded.Hairs all overmybodyliftedasItookastepback,awayfromhimjustasaburstofunnaturalpowerleft

hisbody,shootingacrosstheclearingandslammingintothesedan.Thecar shotup into theair, sendingat least twopeople flying indifferent

directions.Theylandedinfleshythudsjustasthecarexplodedinathunderouscrack,burstingintoflameslikeadamnfireballhadhitit.

“Holy crap,” I stumbled back, reaching for my dagger. I’d never seenanythinglikethat.

Fabianshotforward,ablurofspeed,reachingthefirstpersononthegroundbeforeIcouldevenblink.Hecaughtthefirstguyaroundtheneck,snappingitwithinaheartbeat.Heturnedonthesecondman—amanIcouldseewasdressedinallblack.TheSummerPrinceplacedhishandontheman’shead.

Andthatwasit.Theman dropped the gun, screaming as he lurched back. Flames erupted

overhisbodylikehewasavictimofspontaneouscombustion.Fabian laughed as he whirled, zeroing in on the thirdman, who was still

standing.Heturnedtorun,butdidn’tmakeitveryfar.Fabianwasonhiminasecond,andthesmellofcharredfleshreachedme.

IkeptwalkingbackwarduntilIbumpedintotheSUV.Iturned,findingRenstandingtherewithaguninhishand.“Maybe...maybeweshould’velethimoutofthecarearlier.”

“GoodGod,”hemurmured,eyeswide.ThekindofpowerthePrincecouldwieldwasbeyondfrightening.Aweapon

ofmass destructionwith pointy ears, and apparently a hard-on forTink. If hewascapableofthis,whatexactlywastheWinterPrincetrulycapableof?

Tinkpeekedhisheadupoverthewindow.“Thatwaskindofhot.Literally.Figuratively.”

Iturnedtohim.“Ithinkyoushouldbereally,reallycarefulwithhim.”“Weneed toget to theothers.”Renhandedmeanothergun. “There’s still

gunfirebackthere.”IturnedjustintimetoseeFabiantakingoutthementhatwerethrownfrom

thecar.MystomachturnedasIfacedRen.“Pleasebecareful.Don’tgetshot.”Rengaveme a devilish smile. “Keepyourself in onepiece, becausewhen

this is over I have a lot of ideas on how I want to work out some of theadrenalinethisfightisgoingtogiveus.”

Ohmy.Thatwasdefinitelygreatmotivationtostayalive.Stretching up, I grabbed his chin and brought hismouth tomine. I kissed

himwith everything I had inme, and itwas harsh and fierce.When I pulledback,Ialmostdidn’twanttolethimgo.“Iloveyou.”

Hishandbrushedovermyhip.“Proveittomelater.”

ThenRenwasgone,rushingaroundthesideoftheSUV,towardtheglaringheadlights.

IspuntoTink.“Stay—”“Don’t.” He opened the door, forcingme to take a step back. “I’m not a

child,Ivy.Icantakecareofmyself.Trustme.”“I know you’re not a child, Tink.” Another rapid succession of gunfire

echoedacrossthehighway.“Butthisisreallydangerous.”“Iknow.”Heclosedthedoorbehindhim.“ButIcanhelp.So,ifyouwantto

cancelAmazonPrime,thendoso,butI’mnotstayinginthiscarwhileallofyouriskyourlives.”

There was a shout, and I could hear footsteps pounding off the ground.ArguingwithTinkwasjustgoingtogetusbothkilled.“StayclosetoFabian.”

Awildgrinwhippedacrosshisface.“Don’thavetotellmetwice.”AsTinkshotpastme,Iwhippedaroundandsawamanracingtowardme.I

didn’t recognize him, but hewas definitely human.He lifted a hand, and themoonlightglintedoffadagger.

AnOrdermember.Crap.Hechargedforward,andIdippedlow.Springingup,Ispunandslammedmy

footintohisback.Therewasasickeningcrunchthatstartledme.Themanwentdown,twitchingandspasming.“What the . . . ?” I stumbledback, shocked that a simplekick to theback

would...ohGod.Iwasstrongernow.HowcouldIkeepforgettingthat?Akick to the back had broken theman’s spine.My stomach churned as I

spun,andIdidn’thave timetoreallyprocess that.Asecondmanracedatme,andIsidesteppedhisattack.Hewhirled,butIcaughthisarm.Twistingsharply,Iwincedatthecrackanddesperatelyignoredtheman’syelpofpain.Hedroppedthedagger.

“Idon’twanttokillyou,”Isaid,puttingpressureonthemanuntilhewentdown on his knees. I seriously didn’t want to. Killing humans, well, it wasnothinglikekillingfae.Theydidn’tcaveintothemselveslikefaedid.Instead,itwasbloodyandmessyandstuckwithyoulongafterthedeedwasdone.“So,ifIletgo,you’regoingtobehave,right?”

The man gasped out a harsh laugh. “You better go ahead and kill me,becauseifyouletmeup,I’mgoingtotakeyouout,youbitch.”

“Wow.” I increased pressure out of spite. “I’m holding your broken arm,dude.”

“Killme,”hegaspedout.“Goaheadanddoit,youtraitorouswhore!”

Myjawclenchedassomeone in thedistanceshouted.Therewasa flareoforange light, and I assumedFabianwas lighting some people up in theworstpossibleway.“You’reanOrdermember.”

“Justlikeyouwere,”hesaid,twistinghisheadtotheside.“Butyoubetrayedus.”

“Ididn’tbetrayshit.Howdidyouknowwewereouthere?”“Howdoyouthink?You—”Helurched,grabbingthedagger.Icursedasheswipedbehindhim.Lettinggo,I jumpedoutof theway.He

stumbledtohisfeet.“Whateveryou thinkaboutme iswrong. Ihaven’tbetrayed theOrder. I’m

tryingtostop—”Hecameatmelikeafreighttrain,andinstincttookover.Ididn’twanttokill

him,but I alsodidn’twant toget stabbed todeatheither. I alreadyknewhowsuckythatfelt.

Shootingforward,Ishovedmyotherdaggerintohischest,betweentheribs.IyankeditoutasIwhispered,“I’msorry.”

Hedidn’tspeakashefellforward.Swallowinghard,IshotaroundtheSUV,backtowardtheheadlights.Ikept

tothedark,racingtowardthecarthePrince’sconsulhadbeenpackedinto.Bulletholeslinedtheentireside.Windowsweregone.Mystepsslowed,and

theburgerIateearlieralmostendedupontheground.Allofthem...theywereslowlycollapsingintothemselves,theirpaleeyes

widewith terror and pain, skin peeling and flaking away.Mouths gone. Theycouldn’tmakeasound.

“God,”Igasped, lookingawayfromthesightandthenback.MygazemetFred’s.Ididn’tknowwhattosay,butIsawit...Isawitinhisgaze.

Hewaspleadingwithme.Ilookeddownatthedagger,knowingwhathewanted—knowingthatIcould

endthisforthemquickly.Everythinginsidemerebelledagainsttheidea,whichwassocrazy.Icouldkillduringbattle,butIwashavingahardtimecarryingoutamercykilling?Itwasdifferentthough.

Brieflysqueezingmyeyesshut,IforcedmyselftowomanupandthenI...Ididit.Itookcareofallofthem,andwhenIwasdoneIwantedtobedonewithallof this,because theirpain-strickenfacesandknowledge in theireyes that Iwassendingthembacktoaworldthatwasdyingwouldhauntmefortherestofmydays.

Butitwasfarfromover.Iturned,comingtoanabrupthaltwhenIsawFabianstandingthere,staring

intothecar.“Ihadto—”

“Iknow.”Hisgazeshiftedtome.“Thankyou.”“Don’t say—” I saw movement over his shoulder and reacted without

thought,firingthegun.FabianwhirledwithagaspjustasanotherOrdermemberwentdown.

“Don’tthankmeforthat,”Isaid,thentookofffortheothercar—towhereInolongerheardgunfire.

Tinkwasupahead,havingnotstayedclosetoFabian.Hewaskneelingnexttosomething—someone—andhewasshirtless.

Faye—hewasnexttoFaye.“Isshe...?”“I’mfine.Didn’tgethitbyabullet,butapieceofglassnearlyseveredmy

arm,”sheanswered,voicestrained.ItwasthenthatIsawTinkwaswrappinghisshirtaroundherbicep.“I’llheal.Daneis...he’sdead.”

Pressureseizedmythroat.Shit.“Kalen?”“He’swithRen,”Tinkanswered,notlookingup.“I’mstayingwithher.”Istartedforward,butIstopped.“I’m...I’msorryaboutDane.”Fayeclosedhereyes.Drawinginadeepbreath,Istartedrunning.Upaheadwasatruck,thekind

that had running lights on top. Iwas careful to be quiet, but itwas pointless.Therewasanothercarin-betweenus,onethatlookedlikeithadjustarrivedonthescene.Therewasn’tevenapartofmethathopedtheywereonTeamNotKillUs.Ijustknewbetter.

Thedoorsopenedup,andfiveclimbedout.Five.Great.Ididn’tseeguns,soatleasttherewasthat.Fabianwassuddenlybehindme.

Theoddsstartinglookingalotbetter.ArushofadrenalinecoiledtightasIshotforward,reachingthefirstOrder

member.Shedoveatme,butIshotunderherarm,fasterthanshecouldtrack.Icameupbehindher,andIshuteverythingdowninsideme.Ididn’tthinkaboutherbeing ahumanor thatweused tobeon the same side. I didn’twonder ifthey’dstillbefightingmeiftheyknewhowmuchtheOrderhadlied.Ihadtoformetodothis.Icouldn’tthinkaboutthefactthatIwaspullingthetriggerandshootingherrightinthechest.

Swingingaround, I caught another in thebackwithmyboot, andhewentdownononeknee.Ibroughtthedaggerdown,wrenchingitbackoutwhenIhitthetarget.

Hearingpoundingfootstepscomingfrombehindme,Ispunandjumpedtotheside,narrowlymissingadaggertothechest.Istartedtotwist,buttheman’snecksnappedtotheside.Hefell,revealingFabian.

“Thanks,”Igasped.

“Iowedyou.”Fabianmadequickworkoftheremainingmembers,clearingapathformeto

makeit towhereIhopedRenwasstillstanding.Inearedthegrillof thetruckwhen a form stepped out. I lifted the gun, prepared to blow a hole straightthroughwhoeveritwas.

Kalenliftedhishands.“It’sme—justme.”“Crap.”Iloweredthegun.“Icould’veshotyou.Where’sRen?”Thefaejerkedhishead.“He’sgotoneofthem.”Apparently,Renwas theonlyonewhohad the intelligence to leaveoneof

themalive.IfollowedKalenaroundthesideofthetruck,keepinganeyeoutforotherOrdermembers.

IsawRenandwantedtotacklehimoutofrelief.Imanagednottodothat,mainly because he had a gun pointed at someone, and I figured a tackle-hugwouldn’thelpthesituationatthemoment.

“Now that Ivy’s joiningus, I’mhopingyou’re going to changeyourmindand start talking.” Ren’s voice was as hard as granite. “She’s got way lesspatiencethanIdo.”

IsmirkedasIreachedhisside.Mygazefollowedtowherethegunpointed,andIhadtolookdownbecauseRenhadwhoeveritwasontheirknees.IgaspedasIrecognizedthedark-hairedman.

EverymuscleinmybodylockedupasIstareddownatthemanwho’dkilledRen’sbestfriend.ThemanwhooversawtheEliteandhadcometoNewOrleanstohuntmedown.

KyleClare.

Chapter23

Kyle didn’t change his mind. Not that I was entirely surprised. As Ordermembers,wewerepracticallybredtokeepourmouthsshutifwewerecapturedbytheenemy.

AndtoKyle,weweretheenemy.So,weweregoingtohavetomakehimtalk,likewehadwithMarlon,and

thatwasn’texactlysomethingIwaslookingforwardto.EvenifKylewasagiantprickwhoneededahealthydoseofkarma.

Since it was only a matter of time before our little showdown along theinterstatewouldbeseenbysomeunsuspectingpersonwithterribleluck,wehadtogetoff theroadandsomeplacesafewherewecouldquestionKyleandfindouthowtheyknewwe’dbeenheadingtoSanDiego.

Who was left of our group piled into the SUV, including a tied up andgaggedKyle.Wemade it tosomecreepy-ass roadsidemotelwhereInormallywouldn’teventhinktwiceaboutstaying,buttheyhadvacanciesandlookedlikethetypeofplacethatwasusedtohearingscreamsinthemiddleofthenight.

WepaidcashforthreeroomsandstuckKyleinthemiddleone,gaggedandbound tooneof thoseuncomfortabledeskchairs. Itwas justRenand I in theroomwithhim.Wefiguredhavinganyof thefae therewouldn’tenticehimtoplaynice.

Besides,Kalenwasouttheresomewheredumpingourdamagedvehiclesandgetting us new rides, and Fayewas resting so her armwould heal. I guessedKalenwasgoingtoglamoursomeoneintohandingovertheirkeys,andIreallydidn’thavethebrainspacetodecideifthatwasrightorwrong.

Renstooddirectlyinfrontofhim,armsfoldedoverhischest.“I’mabouttoremovethatgagandI’mhopingyou’resmartenoughtonotmakealotofnoise.”

KyleglaredupatRen,andIhadnoideaifhewasgoingtobesmartenoughornot.

“We want to talk to you and we need you to listen,” Ren said, steppingcloser.“We’reonthesameside.”

AmomentpassedandthenKylenodded.Renremovedthegag,andthefirstthingoutof theolderman’smouthwas,“Wearen’tonthesameside,boy.Westoppedbeingonthesamesidethemomentyourealizedwhatshewasandyoudidn’tputherdown.”

Iarchedabrow.“Thisisgoingtobealovelyconversation.”

Kyle’sdarkgazeshot tome.“Should’ve listened tomygut thefirst timeImetyou.HearingstoriesofyoufightingthePrinceandsurviving?Bullshit.”

“Contrarytowhatyoubelieve,IdidfightthePrinceandIdidsurvive.Notonlythat,Iwasthenkidnappedagainstmywill,andIstillsurvived.”Iheldhisgaze.“Ididn’tknowIwastheHalfling.”

Hesneered.“Likethatmatters.”“I guess it doesn’t,” I mused, “because I’m sure you put down a lot of

halflingsinyourday,peoplewhohadnoideawhattheywereorwhyyouwerekillingthem.”

“Whydon’tyouaskhimhowmanyhekilledbeforehemetyou?”Renstiffenedinfrontofme.“Hedidn’thavetheballstotakeoutNoah.Oryou,apparently.”Kylesmiled.

“Buthe’skilled—”“Shutup,”Ispat.“Thoughtyouwantedmetotalk?”HeleanedforwardasfarastheropeRen

foundGodknowswherewould lethim.“Howdoes itmakeyou feelknowingthat the very reasonhe came toNewOrleanswas to put a bullet between theeyesoftheHalfling—tokillyou.ButIguessyou’vegotagoldenpussy,because—”

RenmovedsofastIbarelysawhisfistconnectwithKyle’sface,knockinghisheadbackandthechairupontwolegs.Ren’sjawwassoharditcouldcrackstoneashestoodthere,staringdownatKyle.

I stepped forward. “Just so you know, I like the idea ofmy vagina beinggolden.That’snotaninsult.”

“Yeah, youwouldn’t.”Kyle spit out amouthful of blood. “The lighting isshitinhere,butIseeyou.”

IhadafeelingIknewwhathemeantandIrealizedIdidn’tcare.Ithitmelikeaspeedingtrain,but itwaswhat itwas.IknewI lookeddifferent. Iknewwhatitmeant,andIdidn’tcare.“Idon’tgiveashitwhatyousee.”

“How? How did you hide what you really looked like?” he demanded.“BecauseIknowdamnwell ifDanielsawyouforwhatyoureallyare,hestillwouldn’tbedefendingyou.”

MyheadcockedtothesideasRenglancedbackatme.“Danielisdefendingme?”

Foramoment,Ididn’tthinkKylewasgoingtoanswer.“Hedidn’twanttobelieveyoubetrayedtheOrder.Obviously,hewaswrong.”

“I didn’t betray the Order.” I paused. Daniel still believing in me wassurprisingly great news. My lips pursed. “Well, killing those Order memberswhoattackedusprobablyranksupthereinthebetrayaldepartment,butwewere

defendingourselves.”Kyle stared at me. His left eye was swelling, an injury I guessed had

occurredoutbythecars.“Youlooklikeagoddamnfae.You’redisgusting.”Strikinglikelightningoncemore,Ren’sfistconnectedwithKyle’sstomach.

The contact echoed throughout the room. He caught Kyle by the shoulder,stopping the chair from toppling backward. “I think you meant to say she’sbeautiful,butIunderstand.Wordswereneveryourforte.”

“Doing your dutywas never yours.” Kyle looked up at Ren and laughed.“Nowwasit?”

Theywereeyetoeye.“YouknowdamnwellIdidmydutyoverandfuckingover.”

“Butnotwhenitcounts.”“You’rewrong.Whenitcounts,I’mdoingtherightthing.”Rensteppedback

asthechairrighteditself.“We’renotheretotalkaboutwhatIwassupposedtodo.Howdidyouknowwherewewere?”

Kylespitoutmoreblood.“Gofuckyourself.”“Language,”Renmurmured,lettinghisarmshangathissides.The leaderof theElite laughed,and it soundedwet.“What informationdo

youthinkyou’regoingtogetfromme?YouandIbothknowhowthisisgoingtoend.”

Iglancedbetweenthetwo.“Howisthisgoingtoend?”Kyle’supperlipcurled.“He’sgoingtokillme.”LookingatRen,Iwaitedforhimtoanswerandwhenhedidn’t,Idecidedit

wastimetostepin.“Okay.Let’sgetthistrainbackontrack.DoyouknowthePrincehasfoundanotherhalfling?”

AmuscleflexedalongKyle’srapidlybruisingjaw.“Noshit.”“So,diditeveroccurtoyouthatifthePrincewasenroutetoSanDiegofor

another halfling, that maybe I wasn’t on board with getting pregnant andusheringintheendoftheworldasweknowit?”

Anothermoment passed. “Doesn’t changewhat you are or the danger youpresent.”

I exhaled noisily. “Okay. I’ll give you that. Butwhy do you thinkwe areheadingtoSanDiego?Don’tyoudaresaytojoinupandmeetwiththePrince,becauseImightjustpunchyou,andguesswhat?IhitahellofalotharderthanRendoes.”

“You’retravelingwithabunchoffae,”hereplied.“Prettysureit’sobvious.”“We’re trying to stophim,youdumbsonof abitch.”Renmoved to stand

behindKyle’s chair. “But you kind of got in theway, delaying us.You betterhopehehasn’tfoundher.”

“TheOrderinSanDiegohasbeenwatchingforhim.Wearen’tstupid.”Ren clapped his hands down on Kyle’s shoulders, causing him to jump.

“That’supfordiscussion.”A little bit of hope that we weren’t too late sparked in my chest. “They

haven’tseenthePrinceyet?”Kylesaidnothing.“Thatdoesn’tmeanthePrinceisn’tthere,thathehasn’talreadyfoundher.”

Ren’shands curled, digging into theman’s shoulders. “Andwhileyou’reherebarkingupthewrongdamntree,he’sgettingexactlywhathewants.”

“Youknowwehave almost no time to stop him from succeeding,” I triedagaintoreasonwiththeman.“Youdon’thavetolikewhatIam.Youcanthinkwhateveryouwant,butbynowyouhavetohaverealizedwe’renotworkingforthePrince.”

“Butyou’reworkingwiththefae.”“Andthisisn’tthefirsttimetheOrderhasworkedwiththefae.”Rensmiled

whenKylewinced.“Youwanttotalkaboutthat?”Kylefellsilent.“That’s the interesting thing about all of this.”Ren’s hands slippedoff his

shoulders,nearingtheman’sthroat.“Youtalktomeaboutduty,butyouallareabunchofdamnliars.Didyoueverthinkoneofuswouldn’tcrosspathswiththeSummerCourt and learn about how theOrder and theEliteworked alongsidethem?Howtheyhelpedclosethegateways?Howtheydon’tkillhumansorfeedoffthem?”

Well,exceptfortheroyals.Theyfed,butIthoughtitwasbestwekeptthattoourselvesatthemoment.

Hiseyesflashed.“Youallweretrainedtokill,nottoaskquestionswiththefaewhileyoushareteaandbiscuits.”

Mybrows lifted. “TheOrder lied tous—allofus—andcontinue todo so,becausetheythoughtnoneofuswouldevertalkandlistentooneoftheSummerfae?”

“Workedsofar.”Istaredathimamoment,dumbfounded.“Thatisabsolutelystupid.”Kylegaveme a bloody smirk. “Ordermemberswerenever trained to talk

andlistentothefae.Youweretrainedtostrikefirst.Always.”“Again,”Isaid.“Thatisstupidandsloppy.”“Youknowwhat’sstupid?Youthinkingyou’regoingtomakeitoutofthis

alive.”“Shaking inmyboots.” I rolledmyeyes. “I’mguessingyouputabulletin

outonus,andwewerespotted.That’swhyyoufoundus.”

“Probably in Texas,” Ren agreed, sliding one hand around Kyle’s neck.“When we stopped to grab food. I’m also guessing the sect in SouthernCaliforniaisgoingtobelookingoutforus.”

Themanvisiblyswallowed.Hemayactlikehewastoughshit,buthewasscared.

Kyle dragged in a deep breath as Ren let go and stepped back. “I’ve gotnothingtosaytoyouall.”

“It’sokay.”Ismiled.“Becauseyoudidtellussomethingwecanuse.”Kyle’seyesnarrowed.“Ihaven’ttoldyoushit.”“Oh,youdid.” I laughedsoftlyasRen’sgaze lifted tomine.“You toldme

exactlywhoweneedtocontact.Daniel.”Hisgazewidenedwithunderstanding.“So...”Iliftedmyhand,extendingmymiddlefinger.“Thanksforthat.”TherewerenowordstodescribethesatisfactionIfeltwhenhisfacepaled.

“Goaheadandkillme.”“I’d love to do that for you.”Renwalked past him, smacking him on the

backoftheheadintheprocess.“Butwhatdoesthatdobutproveyourightthatwe’retheenemy?”

I looked at him sharply, butmanaged to stay quiet. Based on the look onKyle’sface,hewasjustassurprisedasIwas.

RensmileddownatKyle.“Leavingyoualivewillhopefullygetthroughthatthickskullofyoursthatwe’reonthesameside.Iwon’thaveyourbloodonmyhands.NeitherwillIvy.”

Chapter24

Smotheringayawn,IfollowedRenintotheroomnextdoor.We’dgaggedKylebefore we left and turned the TV on just in case. Hewasn’t going anywherethough. Not unless he developed super special powers andmanaged to breakfreefromwherewelefthim...

Tiedtothepipesinthebathroom.“You reallygoing to callDaniel?”Renasked, stopping in frontof thebed

thatwassunkenin themiddle.Iwonderedhowmanypeoplegotpregnantanddiedonthatbed.

ThenIvomitedalittleinmymouthanddecidedIdidn’tneedtothinkaboutthat.“Ithinkhe’sourbestoptionifitgetsdowntohavingtoopenthedoorstosendthePrinceback.”

“It’sarisk.”Hescannedthesmall,dingyhotelroom,hisbrowraisingashetook in theTV that looked like it came from the eighties. “Hemay not thinkyou’vebetrayedhim,butwhen....”

AsRentrailedoff,Iwatchedhimunstrapthedaggerandthethornstake.Heplacedthemonthesmallnightstandclosesttothedoor.Agunjoinedthem.

“WhenheseeswhatIlooklikenow?”Ifinishedforhim.Renturnedtome.“Itshouldn’tchangeadamnthing,butitmight.”Ibitdownonmylip.“Iknow.That’swhyit’sbestifIcallhimonceweget

toSanDiego.Callinghimnowistoomuchofarisk.WecouldrunintoanotherroadblockalongthewayifI’mwrongabouthim.”

“We could.” He toed off his boots. “We can’t stay here long. Other ElitememberswillbelookingforKyle.We’veprobablygotahandfulofhours.Weneedtorestandthengetontheroad.”

“Agreed.”I think you’re right,” he said, running a hand over hismessy hair. “We’ll

contactDanielwhenwegettoSanDiegoand...gofromthere.”Inodded,watchinghimashetuggedtheshirtoffoverhishead,showingoff

those defined abs and pecs. Something was off about his tone, and his gazeskitteredawayfromminewhenevertheymet.

“What arewe going to do aboutCaptainDickhead?Dowe really plan onleavinghimalive?”

His lips twitched intoa faint smile. “Weshouldkillhim. Iwant to.Badly.Fora lotofdifferent reasons.”Hesatdownon theedgeof thebed,andIwas

surprisedwhenthethingdidn’tcollapse.“ButifyouorIkillhim,itjustproveshimright—proveswhatothermembersoftheOrdermustbelieve.”

“So,we’rejustgoingtoleavehimhere?”Thrustinghishandthroughhishairagain,henodded.“Ithinkthat’stheright

thingtodo.”Ididn’tthinkthatwastherightthingtodoatall.LeavingKylealivemeant

we’d be looking over our shoulder every single second while we dealt withDrakeandeverythingelse.Weneededtotalkaboutthis.

“Kylewasright.”Blinking,Ifrowned.“Rightaboutwhat?”Ren leaned forward, resting his arms on his legs. “About me killing the

halflings.”AllthoughtsaboutkillingKylevanished.“Ren—”“YouknowhowmanyIkilled?”Heloweredhischinandgavealittleshake

ofhishead.“Ido.”Oh,no.“Thatdoesn’tmatter.”“Itdoesn’t?Ikindofthinkitdoes.”Hewasquietforamoment.“Iwould’ve

killedyouifIhadn’tgottentoknowyou—ifIhadlearnedyouwereahalflingbeforeIlearnedwhoyouwere.”

That was hard to hear, but I walked toward him. “But that’s not whathappened.”

“Itcouldhave.”Heliftedhishead,hisgazesotroubledthatitmademyheartache.“Theywerelikeyou,Ivy.Someweren’tOrdermembers,butotherswere,andtheyhadnoideawhattheywere.Noideawhytheyweresecondsawayfromdying.Theyneverevenknewwhathitthem.”

Mybreathcaught,andIfoundmyselfatalossforwords.“Sometimes I don’t know how you can be with me,” he said, and those

wordsbrokemyheart.“Howyoucanlookatme,loveme,knowingwhyIcametoNewOrleans.”

Iswalloweddownthelumpinmythroat.“Well,ithelpsthatyoudidn’ttrytokillme.”

Rendidn’tsmilelikeIthoughthewould.Ikneltinfrontofhim,placingonehandonhislegandcuppinghischinwiththeother.“Lookatme.”

Slowly,hisgazeliftedtomine.“I’mlookingatyou,Sweetness.Alwaysamevenwhenmyeyesaren’tonyou.”

Mychestsqueezedinresponsetothosewords.God,Renwas...hewastoogoodforallof this. I saw thatwithsuddenclarity. Ifhehadn’tbeenborn intothisworld, he’d probably be a doctor, saving lives, or a teacher ushering in abetteryouthfortomorrow.

AndmaybeifIwasn’tbornintothis,I’dalsobe...toogood.“Whoyouwerebeforeandwhatyoudidisnotwhoyouarenowandwhat

you’regoingtodo.”Idraggedmythumbunderhislip.“Bothofushavedonethingswewishedwehadn’t,andIliketothinkthatwewouldn’thavedonethosethingsifwehadknowndifferently.Wearenotwhoweusedtobe.”

Ren’seyesclosedasheturnedhishead,kissingmypalm,butIcouldfeelthetensionrollingoffhim.“Wekilledpeopletoday—peopleIonceworkedwith.Irecognizedatleastthreeofthem.”

Isuckedinasharpbreath.“Iknowwehadto.Ifwehadn’t,theywouldn’tthinktwiceaboutkillingus.”

Ashudderrippledthroughhim.“Butthatdoesn’tmakeitanyeasier.”“I’msosorry,”Iwhispered.Rendidn’trespond,andasIstaredupathim,IknewrightthenthatKyle’s

bloodcouldn’tbeonRen’shands.TherewasnowayIcouldpushtheissueofkillingKyle.

Thestresscontinued topouroffhim,andIdecidedIhad todosomething.Anythingtoeasehistroubles.Sleepwouldhelp,andwebothneededthat,butallIwantedinthatmomentwastotakehispainandself-loathingaway,andtherewasonlyonewayIknewhow.

Ididn’tthinkaboutthethin,dirtycarpetasIdroppedtomykneesbetweenhislegsandreachedforthebuttononhispants.

Hestraightened,liftinghisheadashecaughtmywrist.“Ivy—”IshushedhimasIstretchedup,kissinghimsoftlyasIworkedonhiszipper.

I felt him then, already hard and straining. I broke the kiss and lowered backdownasmygazemovedtohis.

“Please?”Iwhispered.Renletgoofmywrist,liftingonefingeratatime.Tuggingthezipperdowntherestoftheway,Igrabbedaholdofhispantsand

boxers.He liftedhis hips and Iwas able to drag thempast his knees andoff.ThenItookhiminmyhand,marvelingathowhecouldfeelassmoothassilkandyethardassteel.

HeexhaledharshlyasImovedmyhandfromthetiptothebaseandbackup.Abeadof liquidglistened.HisentirebodyjerkedasImovedmythumbalongthetip,andmygazeflewtohis.Hewatchedmeintently,hislipsslightlypartedas he reached behindmy head, finding the pin inmy hair and tugging it out.Curlsfellpastmyshouldersinatangledmess,andthenhishandwasthreadingthroughthem,curlingaroundthebackofmyhead.Heusedtheslightestpressuretoshowmewhathewanted.

Thesaltytasteofhimdancedovermytongue,andmyearsblisteredat the

ragged sound he made. I didn’t drag it out. This wasn’t about playing andteasing.Thiswasallabouttakinghismindoutofthedarkplacesithadgone.Itwasabouteasinghim.Itookhiminmymouth,andeventhoughIdidn’thaveaton of experiencewith blow jobs, I quickly learned thatwhen a guywas intoyou,therereallywasn’tawrongwayofdoingthis.

Well,except forprobablyusing the teeth inanotsoseductivemanner,butwhatever.

“Ivy,” he growled, his entire body flexing as I sucked and moved up,swirlingmytonguealongthehead.Hesworeandhisbodytightened.

Heat swampedme, slippingdownmybody. I ached for him in a differentwaythanmomentsbefore.

ItookhimasfarasIcould,andthatseemedtobeenoughbasedonthewayhishand tightenedaroundmyheadand thedeepsoundshewasmaking.Thenhishandslippedtomyneckandhisthumbfoundmypulse,thatoddlysensitivespot forme,andhegentlymassaged the skinuntil Iwas squeezingmy thighstogether.Heswelledagainstmytongueasecondbeforehetriedtopullmeaway,butIdidn’tlethim,notashepulsedandgrowledmyname.

Whenitwasover,Isatback,ratherproudofmyself.Or,Itriedtositback.That wasn’t what happened though. Ren moved fast, grabbing me under thearmsandliftingmeontomyfeet.Igaspedashisfingersmadequickworkofmypants,andbeforeIcouldevensay‘yum’hehadmypants,myunderwear,andmybootsoffofme.

Jesus,hewastalented.Andstrong—reallystrong.Renliftedmeupontothebedashesatdown,holdingmeupsothatavery

privatepartofmewaslinedupwithhismouth.HesaidnothingasIlookeddownathim.Myheartthunderedatthefierce,

rawintensityetchedintohisstrikingfeatures.Stunned,Ilockedmylegstostaybalancedashegrippedmyhips—myass,hisfingersdiggingintomyflesh.

Andthenhismouthwasonme.With no warning. No slow build-up. Lips. Tongue. Sucking. Dragging. I

gasped,holdingontohisheadforsupport.Hedevouredme,hismouthhotandwetandall-consuming.

Itriedtosayhisname,butI lostallcontrolasmybodycoiledtight.Iwasbeyondcoherentspeech,beyondanythingotherthanwhathismouthwasdoingbetweenmythighs. I felt like Iwasgoing todie, that Iwasdying,and then ithappened. I cried out, my body liquefying as release pounded through me,throbbing and pulsing and never-ending. It took my legs right out fromunderneathme.

AndRencaughtme.Icollapsedinhisarms—limp,sated,andexhausted.Ibarelyprocessedhim

twistingsowewerebothlyingonoursides,mycheekplasteredtohischest.Notawordpassedbetweenus,andthatwashowhefellasleep,holdingmecloseasifhefearedIwasgoingtofloatawayfromhim.

Ididn’tsleepthough.I couldn’t as the pleasant haze of release faded away and I thought about

whatIhadtodo.WhatIhadtodoforhim.

Chapter25

Renwas still in the showerwhen I slipped out of the room. I told him that Iwould check on Kyle and make sure he was fine before we hit the road. Iinsistedonit,becauseIdidn’twantRenanywherenearthatbastard.

Itwas early and themorning sun causedme towince as it burned up theparkinglot.Iwasn’talonewhenIsteppedoutside.

FabianstoodinfrontofthedoorKylewasbeingkeptin.“Haveyoubeenouthereallnight?”Iasked.“On and off,” he replied, face expressionless. “Wanted to make sure he

stayedwhereheneededtobe.”“He’snotgoinganywhere.Trustme.”“Hewon’t.”Thecoldness inhisvoicesentachilldownmyspine.I lookedaround,not

seeinganyoneelse.“Where’sTink?”“Asleepintheroomattheend.He’swithFaye.”Heinclinedhishead.“Why

doyoucallhimthat?Tink?”IliftedmybrowsasIshovedalimpcurlbackfrommyface.Thequestion

surprisedme.“Ijust...well,henevertoldmehisrealnameandheremindedmeofTinkerbell.”

Fabian’s mouth twitched. “Interesting.” There was a pause. “I heard youguyslastnight.”

Myeyeswidenedasheatpouredintomyface.OhmyGod,webarelymadeanynoise!Well,therewasmoaning—definitemoaningofthesexualvariety.Thewallsinthisplacehadtobeasthinasthedamncarpet.“Idon’tknowwhatyouthinkyouheard,butitwasn’tus.”

He frowned as he watchedme. “I heard you and Ren talking to the maninsidethere.”

“Oh.Oh.” I let out a choked laugh. God. Now I was just embarrassingmyself.“Carryonthen.”

Hisfrownfaded,buthisstarewasstillheavy.“ThatiswhyIamwaiting.”Mygazeflewtohim.Atersemomentpassed,onefullofunderstanding,and

thenFabiansteppedaside.Ireachedforthedoor.“I did hear you moaning also,” Fabian added. “You sounded like a wild

moosegrazing.”Mymouthdroppedopen.“Awildmoosegrazing?”

“Yes.Thatiscorrect.Itwasquite...disturbing.”OhmyGod,Ididn’tsoundlikeawildmoose.Faceflaming,Iflippedhimoffandthenopenedupthemoteldoor.Theroom

was quiet, but we’d left the bathroom light on and I could see him from theentryway.

Hewasdozing,hischinrestingagainsthischest,wristssecuredtothepipe.Themanhadsensesofacatthough,becauseItookonesteptowardhimandhewokerightup.

“Goodmorning,” Isaid,makingmyway towardhim.“Iwould’vebroughtyoucoffeeandadoughnut,butthenIrememberedIdon’tlikeyou.”

Hesnorted,lookingaway.“Ifyou’reheretofinallykillme,justgetitoverwith,becauseyou’refuckingannoying.”

“I’m not here to do that.”Walking into the bathroom, I sat down on theclosedtoiletseat.“Iwanttotalk.”

“AndIwanttousethattoilet,soifyou’renotgoingto,howaboutyoumoveyourassanduntieme.”

Ilaughed.“Notgoingtohappen.Notyet.”Hisgazeslowlyslidtome.“Youknowthey’recomingforme.Theyalready

havetobeoutthere,closinginonallofyou.”“Iknow.”Icrossedonelegovertheother.“So,wedon’thavealotoftime.”“You’realmostoutoftime.”“Almost.” My gaze flickered over him, and I saw the fine tremor that

coursed through him. “Youmay not believe this, but I was kidnapped by thePrince.Iwastakenagainstmywill.Ifoughttostayaliveandtonotgivein.YouhavenoideawhatIhadtodotodothat.”Mythroatthickened,butIkeptgoing.“Youcanhateme.YoucanhateRen.Butwe’re theworld’sbest chance rightnow.Wewereonthesameside.”

Amuscletickedalonghisjaw.“Were?”Ididn’taddressthat.Notyet.“Areyoumarried?Havechildren?”Iasked.“What?”hesnapped.“Justcurious.AlotofOrdermembersmarryoneanother.Havechildren.Did

you?”Irestedmychinonmypalm.“Youdon’tlooklikeyoudid.Noweddingband.You’reallaboutthejob.Duty.”

“Yes,”heseethed.“Eradicatingthefaeismyduty.”“EventheonesthathelpedtheOrder?TheSummerCourt?”Kyledidn’tanswer.“What happened?Why can’t you tellme that? I’ve heard their side, but I

know there has to bemore. There has to be for the Order to have turned on

them.”Pressinghislipsintoathinline,hetippedhisheadbackagainstthebottom

ofthesink.Clenchingmyjaw,Ishookmyhead.Iwantedtokickhimintheface,butI

doubtedthatwouldgethimtotalk.“Itcan’tbejustbecausetheywerefae.”Hisheadwhippedtowardme.“Itcan’tbe?”Istilled.“Itdoesn’tmatteriftheyweren’tfeedingornotoriftheyhelpedtheOrder.

They’readamnabominationinfectingourworld—afuckingdisease.TheOrdercouldn’tseethat,butwecould.”Hiseyesflashed.“Wedidwhatweneededtodo,likewealwaysdo.”

Washebeing for real?“You—theElite turnedon theSummer faebecausetheywerefae?”

“IsthereanotherreasonIamunawareof?”“Holy shit,” I whispered, shocked to my core. “That’s all? You betrayed

them.Killedthem.TooktheirCrystal.Youdidallofthisbecausetheywerefae.Wow.I’mreallyoutofwords.”

Hecursedandcalledmeanidiot,butallIcoulddowasstareathim.Therewasnodeepmotivation,nohiddenagenda.Just...bigotryandfear.Ifthiswaswhat the Elitewere then theywere . . . theywere no better than the fae thatwantedtotakeoverthemortalworld.

Iwasnothinglikehim.NeitherwasRen.Themomentwelearnedthattherewerefaeouttherejusttryingtolivetheirbestliveswithoutharmingothers,wecalledatruce.Itwasn’teasy,butwewere...

Weweregoodhumanbeings.Onmostdays.Justnottoday,though.TodayIwasnotagoodperson.Iwastheworstofthe

worst.AndIwasokaywiththat.Kylesighedheavily.“He’sgoingtohavetokillme,youknowthat?Sooner

or later.BecauseIwill findyouandIwillkillyou.Thenhe’llcomeafterme,andifhedoesn’tkillme,I’llkillhim.He’satraitor.”

I unfolded my arms. This conversation was over. “He’s not going to killyou.”

Kylesmirked.“You’readumbbitchifyouthinkthat’sasmartmove.”“Guesswhat?I’mabitch,butIamnotdumb.”Irosefromthetoilet.“Iget

whyhethinkslettingyoulivewillhelpbuildabridgewiththeOrderagain.He’sjustthatkindofaperson.Agoodperson.He’sbetterthanyou.”

“He’sfuckingahalfling,”Kylespat.

IletoutacoldlaughasIbackedoutofthebathroom.“Andheenjoysit.Alot.”

Alookofdisgustcreptintohisexpression.“He’lldoit.Ipromiseyouthat.HeandIwillseeeachotheragain.”

“You’rewrong, so verywrong about that.” I stopped in front of themaindoor.“Ren’snotgoingtokillyoulater.I’mnotgoingtoallowthat.”

He laughed. “What?You’regoing todo it?Then lie tohimabout it later?Kindofhardtokillmewhenyou’reallthewayoverthere.”

“No.”IwaiteduntilhewaslookingatmeandthenIsmiled.“I’mnotgoingtodoiteither,becauseImadeapromisenottolietohimanymore.”

“Isn’tthatsweet,”hespat,shakinghishead.“It is.” Iwrappedmy hand around the door and started to open it. “But I

didn’tsaynoonewasgoingtokillyou,Kyle.”Isteppedaside.AndtheSummerPrincewalkedin.

Chapter26

KalenhadfoundusoneofthelargeSUVsthatcouldseatadamnsoccerteam,sowewereallinonecarnow.

Allofusthatwereleft.One day on the road andwe’d already lost five people. Thatwas hard to

thinkaboutorevenacknowledge.I thinkthatwaswhyFayeandKalenwerequiet in thefurthestbackrow.I

hadn’tknownDalewell,but I likedhimeven ifhehadcalledmeawee littlehalfling.

Fabian was also quiet, and I was sure that had to do with him losing hisentireconsul.Everylastoneofthemhaddiedinthatcar,riddledwithironlacedbullets.

Ibitdownonmylip,glancingoveratRen.HehadnoideawhatI’ddone.Asplanned,weleftwithoutRencheckinginonKyleandhehadn’taskedmehowKyle was. And I didn’t ask Fabianwhat he’d done to Kyle, but the SummerPrincewasnoticeablymorerelaxedwhenweleft.

IwassurehemadeKylepayforeverydeaththathadtakenplace.PartofmewasstillinastateofdisbeliefoverwhatKylehadtoldme.The

EliteweretheoneswhobetrayedtheSummerCourtsimplybecausetheywerefae.Ididn’twanttobelieveit.Iwantedtheretobesomereasonthatwouldhelpme understandwhy the Elite had donewhat they had. But therewas nothingexceptbigotryandfear.

And all I could hope was that bigotry and fear didn’t extend far into theOrder. I knew it probablydid, butKylehad said thatDaniel hadn’twanted tobelievethatIwouldbetrayhim.Wehadachance.

Myfingerscurledaroundtheburnerphone.Ididn’tevenrememberpullingitoutofmypocket,butI’dbeenholdingitforhoursnow,thedevicehotinmyhands.

CallingDanielwasahugerisk,butoneweweregoingtohavetotake.Hewas our only hopewhen it came to opening the gateways to send the Princeback.

“Hey.” Tink leaned forward, between the seats, his voice low. “I wasthinkingaboutsomething.”

WithTink, itwas anyone’s guess aboutwhat it could’ve been. I turned tohim.“What?”

“Do you think it’s possible that theOrder has already discoveredwho theHalflingisandhasthemin,Idon’tknow,protectivecustody?”heasked.

AmusclethrummedalongRen’sjaw.“TheEliteisinSanDiego,thatmuchisobvious.If they’vediscoveredwhotheHalflingis, thentheywouldn’tbe inprotectivecustody.”

Renwasright.TheElitewould’vekilledthemimmediately.Theywouldn’ttrytokeephersafe.

“That’skindofscrewedup,”Tinkcommented.“You’rejustnowrealizingthis?”Helookedatme.“It’sjustwrong.”Yeah.Yeah,itwas.Tinksatback,andwhenIglancedoveratFabian,mygazemethis.“Ifthe

Halflingisstillaliveandnotcompromised,shewillbeundertheprotectionoftheSummerCourt,”hesaid.“Wewillnotallowharmtocometoher.”

“Andifsheiscompromised?”“Thenwe’llcrossthatbridgewhenwecometoit—ifwecometoit,”Fabian

replied,lookingoutthewindow.Thatwasaverydifferentanswerthanwhenwestartedthistrip.“Letushopethatisnotthecase.”

Iwasn’tsurehowmuchhopinghadworkedoutforusinthepast,butIwaswillingtogiveita try.Itcouldn’thurt.Wespenttherestofthetripdiscussingour game plan for oncewe got to SanDiego.According to Faye,Tanner hadtakencareoflodging.We’dbestayingatarathersecludedhome,justoutsideofSanDiego,inDelMar.IhadnoideaifheknewtheownerorifthiswassomekindofAirbnbthingwhichmademewanttolaugh.Fayeknewwheretoretrievethekeysontheproperty,anddespitehowseriousourvisitwas,Iwasexcitedtolearnthatitwasonabeach.Iwantedtowalkbarefootinthesandjustonce.

Priorities.Fromthere,I’dcallDanielontheburnerphone.ThekindofphoneTanner

provideduswasencryptedanduntraceable,connectingtowifiinsteadofcellulartowers.Thatdidn’tmeanthatDanielcouldn’ttraceusviatheinternetifwewereusingastaticIP,sothatmeantweneededpublicwifijusttobesure.

Andfromthere,well,allwehadwashope.Hope thatDanielwouldhearmeoutandagree tomeetwithus.Hope that

theyhadsomeideaofwherethePrincewas,andhopethatweweren’ttoolate.

WereachedSanDiegoarounddinnertimeandstoppedatafastfoodrestaurant

thathadfreewifitomakethecallandgrabsomethingtoeat.Parkedinthebackofthelot,IstayedinthecarwithRenwhiletherestwent

into the restaurant. Tink was going to grab me, not one but two, orders ofchickenfries,andIwashappytoreportthatIwasreally,reallylookingforwardtodevouringthem.

Ihadn’thadanycravingssincethelastone,sothatwasgood,Ithought.“You ready todo this?”Ren’sgazemetmine.Hewas leaningback in the

driver’sseat,hisarmrestingalongthebackofmyseat.Nodding, I drew in a shallow breath. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”My fingers

hovered over the number pad. I knewTanner’s number by heart. “What if hedoesn’tanswer?”

“Thenyoukeepcallinguntilhedoes.”Inoddedagain.Mystomachwas fullofknots.What ifKyle lied?What if

Danielwasn’teveninSanDiego?Thereweresomanyrisks.Rentouchedmycheek,drawingmyattention.Hisgazesearchedmine.“You

gotthis.”“Ido.”Itriedtosmile,butitfeltweird.“Daniel’slike...”“What?”Igavealittleshakeofmyhead.“He’slikeafathertome.Iknowthatsounds

stupid—”“Itdoesn’t.”Hesmoothedhisthumbovermycheek.“Notatall.”The smile cameeasier this time. “It’s just thatwhenKyle said thatDaniel

didn’tbelievethatI’dbetrayedtheOrder, itreallymeantsomethingtome,butwhatifhedoesthinkthat?Imean,Danielcanbeabigprick,butitwouldbe...itwouldhurt.”

Renleanedtowardme,kissingthecenterofmyforehead.“IwishIcouldsaysomethingthatwouldmakeitbetterifthat’sthecase,butthereisn’tanythingIcansayexceptifhethinksthataboutyouthenhedoesn’tknowyouatall.”

Shiftingmyhead,Ikissedhislips,andwhenIpulledback,Ihadtoswallowthesuddenknotinmythroat.“Ineedtocallhim.”

“Youdo.”Andthat’swhatIdid.Punchinginhisnumber,Ihitthespeakerbuttonand

thenwaited.Itrangonce,twice,andbythefourthring,Istartedtoworrythathewasn’tgoingtoanswer.

Butthenhedid,onthefifthring.“What?”My stomach dropped as I stared at the phone. Thatwas definitelyDaniel.

Onlyhewouldansweranunknownnumberlikethat.IglancedatRen,andhenodded.“Daniel?”Isaid,wincingwhenmyvoicecracked.“It’sIvy.”

My introduction was met with a long beat of silence and then, “You’realive.”

Iblinked.“Yeah,Iam.SoisRen.”“Yougonnatellmewhereyou’vebeen,whatyou’vebeendoing?”heasked.“Iwantto.That’swhyI’mcallingyou.Hopingyou’rewhereIam.”“Andwhereisthat?”“SanDiego.”ThephonewasgoingtocrackfromhowtightIwasclutching

it.Therewasanotherstretchofsilence.“Funny.That’swhereIam.”Well, at least thatwas good news. I guessed. “I knowyou probably don’t

trustme,becauseGodonlyknowswhatyouthink,butIdidn’tbetraytheOrder.I’mheretostopthePrince.SoisRen.”

“Youdon’tknowwhatI’mthinking.That’sprobablyagoodthing,butyoubetterstarttalkingandtellingmewhereinthehellyou’vebeen.”Danielpaused.“I’mfiguringthere’salotofthingsyouneedtotellme,girl.”

Therewere a lot of things that I needed to tell him, but I startedwith themostobvious.“I’mtheHalfling.”

Danielwasquiet.“You probably already know that,” I continued, a little breathless. “But I

didn’t know, not until the Prince came—well, I actually figured it out rightbeforethat.Icutmyselfwiththethornstake,butIdidn’tknowuntilthen.Ihadnoidea.NeitherdidRen.”

I closedmyeyes,hating to saywhat Ihad to. “ThePrincekidnappedRenand thenme.Heheldme forawhile,but I escaped—weescaped.And ifyoufollowed thePrincehere thenyouhave toknowhedidn’tgetwhathewantedfromme.”

“MaybeIknowthat.”Therewasapause.“Maybenot.”InstincttoldmethatDanielknewthatthePrincewasafteranotherHalfling.

“Iwanttomeetwithyou—justRenandI.Weneedtotalk.”“Thatwedo.”“AndbytalkImeanwedon’twanttowalkintoatrap,Daniel.We’reonthe

sameside.”“Whywouldyouthinkthere’dbeatrap?”“Oh,Idon’tknow.”Iopenedmyeyesandstaredattheleafypalmsmoving

in the breeze. “Maybe because an entire convoy of Order and ElitememberstriedtokillusinArizona.”

“What?”heexclaimed.I looked at Ren, unsure if his reaction was genuine. That was when Ren

spokeup.“Youdidn’tknowaboutthat,Daniel?”

“Well,hello,Mr.Owens.GladtoknowI’monaspeaker.Anyoneelsetherethatwantstosayhi?”

“Nooneelse iswithusrightnow,”Istressedthat lastpart.“Butwedidn’tcomealone.Wecamewithbackup.”

“Forwhat?”“TotakeoutthePrince,whatthehellelse?”“Girl,youandthattone.Watchit,”Danielwarned.Forsomereason,thescoldingmademegrin,becauseitwasso...soDaniel.

“Sorry.”Therewasaheavysighontheotherend.“Ididn’tknowabouttheArizona

thing.I’mguessingthatwasKyle.AndI’mguessingthat’swhyIhaven’theardfromhim.”

IcouldfeelRen’sstareonme.“Wewanttomeetandtalk.”“WhyshouldIthinkthisisn’tatraponyourend?”“Because if I was working for the Prince, I wouldn’t be worried about

trappingtheOrder.I’dbepregnantandstayingasfarawayfromyoupeopleaspossible.”

“Youpeople?”Hebarkedoutalaugh.“Thoughtyouwereoneofus?”“I will always be a part of the Order, but I figured after everything, that

wasn’t an option anymore,” I admitted. “We’re on the same side, Daniel. Itdoesn’tmatterthatI’mahalfling.That,Iswear.”

Danielwasquiet for so long that I started toworry thathe’dhungup,butthenhesaid,“Fine.We’llmeetateleventonight,downintheGaslampQuarter,acrossfromtheConventionCenter.I’llbebythesign.”

He hung up then, and I stared at the phone for several seconds before Ispoke.“Well,Iguessthatwentokay?”

ThehouseinDelMarwasn’treallyahouse.Itwasafreakingmansion—asandstone,palatialmansionthatsatonacliff

overlookingthePacificOcean,smackdabintheTorreyPinesStateReserve.I’dneverseenanythinglikeit.Ever.“Whydon’tweliveinsomethinglikethis?”Tinkasked,lugginghissuitcase

upthewidesteps.Before I couldanswer,FabianwasbyTink’s side. “Where I live, itwould

putthisplacetoshame.”Tink’seyeswidened.“DoyouhaveAmazonPrime?”“Ofcourse.”Fabiansmiled.

Tinklookedoveratme.“I’mmoving.”“Uh-huh,” Imurmured,way toodistractedby thehouseand theupcoming

meeting.Faye was up ahead, opening the double doors. The inside was just as

stunning.Alargeatriumandanelegantspiralstaircasegreetedus.“I’mcallingdibsonthebedroom!”Tinkracedpastus,carryinghisluggage

againsthischest.HisWonderWomanbackpackthumpedoffhisside.“Ishealwayslikethat?”Fabianasked,staringupatwhereTinkwasalready

disappearingdownthehall.Kalensnortedashewalkedbywithhisblackduffelbaginhand.Itwasthe

firstnoisehe’dmadesincewe’dgotteninthecar.“Prettymuch,”IsaidtotheSummerPrince.“Ilikeit.”Hetiltedhisheadtotheside.“Histhirstforlifeis...infectious.”“Youcallitathirstforlife,Icallitahyperactivitydisorder.”Rensteppedin,

carryingourbags.Fabianliftedashoulderinresponse.Ieyedhimclosely.“AreyouintoTink—like,reallyintohim?”TheSummerPrincetwistedatthewaist,facingme.“IfyouareworriedthatI

willsomehowharmorhurthim,youhavenothingtofear.”Thatwasn’texactlytheanswerIwaslookingfor.“Tinkislikeabrotherto

me—a reallyweird, often annoying, brother. I know you said youwon’t hurthim,butifyoudo,Iwillfindawaytoendyou.Anditwon’tbepleasant.”

Fabiangrinned.“Oddly,Iamstartingtolikeyou.”Ifrowned,thinkingthatwasaweirdresponse.“Allrightythen.”Ren was smiling when I turned to him. I had no idea what to say about

Fabian,whowasclimbingthestaircase,insearchofaroomorTinkorboth.Walkingovertous,Fayeworkedakeyofftheringandhandeditovertome.

“Youhaveafewhoursbeforeyouhavetoleaveforyourmeeting.”Rennodded.“Ineedashowerandapowernap.”“Istilldon’tliketheideaofyouguysgoingtherebyyourselves,”Fayesaid,

crossingherarms.“Idon’tlikeitatall.”“We’renotgoingbyourselves,”Iremindedher.“YouandKalenaregoingto

come,butyou’renotgoingtobeseen.”Ren and I were not foolish enough to go without any backup. Just like I

knewDanielwouldn’t.“Iknow,butnotbeingseenmeanswemaynothavealotoftimetoreact,”

sheargued.Kalenjoinedus,hiseyesshadowed.“IfanyOrdermemberevenlooksatyou

twoinawayIdon’tlike,they’redonefor.”

“Well,Daniel isprobablygoing to lookatme inawayyoudon’t like.Helooksateveryoneinabadkindofway,”Iexplained.“Ireallydon’tthinkDanielisgoingtodoanything.”

Atleast,Ihopednot.“Hebetternot,”Kalensaid.MaybeKalen should staybehind,buthe’dpivotedaroundand stalkedoff,

disappearingintothemassivehouse.“Youthinkhe’sgoingtobeokaywiththis?”Renasked,thinkingalongthe

samelinesasme.“Thisisgoingtoberiskyenoughwithouteithersidejumpingthegun.”

Fayesighedasshepushedherhairbackfromherface.“Hewillbe.”“HewasreallyclosetoDane,wasn’the?”Iasked.Shenodded.“Hewas,butwe...weallknewwhatweweresigningupfor

when we left.” She lifted her chin, but her lower lip trembled. “There is nogreater honor than dying for what is right, for the Summer Court, and formankind.”Hervoicecrackedalittle.“Nowifyou’llexcuseme.”

“Yeah,”Iwhispered,wishingtherewasmoreIcouldsay.Rennudgedmewithhisarm.“Let’sgofindaroom.”That’s what we did, and it was a nice room at the end of the hall on the

secondfloor.Onewholewallwasglassandfacedtheocean.Inanhour,thesunwouldsetovertheocean,andI...Iwantedtoseethat.

Ineededtoseethat.“Wow.”Rendroppedourbagsonthebenchinfrontofthebed.“Thisroom

isinsane—thehouseisinsane.”“It is.” My gaze got snagged on the huge king size bed. “Do you think

Tannerknowswholiveshere?”“I would have to think so. I mean, renting a place like this would cost a

fortune.” Ren eyed the huge TVmounted directly across from the bed. “DidFabiansayhehadaplacelikethis?Imighttrytomoveinwithhim,too.”

“Shut up.” I actuallymissedmy apartment.Tinkhad toldme the rent hadbeenpaid,somyplacewasstillthere.ThankGod.

“I’mgoingtohopintheshower.”Rengrinned.“Wanttojoinme?”I’d love nothingmore than to do that, butmy headwas inway toomany

places.“IthinkI’mgoingtocheckoutthebeach.”Onesideofhislipskickedup.“I’llmissyou.”Ilaughed.“Well,atleastIwon’tbehoggingallthewater.”“True.”Heextendedahandtowardme.“Comehereforasec.”Iwenttohim,puttingmyhandintohis.Hepulledmetohischest,folding

hisarmsaroundmeasheheldmetighttohischest.Rendidn’tsayanythingas

he tiltedhisheaddownandI liftedmineup.Hedidn’tneed to.Everythinghefeltwasinthatkiss,anditwasprobablyagoodthingthatIwasn’tjoininghimfortheshower,becausehewoulddefinitelynotbegettinganyrestafterward.

“Iwon’tbelong,”Ipromisedhim.Hebrushedhislipsovermyforehead.“Becareful.”“Always.”Leavingtheroom,Ibacktrackedmywaydownstairsandmanagedtofindthe

backdoorthatledoutontoaveranda...thatledtoamassivepool.LikebiggerthantheoneatHotelGoodFae.

Mycheeksflushed,becauseIimmediatelythoughtaboutwhatRenandIhaddoneinthatpool.

Iwasprobablynevergoingtobeabletolookatapoolthesameagain.Reaching theendof thepatio, Isawthepath that leddownto thebeach. I

toedmybootsandsocksoffandthenrolledupmypantlegs.Itdidn’ttakeverylong tomakemywaydown the steep trail. I stopped, exhaling roughlyasmytoessankintothecoolsand.

The tempswerechillier thanIexpectedand itprobablyhad todowith theWinter Prince being here, but the golden tipped waves and sand were stillabsolutelybeautiful.

Iwalkedoutacrossthebeach,nearingthelappingshorelineasIreachedupandtuggedmyhairdown,lettingthewindsiftthroughthecurls.

Thecoolwaterteasedmytoes,andforamoment,Iletmyheademptyofallthe stresses, the worries, and the fears. I didn’t want to think about or feelanythingotherthanwhatIwaswitnessing.

Thewater turned a fiery orange as the sun kissed the ocean. Therewas amomentwhere it looked like theworldwas about to be set ablaze,where thewaterandskywasastunningarrayofredsandblues,andthenthesunwasgone,slippingfarbeyondwheretheeyecouldsee.

ThebreathItookwasshakyandthebackofmyeyesburned.IneverthoughtI’dseethesunsetonthePacificCoast,anditwastrulyasight.

I steppedback,makingmywayuntil Iwassure thewaveswouldn’t touchme,andthenIsatdowninthesand,mindfulofthedaggersstillattachedtomythighs.

Ihadno ideahowmuchtimehadpassedasIsat there,butstarsblanketedtheskyanditwassoquiet,sopeacefulwiththeonlysoundthecrashingwavesanddistanttraffic.

Tonightcouldgowell.Danielcouldbelieveus,andtogetherwecouldfindthePrince,hopefullystoppinghimbeforehegotaholdoftheHalfling,andthenwewouldeitherkillDrakeorsendhimbacktotheOtherworld.Ortonightcould

goextraordinarilybad.RenandIcouldbewalkingintoatrap,onethatnomatterhowfastKalenandFayemoved,theywouldn’tbeabletostop.

Buttonighthadtohappen.Asharpswirlof tinglesdancedalongthenapeofmyneck.I twistedat the

waist,notsurprisedtoseeRen’stallformmakinghiswayacrossthesand.“Youshouldberesting.”“Iwas.”Henearedme.“Foraboutfifteenminutes,andthenIlookedoutthe

windowsandsawyousittingouthere.”I’dforgottentherewasaviewfromthebedroom.“Ren,wehavealongnight

aheadofus.Igottosleeponandoffontheroad.”“Iknow.”Hesatbehindme,spreadinghislegsoneithersideofme.Circling

hisarmsaroundmywaist,hepulledmebackagainsthischest.“WhenIsawyououthere,Ithoughttomyself,Icouldleaveheralone,butthenIwaslike,Idon’twantto.”

IlaughedasIrelaxedintohisembrace.Renwasquietforafewmoments.“It’sbeautifulouthere.”“Itis.Youshould’veseenthesunset.Itwas...amazing.”“Wouldyouliveouthere?”IstartedtorespondlikeIwould’veahandfulofmonthsago,butIrealized

thatmine,thatour,circumstancesweren’tthesame.“IreallylikeNewOrleans,butthere’ssomethingaboutthisthat’sjustasgood.Icouldliveouthere.”

“Metoo,”hereplied.“Thenagain,I’dbewillingtolivewhereveryouwent,evenifitwasAlaska.”

“Really?Alaska?”“EvenAlaska.”Ilaughedagain.“Youdon’thavetoworryaboutmeeverpickingAlaska.”Renkissedmycheek.“ThankGod.”Mysmilefadedfrommylips.“Areyounervousabouttonight?”“Bestupidnottobe.”“True.”Renwasquietforaverylongtimeandthenhesaid,“Iknow.”Mybreathcaught. Instinct toldmewhat Ineeded toknowwithout asking.

He was talking about Kyle, and I didn’t know what to say. It wasn’t like IthoughtRenwould never find out, but I hoped I’dmake it twenty-four hoursbeforehedid.

“I’msorry,” Isaid finally.“Icouldn’t letyoudo it. Icouldn’tdo it,buthecouldnotlive.Hewouldcomeafteryou—”

“Don’tapologize.”I started to turn in his embrace. “But I should, because I didn’t tell you. I

should’ve—”’“Iknowwhyyoudidn’ttellme.”Hisvoiceheldaroughedge.“Wantingto

leavehimalivewasfoolish.”“Itwasn’t.”Idrewinashallowbreath.“Anditwas.Imean,Igetwhyyou

wanted to lethim live.Maybe itwouldprove to theothermemberswehadn’tbetrayedthem,buthewould’vekeptcomingafterus.Hewouldgetmoreofuskilled.”

“You’reright.Anditwould’vebeenmetoputhimdown.Thatsonofbitchwould’vemadesureofit,becauseheknew—yeah,heknewitwouldgettome.”

“That’swhyIcouldn’tletthathappen,”Iadmittedquietly.Hewassilentforamoment.“YoumadesurethatIdidn’t...Ididn’thaveto

carryhisdeathonmyshoulders.Thankyou.”Hecurledahandaroundmychin,tippingmyheadback.Hekissedme.“Thankyou,Sweetness.”

I really had no idea what to say to that. None whatsoever. But then Rentightenedhisarmsaroundmeagainandheldmetight,blockingoutthecoolnessintheair.

Right then and there, I sent a prayer up to whatever god or gods werelisteningthatthismeetingwithDanielwentthewayweneededittoandthatitwasn’tatrap.

Becauseifitwas,Ididn’tplanondyingtonight.Ididn’tplanonseeingRenorFayeorKalendietonight.Thatmeantwe’dbedoingthekilling,andIdidn’twantthateither.

ButIwouldifIhadto.

Chapter27

RenandIarrivedintheGaslampDistrictofSanDiegothirtyminutesbeforewewerescheduledtoarrivesowecouldscopeout thearea.FayeandKalenwerealsowithus.Wecouldn’tseethem,butweknewtheywerethere.Allofuswerearmed,butourweaponswerewellhidden.

IimmediatelyunderstoodwhyDanielhadpickedthisplace.Itwasoutintheopenandteemingwithpeople.Thebarandrestaurant-linedstreetsremindedmeoftheFrenchQuarter.

“Would’vebeencooltochecksomeoftheseplacesout,”Isaid,happywhenIsmelledcharbroiledhamburgersandmystomachdidn’trevolt.

Ren’shand tightenedaroundmine.“Weshouldcomebackwhen this isallover.Wecoulduseavacation.”

Ismiled,likingthesoundofthat—theideaofmakingplans.Itmademefeelliketherewasafuturetolookforwardto.Istartedtotellhimthat,butRenspokeagain.

“There.”Hecursedunderhisbreathashepulledmetotheside,outof themiddleofthesidewalk.“Danielisalreadyhere.Andhe’snotalone.”

“What?” Iwasnot at all surprised thatDanielhaddone justwhatwehad,whichwastoarriveearlyasanattempttocontrolthesituation.IfollowedRen’sgaze,andittookmeamomenttofindDaniel.

Hewassittinginthecenterofabench,hisarmshookedaroundthebackandhislonglegsstretchedout,crossedattheankles.Toastranger,helookedlikeanormalguy,outenjoyingthecoolnight.BehindhimwasMilesDaily,themaninchargeifDanielwastogodown.

My shoulders tightened. I never knew where I stood withMiles. He wasolderthanme,maybeinhisthirties,andcompletelyunreadable.

“Can’tblamehimfornotcomingalone,”Rensaid.“AndIdoubttheyaretheonlytwohere.”

Iscannedthelittleparkarea,butjustbecauseIdidn’tseeanyfamiliarfacesdidn’tmeanthateverypersonandeverycoupleIsawwasn’tanOrdermember.Theycouldhaveussurroundedbythedozens,andwewouldn’tknowsincewedidn’tknowanyoftheSanDiegomembers.

LookingupatRen,Isqueezedhishand.“Youready?”Iasked.MygazetrainedonwhereDanielsatashenodded.Istretchedupandkissed

hislips.“Let’sdothis.”

Renletgoofmyhandaswecrossedthestreet.Myheartwas thumpinginmychest.Idoubtedthatthey’dtrysomethinginsuchapublicspot,butI’dbeenwrongbefore.

“Hey,”Renspokefirst,hoppinguponthesidewalk.“Longtimenosee.”DanielandMileslookedupandover,butIknewthattheyhadbeenawareof

ourapproachbeforethatmoment.“Youguysareearly,”Danielsaid.“Soareyou,”Ireplied.“Thoughtyouwerecomingbyyourself.”Ren’sgazeflickeredoverDaniel’s

secondincommand.“Howareyoudoing,Miles?”Milesliftedhischin.“Can’tcomplain.”If both of themwere here, Iwonderedwhowas running theNewOrleans

branch.IwasabouttoaskthatwhenIsteppedunderthestreetlamp,butIdidn’tgetthechance.

Themensawme,like,reallysawme.Daniel’s lazy sprawl changed in an instant. He pulled his legs up and sat

straight, his eyes widening. For the first time in my life, I saw a reaction inMiles.Hismouthdroppedopenashisgazeflickedovermyface.

“Youshouldseetheears,”Isaid,havingleftmyhairdown.Milessnappedhisjawshut.“Whatinthehell?”Danielexclaimed.Helookedlikehewasabouttostand,

butcouldn’tmove.Renstartedtostepinfrontofme,butIliftedmyarm,stoppinghim.“Ilookdifferent.Iknow.It’salongstory.”Daniel stood then and took a step toward me. I could feel Ren tensing.

“How?”Daniel asked, voice gruff. “How is this possible? You couldn’t havegotten—”

“It’smoreofarecentthing.”Iwasstartingtofeelalittleuncomfortablewiththeirintensescrutiny.“AndIwilltellyoueverything,butIthink...”IglancedoveratRen,wholookedlikehewassecondsfrommakingsuretheywerestaringatsomeoneorsomethingelse.“Ithinkweshouldstartatthebeginning.”

“Yeah.”Miles’expressionsmoothedout,becomingunreadable.“Ithinkyouneedtodothat.”

Sothat’swhatRenandIdid.Wetoldthemeverything,startingwithhowIfiguredoutIwastheHalfling,howthePrincewasabletocaptureRenandme,andhowweescaped.Ieventoldthemabouttheforcedfeedingsandthatitwasafaewhohadhelpedmeescape.WetoldthemhowIhadbeenattackedandhowIhadbeenhealed.

ItwasRenwhoexplainedthatinalowvoice.“Imadethechoice.Itwasn’tIvy’s.Ifitwas,shewould’veneveragreedtoitandshewouldn’tbehereright

now.”Daniel lookedsomewhatawedwhenhesatbackdownwhileMileshadno

changeinhisexpressionatall.“He savedmy life—feeding savedmy life.” I shiftedmyweight fromone

foottotheother.“Iwasn’tokaywithit.Renwasright.Iwouldn’thaveagreedtoit,andIwaspissedathim,butIwould’vedonethesamethingtosavehislife.That’swhyI...IlookthewayIdonow.Itmadethepartofmethatishalflingstronger,butI’mstillIvy.”IliftedmychinasIsaidthelastwords.“WhoIamhasn’tchanged.”

“Kindofhard tobelieve thatwhen I’m lookingat you, seeing thatyou’vechanged,”Milessaid.

“Justbecauseshelooksmorebeautifulthanshedidbefore,doesn’tmeansheisn’tstillthekickassIvyouttherefightingthegoodfight,”Reninterjected.

TherewasagoodchanceIfellinlovewithhimevenmoreinthatmoment.Milestiltedhisheadtotheside,hisbrowssnappingtogether.“Youallhavenoideawhatwe’vebeenthroughtogetwherewearestanding

rightnow.Noidea,”Rencontinued,hisvoicehardening.“AndifwewerereallyworkingwiththePrinceoragainsttheOrder,wewouldn’tbestandinghere.Donotquestionmyloyaltyandyoubetternotquestionhers.”

“Isthateverything?”Danielasked,soundingwary.“Itis,”Renanswered.Kind of. We’d told them everything—everything except for where the

SummerCourtwasandthattheyhadcomewithus.Ialsohadn’ttoldthemaboutTink.

“Why didn’t you contact me—contact us?” Anger seeped into Daniel’svoice.“Wehadpeopleouttherelookingforyou.Bothofyou.Forweeks,untilweassumedyouwerebothdead—”

“OrthatwehadbetrayedtheOrder,”Ifinishedforhim.“Wedidneitherofthosethings,butitwastooriskytocontactyou.Iwasstillhealingandmyhead...”Drawinginashudderingbreath,Itriedagain.“Iwasn’treadytotalktoyou,ortoanyone.”

Daniel’sgazemetmineforabriefmomentandthenhelookedaway.“WhataboutKyle?”Milesasked.“Danielmentionedthatyouran intohim

onthewayhere.Wehaven’theardfromhim.”“He’sdead.”Iwastheonewhoanswered.“Hetriedtokillus,andifhewas

alive,he’dhavekepttryingtokillus.So,he’sdead—adeadliar.”“Boldwords,”Danielmurmured.“Truewords.”Iwaiteduntilayoungcouplepassedus.“Doyouknowhow

theEliteandtheOrderonceclosedthegates?”

Milesdidn’tanswer.NeitherdidDaniel.“IknowthattheOrderonceworkedwith the fae to close the gates. That was how you all got your hands on theCrystal,andIknowthattheElitebetrayedthosefae—thefaewhodidnothuntmortals—thefaewhohuntedothersoftheirkindthatdid.”Ididn’tmistakethesharp inhale.“Kylesaid itwas theElite that turnedon them,but therewasnowaythattheOrderdidn’tknow.Iknowthatwasbeforeallofourtimeandthestorieshavechangedovertheyears,butI’malivebecauseofgoodfae.”

“It’shardtothinkthatsuchacreatureexists,”Milescommented.“You’d be surprised”—Ren pinned him with a stare—“by what you once

thoughtwas true. Iwas trained in theElite. IknowIwas trainedwitha lotoflies.”

“And that statement is damn near treasonous.” Miles stepped around thebench.“Youdorealizethat.”

“Stillthetruth.”Ikeptaneyeonhim.“TheOrderknewthatthereweregoodfaebefore—thatthefaehadhelpedus.Whywerewenevertoldthat?”

“Thetreatybetweenourkindswassolongagoitnolongermatteredhowitusedtobe,”Danielsaid.“IfIremembercorrectly,itwastheSummerCourtwhohelpedusonceuponatime,andafterthegateswereclosed,therewasnomoreSummerCourt. Itwould’vebeen toodangerous forourmembers if theyknewthatmaybe—justmaybe—therewerefaeouttherethatdidn’twanttoharmthemor other mortals. Each time they’d hesitate to determine if the fae they weredealingwithmeantthemharm,they’dbevulnerabletoattack.”

“I understand that, but we should’ve known.”My hands closed into fists.“Theywerethere,alwaysthere.Theycould’vebeenhelpingusthisentiretime.”

“They could’ve.Andmanymore of ourmemberswould’ve died trying todecipher which fae were good and which were bad,” Daniel reasoned. “Andyou’reforgettingthatwehadnoreasontobelievethat theseSummerfaewerestillhere.Weweretoldthattheywereallkilled.”

“Slaughteredwould’vebeenabetterword.”IgotwhatDanielwassaying.Itevenmadesense,but itdidn’tmake itokay,andwewereallgoing tohave tomovepastitifwehadanyhopeofdefeatingthePrince.“Wecanstandhereallnightandargueaboutwhoare thebiggerbetrayers,andwhilewedo that, I’mguessingthePrincegetsonestepclosertotheHalflingthat’sinSanDiego.”

“Because that’s why you’re still here, right? If you all had found theHalfling, you would have killed her and then we wouldn’t be having thisconversation.”Renliftedhischin.“We’reheretostopthePrince,justlikeyouare.”

“We know how to send him back to theOtherworld,” I said, and that gottheirattention.“HehastheCrystal.Weknowthereisaritualthatwillsealhim

backintheOtherworld.Andifwecan’tgettheCrystalandcompletetheritual,thenwe’llkillhim.Sincewehavenoideahowtoweakenthebastardenoughtoget himwith the thorn stake or to, you know, decapitate him,we’re going toneedtheOrder’shelp.”

“We’regoing toneedall thehelpwecanget,”Renaffirmed.“Weneed towork together, and thenafterward,youcankickusoutof theOrder.Exileus.Whatever.Butrightnow,weneedtogetpastallofthat.”

“Iknowit’saskingalot,”Isaid.“ButI’maskingyoutobelievewhatwe’retellingyou.”

Daniel’smouthtightenedandthenheexhaledheavilyashisgazemetmine.“I’veknownyouforyears,girl.Knownthatyou’vemadealotofbadanddumbdecisions.”

Um.“You’reoftenrecklessandimpulsive,”hecontinued,andIreallywasn’tsure

wherethislistofmyglaringflawswasleading.“ButI’veneverknownyoutobeatraitor.Ibelieveyou.”

ReliefhitmesohardIalmostfellover.IlookedoveratRenandsawthathisshouldershadloosened.“Thankyou,”Isaid,becauseitwasallIcouldsay.“Andyou?”

“Thejuryisstilloutonthat,”Milesansweredafteraheartbeat.“Butyoutwoare right.We need everyonewe can get to stop the Prince.We need toworktogether.Allofus.”

“Thenwhat’snext?”Renplacedahandonmylowerback.Danielstood.“Weplan.”“Now is not the time. Out in the open like this.”Miles crossed his arms.

“TheSanDiegobranchhasussetupinoneoftheirhomesontheharbor.Wecanmeet—allofus.Thatmeanswhoeveryou’vecomewith.”

“We’vecomewithfae,”Renanswered.“AreyousuretheseOrdermembersaregoingtobecoolwiththat?TheElite?”

“Coolwithseeingme?”Ipushed.“Wewillmake them okay,”Daniel promised. “We all need to set a lot of

thingsasideifwehopetostopthePrincefromsucceeding.”IglancedatRen.Henodded.“Telluswhenandwhere.”

Chapter28

ThehouseinDelMarwasquietwhenwereturnedtoit.We’dalreadyfilledFayeandKaleninoneverything,butwecouldn’tfindFabianorTink.Well,wereallydidn’tlookthathard,figuringtheywereholedupinoneofthemanybedrooms.

RenhadstoppedmewhenIheadedforthestairs,grabbingaholdofmyhandand pullingme toward the back of the house, stopping to grab a soft lookingblanketoffthebackofthecouch.He’dledmeoutontotheverandasurroundingthepool,tooneofthecomfylookingchaiselounges.

Sothat’swherewefoundourselvesafterourmeetingwithDanielandMiles,ourdaggerson the table,within reach,andourshoes tuckedunder thechair. Iwas lying on my side, between his legs, and nestled against his chest. Theblanketwasdrapedoverus,andwebothwerestaringupatthestarsblanketingthenightsky,thelowwhooshofmovingwavesacomforting,lullingsound.

Iwasglad thathe’dbroughtmeouthere.Therewas something sonormalaboutthisthatIwishedIhadtheabilitytoslowdowntimeandmakethetimeoutherelastforever.

“Yeah,”Rensaidfinally,hisfingersidlymovingthroughmyhair.“IthinkIcouldlivehere.”

Agrintuggedatmylips.“Especiallyifwehadthishouseandview.”“True,”hemurmured.“ButallI’dneedistobeabletoseethestarsandhave

yourighthere,likeyouarerightnow.”Thegrinturnedintoasmile.“Thereyougo,alwayssayingtherightthing.”Hisarmtightenedaroundme.“Idon’talwayssaytherightthing.Ithinkyou

knowthat.”“Butwhenyoudo,youmakeupforthestupidstuffthatcomesoutofyour

mouth.”Renchuckledashetuggedonacurl.Amomentpassed.“Ithinktonightwent

good.”Iclosedmyeyes.“Yeah.”“Youdon’tsoundlikeyoureallybelievethat.”I bit down on my lip as my stomach twisted with nervous energy and

somethingelse.The...hungerwasthere,butitwasmanageable.Heletgoofmycurlandhisfingersdriftedovermycheek.“Whatareyou

thinking?”Impulsealmosthadmesayingnothing,butIstoppedmyselfbeforethatbad

habittookover.“I...I’mwonderingiftonightwas,youknow,tooeasy.DoyouknowwhatImean?Icouldjustbeparanoid—”

“No.You’renotbeingparanoid.Allthingsconsidered,itwaseasy.”ItiltedmyheadsoIcouldlookupathim.“Doyouthinkit’satrap?”Silverymoonlightcutacrosshischeekbones.“Itcouldbe,butwe’regoingto

bepreparedifso.”Wewouldbe,butIkeptreplayingDaniel’sreactiontomeoverandoverin

myhead.BothhimandMileshadbeenshocked,butI’dexpectedmoreofafighttoconvincethemthatwehadn’tbetrayedthem.

ButDanielknewme.HemightnotknowRenallthatwell,butheknewwhoIwas at the core. “ThankGodDaniel is still here. If hewasn’t, I don’t thinkwe’dbeabletoconvinceMiles.”

“Ihavenoideahowtoreadthatguy,”headmitted.“Don’tfeelbad.I’veknownhimforyearsandIstillcan’t.”Snugglingback

downagainsthischest,Ifoldedmyhandagainsthisside.Mystomachstartedtosettle,butmymindwasnowherenearthat.“I’m...I’mhungry.”

“I’msurethere’sfood....”Rentrailedoff.“You’renottalkingaboutfood,areyou?”

“No,” Iwhispered,myhandcurling aroundhis shirt.Shameburned at thebackofmythroat.

Ren’s fingers keptmoving alongmy cheek. “Is there anything I cando tohelp?”

Iswalloweddownthesuddenknotinmythroatandclosedmyeyesagain.“Idon’tthinkso.It’sreallynotthatbad.The...feelingisfading.Ijust—Idon’tknow.Ijustwantedtosayitoutloud.”

The arm atmywaist somehow got tighter. “I’m glad you did. I justwishtherewassomethingIcoulddotomakeiteasierforyou.”

Someof the tensioneasedoutofmymusclesas the shame fadedoff.Renwasn’tbotheredbyit.Atleastnotenoughtohaveanymeasurablereactiontoit.Idon’tknowhowIwasexpectingRentorespond,buthimnotfreakingoutandjustbeing,well,Rendidmorethanheknew.“You’redoingitrightnow.Helpingme.”

“I’mgladtohearthateventhoughitdoesn’tfeellikeI’mdoingmuch.”“You’redoingeverything.”Isqueezedhisside,lettingoutasigh.Ineededto

refocus. “So, let’s say that our nextmeeting isn’t a trap.We find theHalflingbeforethePrincedoes,westillneedtofindtheCrystalorweneedtofigureouthowtoweakenhimenoughtokillhim.Finding theHalflingbeforehedoes isjustasmallstepintherightdirection.”

“But it’s a step.” Ren fell quiet and severalminutes past before he spoke

again.“There’ssomethingnoneofushavereallytalkedabout.”“What?”“Theritual.”Tensioncreptintohisbody.“I’daskedTannerandFayeabout

it.EvenMerle.Noneofthemhadanydetailsonexactlyhowwe’resupposedtocompletetheritualsafely.”

“Youmean, how I’m supposed to get the Prince’s blood andmine on theCrystalwhileintheOtherworld?”Iplacedmyhandonhisarm.

“Yeah.Idon’tliketheideaofthisritual,Ivy.Nooneistalkingaboutit,andyouhave tobe in theOtherworld tocomplete it?”Hishandcurledaround thebackofmyhead,hisfingerstanglinginmyhair.“Idon’tneedtoknowalottoknowthatthereisametricshittonthatcangowrongwiththat.”

Ashudderworkeditswaythroughme.“Yeah,like...gettingtrappedintheOtherworld.”

“Thatwillnothappen.”Hisvoicewashard.Iwanted tobelieve that. Ihad tobelieve that,because if Ididn’t, themere

ideaofbeing trapped in theOtherworldwithaverypissedoffPrince terrifiedme.Butwedidn’thaveenoughinformationonthisritual, likehowmuchtimeI’dhavebetweenstartingitandgettingbackthroughthedoorway.

Therewasatinypartofme,though,thatwascuriousaboutthepossibilityofseeingtheOtherworld,evenifitwasonlyforahandfulofseconds.

“I think you’re onto something about finding out a way to weaken thePrince,”Rensaid.“Fightinghimwillbedangerous,butit’snotasbigofariskastheritual.Wejustneedtofindouthow.”

UnlessFabianwasgoing tostart talking, Iwasn’tsurehowwewouldfindout.Itwasbeginningtofeellikewedidn’thaveachoiceonhowthiswasgoingtogodown.

Thatwasifweevenmadeittothepointwherewedidhaveone.

“And you think this is wise?” Fabian asked the following morning overbreakfast.Wewere sitting at an island large enough to seat ten people. “Thattheycanbetrusted?”

“Asmuchaswecanbetrusted.”Ipeeledtheskinfromabanana.“They’retakingariskmeetingus,too.”

“Buttherearemoreof themthanus,”Kalensaid,repeatingwhathe’dsaidlastnight.

“ButwehaveaSummerPrince.”Rendroppedontothebarstoolbesideme.“Prettysurethathecantakeoutadozenoftheminaboutfivesecondsifthings

gosouth.”I arched abrowas Imuncheddownonmybanana. “Let’s hope it doesn’t

cometothat.”Fabianinclinedhishead.“DidtheytellyouanythingabouttheWinterPrince

ortheHalfling?”“Notyet.I’mhopingtheyfillusintodaywithgood—”Somethingoutofthe

cornerofmyeyecaughtmyattention.Iturned.Holycrap.I lowered the banana asTink buzzed into the room—twelve-inch-tallTink

withgossamerwings.Mymouthdroppedopen.Renfollowedmygaze,andhemadeachokedsound.IthadbeensolongsinceI’dseenhiminthisformthatIforgotwhateveritwasIhadbeentalkingabout.

He flew across the kitchen, his wings moving silently, but everyone wasstaring. Faye looked like shewas going to slip off the stoolwhileKalenwasactually—wow,hewasactuallystartingtogrin.

Thebrowniewaswearingdarktrousers,buthewasshirtlessandshoelessashebuzzeduparoundthepocketlightthencamebackdown.

“Tink.”MyeyeswidenedashehoveredoverFabian’sshoulder.“You’re...Tinksized.”

“Heardwe’dbetakingafieldtripthismorning.FiguredI’mtoocutetokillinthisform.”HelandedontheSummerPrince’sbroadshoulder.“Plus,I’mlessintimidatingthisway.That’swhyRendidn’tkillmeatfirst.”

“ThatisnotwhyIdidn’tkillyouatfirst,”Renreplieddryly.IwatchedTinksitdownonFabian’sshoulder.Kalen lookedoveratFayeand thenback toTinkagain.“I’veneverseena

brownieinthisform.”“You’ve never seen a brownie before me at all,” Tink pointed out as he

kickedhisfeetoffFabian’supperchest.“Sowhichwaydoyoulikemebetter?Bigorsmall?”

Mybrowsfurrowed.“Ithink...thisway,”Kalenanswered.“Yeah.Likethis.”“Notme,”murmuredtheSummerPrince.TinkleanedoverandgrabbedachunkofthePrince’shair.Hepulleditback

andwhisperedsomethinginFabian’searthatearnedhimadeeplaugh.Ireallydidn’twanttoknowwhatitwas.Ifinishedoffthebanana,andthenitwastimetoleave.Slidingoffthestool,I

followedRen out into the foyer. Tink left Fabian’s shoulder and flew over tomine.Helanded,balancinghimselfwithahandagainstmyhead.

“I’mexcitedtomeettheseOrdermembers.”Heshiftedclosertomyhead.

“Why?”“BecauseIcannotwait toseetheirfaceswhentheygeta lookatme!”His

laughwasmoreofachildishgiggle.“Theyaregoingtofreak.”Agrintuggedatmylips.“Theyprobablywill.So,Iwantyoutostaycloseto

eithermeorFabian,okay?Atleast,atfirst.”“Ofcourse—oh!”Heturnedonmyshoulder,yellingasInearedthedoor.I

winced.“Fabian,don’tforgetmysuitcase!”Renpivotedaround.“Yoursuitcase?”“Yes.It’sPlanB.”“WehaveaPlanBthatinvolvesyoursuitcase?”heasked.“Wedo.”TinklaunchedoffmyshoulderandlandedonthesuitcaseFabian

wasnotrollingout.IstoppedasFayeandKalenheadedoutside.“Uh,maybeyoushouldtellus

what’sinthesuitcase,Tink?”“Mystuff.”Heheldonto thehandleasFabianrolledhimandthesuitcase

outthefrontdoor.Tinkwavedalittlehandatme.“Myfriends.”“Whatdoyoumeanbyyour friends?” Ihurriedafter them, into thebright

sun.“Tink!”“It’sokay.”Heflewoff theluggage,andthePrinceliftedit,placingit into

thebackoftheSUV.“Don’tworryaboutit,Ivy-divy.”ButIwasworried,reallyworried,becauseIhadnoideawhatinthehellhe

hadinthatsuitcase.Istartedafterhim,butFayesteppedinfrontofme.Her pale blue eyeswere full of restrainedworry. “I know you trust these

people,butifwe’rewalkingintoatrap—”“Ifwe’rewalkingintoatrap,thenwefight.Ihopethat’snotthecase,butwe

don’thaveanyotheroptions.Weneedtheirhelp.”Sighing,shelookedaway.“Wedo.”IreallyhopedRenandIwerecorrect.Thatweweren’tgoingtoregretthis,

butwewerealreadyintoodeepandtherewasnostoppingnow.KalengotbehindthewheelwithFayeinthepassengerseat.RenandItook

themiddle row, and theSummerPrince took theback seat.TinkbuzzedbackandforthbetweenourrowandFabian’s,servingasacompletedistractionaswemadeourwaytowardtheharborandtothehome.

“Ithinkthisisit,”Kalenannounced.“Butit’snotahouse.”IleanedoverRentopeeroutthesidewindow.Kalenwasright.Theaddress

hadledustowhatwaseitheracondooranapartmentbuildingonOceanFrontWalk.Thebuildingwasthreestoriestall.

“It’s the right place.” Ren tapped his finger off the window, pointing outwhatappearedtobeafencedpatioaroundthelowerlevel.

Several men were standing outside. They weren’t dressed like they wereabouttowalktothesandydunes.Sunglassesshieldedtheireyes,andtheirjeansandlooseshirtsdidnothingtohidethedaggersIknewtheywerecarrying.

Iwaswillingtobetthatrailingandfencewasalliron.MyheartratespedupasIsatback.WasthiswholeapartmentbuildingOrder

controlled?Renreachedover,squeezingmykneeasKalenpulledintooneoftheparking

spots.“Let’sdothis.”IturnedtowhereTinkwas,whichwasnowontheseatbesidethePrince.“Is

yourbackpackstillinhere?TheWonderWomanone?”Hislittlebrowpuckered.“Yes,actually.It’sintheback.”“Okay.Iwantyoutogetintoit.”Tink’snosewrinkled.“ButI’llsuffocate!”Irolledmyeyes.“I’mnotgoingtozipitallthewayclosed.Ithinkit’sjust

smartifyoustayunseenatfirst.”“Fine.Whatever.ButifIsuffocate,I’llcomebackandhauntyoufortherest

ofyourlife.”Ignoring that, I looked at Fabian. “Can you grab the backpack for me?

Please?”“Wow. You said please.” The Summer Prince twisted at the waist. “That

must’vehurtyoursoul.”“Itdid,”ImutteredandwaitedforTinktogetinthebag.Hemadeashowof

it, of course. Stomping the whole way and moaning as Fabian zipped it up,leavingacoupleinchgapatthetop.

Itookthebag,surprisedbyhowheavyitwas.“There’sDaniel.”Rennodded toward thewindow. “We’ll getout first and

thentherestofyou,okay?”Theyagreed,andwhenIlookedbackatFabian,henodded.Renclimbedout,

andIfollowed,slippingoutthesamedoor.Oncestanding,Islippedthebagontomyback.

A second later a tiny fist landed in the center of my back. I grunted andturnedmyhead,whispering,“Knockitoff,Tink.”

“It’shotinheeereee,”whinedTink.“Shutup,”Ihissed,wonderingifweshould’velefthimbackatthehouseas

Danielsteppedawayfromtheglasspatiodoors.Daniel nodded at Ren, but like the other Order members standing on the

patio,theywerestillstaringattheSUV.“Who’sinthecar?”heasked.“Theyarefae.”Iignoredtheswiftkickinmykidney.“Ourfriends.Theyare

takingahugeriskbycominghere.”

“Andwe’retakingahugeriskbyreceivingthem.”I scanned the Order members, seeing the exact moment they realized my

skinhadasilverytinttoit.Iignoredit.Renturned,motioningfortheresttojoinus.“ThisisKalenandFaye,ofthe

SummerCourt.Theyhelpedus—havebeenhelpingus.”AmusclethrummedalongDaniel’sjawasthetwofaeslowlyapproachedus.

Hedidn’tspeak.Theygotacurtnodfromhim,whichwasreturnedbythetwofae.

“Hol-leeshit,”anotherOrdermemberwhispered,andthatwaswhenIknewthatFabianwasnowvisible.

Fabianstrolledtowardthemlikehewasoutforanearlymorningwalk.Thebreezeliftedhisblondhairashesteppedaroundtheironrailing.

“ThisisFabian,”Isaid.“PrinceFabianoftheSummerCourt.”Theaudiblegaspwasn’tlostonme.NeitherwasthestiffeningoftheOrder

members.Orthewaysomereachedfortheirhiddendaggers.RensteppedclosertoFabian,buttheSummerPrincesimplysmiled.

“Youwerenotexpectingroyalty,wereyou?”Fabiantiltedhishead.Danielslidmealonglook.“No,wewerenot.”Iliftedashoulderinashrug.“You should understand one thing, and one thing only.” Fabian stepped

closer, and I sworeyou couldn’t evenhear the traffic in thatmoment. “If youthreatenanyofus,Icankilleverysingleoneofyoubeforeyouevenknowwhathit you. I donotwant that tohappen. Iwantus towork together, likewedidbefore,buttestmeandyouwillnotsurvivetheconsequences.”

TinkbangedhisfistoffmybackinwhatIguessedwasagreement.Well, thatprobablywasn’twhatDanielwanted tohear,butheclippedout,

“Dulynoted.”Danielsteppedforward,goingtoetotoewiththeSummerPrince.“Andifanyofyouharmanyofourmembers,wewillspendourdyingbreathskillingeverysingleoneofyou.”

Fabian’ssmilespread.“Dulynoted.”“All right then.” Ren clapped his hands together. “Now that we have that

settled,canwegetonwiththis?”Danielsmirked.“Followme.”TheSummerPrincearchedabrowatthemenandthentrailedafterDaniel,

followinghimthroughthepatiodoors.Renwentnext,andthenFayeandKalen.Itookuptheback.

“Nicebackpack,”oneoftheOrdermemberssnortedasIwalkedby.Iturned.“Itis,isn’tit?”Igotanotherkickintheback,andIsworewhenthiswasover,Iwasgoingto

flushTinkdownatoilet.Stepping through the patio, I immediately realized this was no normal

apartmentbuilding.Itonlylookedthatwayfromtheoutside.Anarrowhallledtoawide-openspacethatIassumedwasalargemeeting

room,onethatremindedmeoftheheadquartersintheQuarter.AlargemapofwhatIwasguessingwasSanDiegoandthesurroundingcitieswasonthewall.Therewereseveralcafeteriastyle tableswithbenches,andat least threedozenOrdermembers.

Allofthemwerestanding,staringatthefiveofus.Mostof their stares showedopenhostility.Only a fewappeared curious. I

sawMiles standing beside a tall, dark-skinnedwoman,whose expressionwasalmostasunreadableashis.

“Thesepeoplelookfriendly,”Rensaidunderhisbreath.“Right?”Iwhisperedback.Danielmadeaquickroundofintroductions,andwhenhegottothewoman,

IlearnedthathernamewasLiz,andsherantheSanDiegobranchoftheOrder.“We’ve been told that we are all fighting on the same side,” she said,

crossingherarms.“Asyoucanimagine,itishardforustoacceptthat.”“Just as it’s hard for us to accept the same from theOrder,” Faye replied,

standingbesideKalen.“Butwe’reallhere.”“Weare.”Liz liftedahand.TheOrdermemberssatashergazefoundme.

“So,you’retheHalfling?”Iliftedmychin.“Iam.MostcallmeIvy,though.”Sheignoredthat.“Andyou’retheonethePrinceheldcaptivebutescaped?”Inodded.Sheinclinedherhead,andIguessedthatwassomekindof‘goodjob’nod.

“Whatisinyourbackpack?”Tink stopped shimmying around, and Fabian turned to me. “My . . . my

friendisinthisbag.”Danielliftedhisbrows.“Yourfriend?”“Yes.”“Youhaveafriendinabackpack?”hepersisted.Renpressedhislipstogether.“Yeah.”Carefully,Iletthebagslideoffmyarm.Ikneltandplaceditonthe

floor.Ireachedforthespacebetweenthezippers,andfeltanipofpain.Ijerkedmyhandback.

Tinkbitmyfinger!Thatlittlebastard!“Behave,”Iwarned,shakingthestingoutofmyhand.

Asoftlaughcamefrominsidethebag.“Whatinthehell?”Danielsteppedforward.“What’sinyourbag,Ivy?”“Apaininmyass,”ImutteredasIunzippedit.“Comeonout.”SeveralOrdermembersstoodwhileothers triedtoseeover thosestanding.

Sighing,Istraightenedasonetinyhandcameoutofthebag,curlingaroundthematerialandthenanother.

Liz’seyesnarrowed.“Whatis...?”Spiky, icy blond hair appeared, and then a forehead, followed by two big

roundeyes.Then,becauseTinkkneweveryonewaswatching,heslowly liftedhiswingssotheybecamevisible.

Someonecursed.Liz’smouthdroppedopen,butshedidn’tspeak.“Isthat...”DanieltrailedoffasTinkliftedahandandwiggledhisfingers.“Suchashowboat.”Rensighed,foldinghisarms.Ifoughtagrin.“ThisisTink.Heisa...well,he’sabrownie.”“Abrownie?”Lizshookherhead.“They’reinourworld?”“No.JustTink.”Tinktookthatmomenttoflyoutofthebagandzipuptomyshoulder.He

landedthere,pickingupmyhairand...hidingbehindit.Iresistedtheurgetorollmyeyes.“Anyway,hewasinmybag.He’sa...

shylittleguy.”Renmadeachokingsound.“Youhaveabrownie?”Milesblinkedrapidly.“Ithoughttheywere—”“AllkilledoffbytheWinterCourt?”Fabianansweredforhim.“Nearlyallof

themwere.Tinkistheonlyoneofhiskindinthisworld.”Tink peeked around my head as he balled his fists into my hair and

whispered,“Ilookadorable,don’tI?”“Somethinglikethat.”Iclearedmythroat.“I’dliketotellyouonedayabout

howImetTink.”AglimpseofwondersnuckintoLiz’sexpression.“Iwouldverymuchliketo

hearthatstory.”Ismiledatthat.“ButweneedtotalkaboutthePrinceandtheHalfling.”“That we do.” Liz watched Tink move to my other shoulder, the look of

incredulitystill fillingherexpression.Shegavea littleshakeofherhead.“Wehave not been able to discover who the Halfling is, but we know where thePrinceis.Asfarasweknow,hehasnotmadecontactwiththeHalfling.”

Iwastoorealistic tolethopetakeflight.Justbecausetheydidn’t thinkthePrince had gottenwith theHalfling yet didn’tmean it hadn’t happened. “AndwhereisthePrince?”

“He’sbeenholedupinoneoftheresorts,”Milesanswered.“TheValencia.”Neverheardofit,butIwasbettingitwasnice.Soundedlikeitwas.“Andhowmanyfaedoeshehavewithhim?”Kalenasked.“Aboutadozenthatcamewithhim,”Lizanswered.“Buthehasmore.The

faeherehavebeengatheringattheresort.”“TheOrderhasnotgoneafterhim?”Fabianfrowned.“There are humans at the resort. Too many who would get caught in the

crossfire. Itwoulddrawa lotofattention.And the twelve faehebroughtwithhimareKnights.”Liz’sjawhardened.“TheOrderisbraveandwearewillingtodieforourcause,butnotfoolishly.”

“Andwhydoyoubelievehehasn’tmetwiththeHalfling?”Renasked.“WeluckedoutwhenheleftNewOrleans.Hewasseenandwewereableto

follow,”Milesexplained.OneoftheOrdermemberswhowasoverbythetablesanswered.He’dbeen

introducedwhenwe firstwalked in.Pretty surehisnamewasRob. “Wewereabletotrackhimonceheenteredthecityfromthelicenseplatesofthosewhotraveledwithhim.Hearrivedattheresort,andwe’vehadeyesonhimtheentiretime.Hehasn’tleftonce.”

Something...somethingaboutthiswasn’tmakingsense.“TwoofhisKnightshavecomeandgone,appearingtoberunningerrands.”

Lizwalkeduptothemap,pointingtoablackpushpin.“Thisiswheretheresortis.We’rethinkingthattheHalflingissomewhereinthisarea.”

AweirdchillcurleditswaydownmyspineasIlookedoveratRenandthenFabianwhileTinkhungontomyhair.TheSummerPrincehadsaidhispeoplebecameawarethatDrakehadleftNewOrleans.MarlonhadtolduswhereDrakehadgone,andmeanwhile,theOrderhadseenthePrinceleave.

Thatwas...thatwastoomanycoincidencesorsloppyworkonthePrince’sbehalf.ThelatterwashardtobelievesinceDrakehadmanagedtogounseenthisentire time, setting up a base camp just outside of New Orleans without theOrdereverdiscoveringhislocation.Butnow?Everyoneintheirmotherhadseenhim.

Ididn’tlikethis—didn’tlikethisatall.Itookastepback.“What’swrong?”Tinkasked,speakingdirectlyintomyear.“Yourshoulders

aresuddenlyastenseasaturkeyaroundThanksgiving.”Mybrowpuckered.“I...Idon’tknow.”“They must be aware that you know they are here,” Faye spoke, her

expressionpinched.“Andtheyhavetobewonderingwhyyouhaven’tattackedyet.”

Daniel nodded as hewidened his stance. “I think they believewe are tooafraidtodoso.”

“Isthatnotthecase?”Fabianasked.“Oooh,”Tinkmurmured.TheNewOrleanssect leadernarrowedhiseyes.“Wearenotafraid.We’re

smart.We’vebeenplanning.”“Whatdoestheplanentailexactly?”Renasked.“WeknowthePrincehastheCrystal.”Lizturnedawayfromthemap.“With

theHalflinghere,wecancompletetheritualandsendhimback.”Renstiffened,andsuddenly,thefacttheOrdermembersweresowillingto

acceptourpresencemadesense.Theyhadrealizedtheyneededus—neededmetosendthePrinceback,buttherewassomethingelsethatpickedawayatme.

“Thisritual,”Milessaid.“Whatisitcalled?“Bloodandstone,”Fabiananswered.“That’sright. I’vedoneabitofreadinguponit.”Miles’gazefoundmine.

“Doyouknowwhattheritualis?”“IknowthatmybloodandthebloodofthePrince’smustbeontheCrystal,”

Isaid,wincingasTinksteppedonmyhair,pullingit.“AndIknowitneedstobecompletedintheOtherworld.”

Milesliftedhisbrows.“Butdoyouknowwhathappensafteryoucompletetheritual?”

“IgetthehellouttheOtherworld?”Isurmised.Someone snorted, but Miles stepped forward, a slight frown marring his

features.“Imaynotbereadingtheritualcorrectly,butfromwhatIcangather,whoseverbloodisonthatCrystalistrappedintheOtherworld.”

Dreadexplodedinmygut.“What?”“It will trap both of you in the Otherworld. Not just the Prince.” Miles

glancedatFabian.“I’mguessingwhomever toldyouabout the ritual forgot totellyouthat.”

Chapter29

Stunned,Iletmyarmsfalltomysides.Hecouldn’tbetellingthetruth.Ahugepartofmewentintodenial,becausethatwouldmeanthattheyall . . . theyallhadliedtome.

“No,”whisperedTink,andthenlouder,“thatcannotbetrue.”Hewalkedoutontotheendofmyshoulder.“No.”

I couldn’t move as things began to click into place. No one had beenforthcomingwithinformationabouttheritualwithRen.ThosewhoknewabouttheritualwerereadilyacceptingofthechangeI’dgonethroughandtrustingme—trustingus.

“Whatthefuck?”AngerfilledRen’stoneasheturnedtowardFayeandtheotherSummerfae.“Isthattrue?IvywouldbetrappedintheOtherworld?”

Fayeblanched,andIknewrightthenitwastrue,anditwaslikethefloorhadopenedundermyfeet.Mychesthollowed.“Itmakessensenow.”

Renturnedtome.“Thisisn’tmakinganydamnsense.”“But it is.” My throat thickened, and I couldn’t take my eyes off Faye.

“That’swhyyouguyshelpedmeescapeandmadesureIwassafe.Itwasn’toutof the kindness of your hearts. You neededme—neededme alive unless youfound another halfling.One that had a chance ofmaking it to theOtherworldwiththePrinceandcompletingtheritual.”

DanielandMiles,alongwith theSanDiegobranch lookedon insilence. Ihadnoideawhattheywerethinking.

“Youknewthatyouwereneededalivetocompletetheritual.”Fabianturnedtowardme.“IthastobethebloodofahalflingandtheWinterPrince.Youmustbealiveforthattohappen.”

“Noshit,”snappedRen.“Weknowthat.Wealsoknowthattheritualhastobecompletedin theOtherworld.Atnopointdidanyonementionthat itwouldtrapherthere.”

“Thatisaprettybigthingtoforgettotellsomeone,”Mileschimedin.“Wedidn’tforget.”Fayefacedus,hereyespleadingwithustounderstand.

“Wehadhopedtofindawaytoensurethatyouwouldnotbetrappedthere.”Achokedlaughescapedme.“Youhoped?”“Thisisawkward,”Lizmurmuredunderherbreath.“That’sit.”Renstalkedtowardme.“We’reout.”“What?” I turned tohim,andTinkwalkedbackupmyshoulder,placinga

handonthesideofmyheadtosteadyhimself.“We’re donewith this shit.”His bright green gazemetmine. “So fucking

done.”Kalenstartedtowardhim.“Ren—”“Fuck no.”He shot themale fae a dangerous look ofwarning, oneKalen

heededbystopping.“Wedidn’tsignupforthis.Ivydidn’tsignupforthis.She’snotgoingtosacrificeherself.Fuckthatshit.”

DoIhaveachoice?Thatquestioncausedashivertocoursedownmyspine.JustasIfearedlast

night,wewereleftwithonlyoneotheroption.FindawaytoweakenthePrincelongenoughtokillhim.

Betrayal mixed with anger as I lifted my chin and stared at the Ordermembers.“DoyouallknowhowtokillthePrince?”

DanielandLizexchangedlooks.Itwasherthatspokeup.“Athornstake—”“We know that a thorn stake will kill him—kill any prince.” I looked at

Fabian, who arched a brow. “But have you fought a prince? A Knight or anAncient?”

Liz’slipsthinned.“Wehaven’t—”“Thenyoudon’t realizehowincrediblyhard it is toevenfightanAncient,

andthat’snothinglikefacingaprince,”Itoldthem.“So,I’mguessingyouhavenoideahowtoweakenthePrince.”

“Wehaveonestandingrightinfrontofusthatcouldanswerthatquestion,”Danielpointedout.

“Ivy,”Rensaid,frustrationbitingathistone.“Let’s—”Someonefromoutsideshouted,andIwhippedaroundsofast thatTinkleft

myshoulderandhoveredbesideme.Thedoorwe’dcamethroughexplodedoffthehinges.Abodyflewthrough

theair,hittingthefloorwithafleshysmack.ItwasanOrdermember,oneofthemenwho’dbeenoutside.Histhroat...God,itwasrippedout,exposingtissue.

“Shit.”Ireachedformydaggers.Ordermembersshotfromtheirchairs,andeverythingI’djustlearnedfadedtothebackground.

Thefeelingfromearliercameback, theone thatscreamedallof this, fromthemomentthePrinceleftNewOrleanstonowhadbeentooeasy.Iknewdeepinmybonesthatthiswasatrapandallofushadwalkedrightintoit.

Anotherbodylandedneartheother,thrownfromdeepinthehall.“We’reundersiege!”Lizshouted,brandishingweapons.“Prepare!”“Getback,Tink.”Mygriptightenedonthedaggers,andIprayedtoGodhe

listenedasicyairrolledintothelargemeetingroom,seepingoverthefloors.Renappearedatmyside,thornstakeinhand.“Thisisnotgood.”

“No.It’snot.”A roar that shook the walls filled my stomach with knots. A stuttered

heartbeatlater,theycamethroughthedoorway.Kalencockedhisarm,lettingthedaggerheheldfly.Itsmackedintothechestofthefirstfae,takingitdown,butthenanotherandanothercamethroughthenarrowopening,untildozensoffaewere in the roomwith us.Most were not normal fae.Most were Ancients—KnightsofthePrince.

“Crap,”Iwhispered,stampingdownonthebiteoffear.Wemetthemhead-on.Instincttookoverasstakeswhizzedthroughtheair,somefalling,clattering

offthedustyfloor,andothersstrikingtrue.Screamsandshoutsmixedwiththewetsoundoftearingfleshandcrackingbones.Itwasawhirlofmayhem,andIquicklylostsightofTinkinthecrowdoffast-movingbodies.

Renbroughtdownthenearestfae,movingasfluidandgracefulasadancer.Iwhippedaround,shovingmystakedeepintothechestofafaeasFabianbegantoglow like the sun. I caught sightofhimstalking forward, liftinganarm.AfieryballoflightformedinhishandasDanielsquaredoffwithaKnight.

Istartedtowardthem,cutoffbyafaewhochargedme.Idancedtotheside,my booted foot slipping in something wet—blood. Straightening, I lifted mygazeandsawthefemalefaecomingmyway.Shedartedtowardme,butdidn’tengage. Then it clicked into place. Shewas keepingme from engaging. Theyweren’ttryingtofightme.TheyknewIwastheHalflingandthatI...Ineededtobealive,butiftherewasanotherhalfling,Iwasdisposable.

Noneofthatmatteredatthemoment.Rushing toward her, I caught her arm as she tried to sidestep me. She

screamedasI twisted,spinningheraround.Stabbingthedaggerdownintoherchest,IjerkeditbackoutasIletgoofher.Shewasalreadyfoldingintoherselfbythetimeshehitthefloor.

The temperature dropped again and I spun toward the opening as a tall,slender woman stalked into the room. Breena. That fucking bitch was here.EverypartofmybrainclickedoffasIprowledtowardher.Ifanyonediedtoday,it would be her. I swore to God and baby llamas everywhere, that bitch wasgoingdown.

AnotherOrdermemberreachedherfirst.ItwasRob.Heliftedhisarm,butshe was fast—wicked fast. Her hand flew out and went straight through theman’schest.

Mystepsskiddedtoahaltasmymouthdroppedopeninhorror.Wait.Thatdidn’tmakesense.Thatwasn’tpossible.

Breenayankedherhandback,anditwasabloodymess.Hisheart—sheheld

Rob’sheart.ButBreenawasn’tanAncient.Shewasjustanormalfae.Howwasthat—

MyheartlurchedintomythroatasIsawthePrince.HewalkedthroughthedoorasBreenadroppedthemangledorgan.FearandragespiraledinsidemeasIstaredatthePrince.

Hisgazeswepttheroomuntilthoseexpressivelipscurledintoasmirk.Hehadfoundme.

Drakesmiled.“Hello,Ivy.It’sbeentoolong.”Mybodyturnedtoiceasaroarofred-hotrageeruptedbehindme.Ren.That

wasRencausingthetinyhairsallovermybodytoraise.Fabian whipped around, shock etched into the one word he spoke, in a

languageIdidn’tunderstand.ThePrince’sshoulderstensedashisgazesnappedfromminetotheSummer

Prince. Some kind of emotion flickered over Drake’s face as he stared at theotherPrince.

DearGod,theylookedsomuchalike.Liketheycouldbe—“No.” Fabian lowered his arm, and a bright glow faded from him as he

stumbled—actuallystumbledbackastep.“No.Myeyesarelyingtome.Itisnotyou.You’redead.”

What in the hellwas going on?Whatwas Fabian talking about, andwhyweretheystaringateachotherlikethat?

“Ivy! Ivy!” Tink flew near the ceiling, hiswingsmoving frantically as heshriekedmynameinawaythatcausedpanictoexplodewithinme.“She’shere!She’s—”

Ithappenedsofast.ThatbitchBreena’sheadsnappedaround,hergazefollowingTink’sflight.A

flickerofsurpriseshowedinherexpressionandshethrewoutherarms.Ashockwaverippledthroughtheroom.Itcaughtmebytheknees,liftingme

up in the air and flipping me backward. There was a glimpse of Tink flyingbackwardasIlandedhardonmyback.IcyfogpouredintotheroomasIrolledontomyside.I’dlostoneofmydaggers.

Thatkindofpower—itwasnotnormal.“Ren!”IshoutedasIrosetomyknees.“Ren—”“Here,” he grunted, and from the thick white smoke, I saw his hand. His

knuckleswerebloodiedas theywrappedaroundmine.Rensqueezedmyhandandthenletgo.

A soft laugh carried through the fog—a laugh that sent a bolt of dreadstraightdownmyspine.

Istoodslowly,breathingheavyasIclutchedtheonedaggerIhadleft.The

icymistrolledback,revealingthosewhowerestillstanding.Thereweren’tmany, but I sawDaniel andMiles standing nearKalen and

Faye.IalsosawLiz.Ididn’tseeTink.Mystomachplummeted.ButtherewasthePrince,hischestrisingandfallingsharply.Hewasn’t alone.Something rose likeawraith, tall andslender, andas the

mistslippedaway,Isawacrownofbone,andIknewwhatBreenawas.Rengroaned.“Oh,hell.”BehindtheWinterPrincestoodaQueensmilingablood-soakedsmile.

Chapter30

“Shit,”Iwhispered,rootedtowhereIstood.Tink’sscreechingwarningmadesense.Abrowniewould’veseenBreena—

seenthroughwhateverfacadeshewaswearing.He’dseentheQueenandtriedtowarnus.

Butitwastoolate.AdamnQueenstoodbeforeus,andshelookedlikeBreena,butnot.Herhair

wasnowafrostedsilver,nearlyreachingherwaist.SheworeBreena’sface,butherchinwassharper,hereyeswiderandlipsfuller.Herblueeyeswereluminousagainstthecolorofmoltensilver.

Andthatcrown...It really looked like it was made of bone curved into a half circle and

sharpenedtoriseintothreesinglepoints,themiddlethetallest.She brushed her hand over Drake’s shoulder, drawing his gaze from the

SummerPrince.“Focus,mylove,”shemurmured.“Focus.”ThePrincewentstill.Flanked behind them were three Knights and two more fae. We’d taken

downalot,butnotenough—notnearlyenoughwiththeQueenhere.Someone, some brave fool, rushed her, brandishingwhat appeared to be a

thornstake.AnElitemember.Shecaughttheman’sarm,andwithaflickofherwrist, snapped thebone.Themanscreamedasshe jerkedhim toher.Shewaslikeacobrastriking,buryinghermouthinhisthroat.Theman’sscreamendedinagurgleasbloodspurtedintothemist.Sheliftedherheadandletthemango.Hefelltothefloor,throattornoutasshefacedus.

“Holyfuck,”Milesgaspedbehindme.Bloodcourseddownherchinasshetiltedherhead.“Surprise?”Isuckedinabreath.Aknotoffearformedinmythroat.Breenahadbeenthe

Queenallalong?“Thebrownie?”shespoke.“Whereisit?”Ihadno ideawhereTinkwas,butwhereverhe’dgone, Iprayed itwasfar

fromhere.“Youbitch,”Fabiangrowled.“Youlying,traitorousbitch.”“Careful,” she said, wiping the back of her hand across hermouth. “I do

believeyou’rethelastofyourcourt?Well...”ShelaughedassheglancedovertothestillandsilentDrake.Sheplacedahandonhischest.“Thelastwhoknows

thatheis.”Fabian’snostrilsflared.Wait.WasDrake—?TheQueen’sgazeflickedtome.“Lookatyou.Imustsay,thechangesarean

improvement.Butnotmuch.”ThoseicyeyesfoundRen.“Andyou?You’restillasyummyasIremember.”

Potentfurysweptthroughme.“YouknowwhatIremember?Gougingyoureyesout.”

Her bloody smile spread. “Yes, I remember that too, and I do plan onrepaying that favor very, very soon, but we still need you alive for the timebeing.”

I stiffened as my hand tightened on the iron dagger. “There was never ahalflinghere,wasthere?”

“No, you silly little bitch. Perhaps theremight be one here.” She lifted ashoulderinanoddlydaintyshrug.“Ihavenoidea.Youwentintohidingandweneededtodrawyouout.”TheQueenlaughedwhenRencursedunderhisbreath.“Afterall,doyouthinkwewould’vebeensoobviousaboutourmoves?”

Iknewit.Dammit,Iknewit.We’dallbeenplayed,andweshould’veknownbetter.Nowweweretrapped

here,allofus,withDrakeorwhoeverhewas,andadamnQueen.“WhySanDiego?”Lizdemanded.“Whyhere?”“Because it has the largest number of Order members. No other city has

moreinonelocation,”Danielanswered.“YoutakeouttheSanDiegobranch,itwillhaveacripplingrippleeffect.”

Ithappenedsofast.Several Order members stepped forward, brandishing their iron daggers.

Kalenshoutedawarning,butitwastoolate.Theygrippedtheshouldersofothermembersastheydraggedthebladeacrosstheirthroats.

Horror seizedme as I spun around to seeDaniel drag a blade alongLiz’sthroat.“No!”Iscreamed,andIdidn’tevenknowwhy.Itwastoolate.

Liz’s hands flew to her throat, trying to stanch the flow of blood as shestumbledandthendroppedtoherknees.OnlyahandfulofsecondshadpassedandthenshejoinedtheotherOrdermembersonthefloor.

My wide gaze swung to Daniel as my heart broke. I couldn’t believe it.Danielhadbetrayedus—allofus.Mymouthopened,butIdidn’thavewordsasIstaredatthemanwhowastheclosestthingtoafathertome.ThiswaslikeValalloveragain,butworse,somuchworse.

“Sonofabitch,”croakedMiles,andforthefirsttimeinmylife,Isawreal

emotion inhis faceashestaredatDaniel inhorroranddisbelief.“How?Howcouldyoudothis?”

“Becausethisisawarwewillnotwin.”Danielwipedhisbladeonhispants,cleaningitofblood.Hisgazefoundmine.“DidyouneveroncequestionwhyIwas soacceptingofwhatyouhadbecome?Orwhatyoudid toKyle? Iknewhe’dgoneafteryou.AndIknewthatoneorbothofyouwouldkillhim.”

The next breath I took got stuck. I’d questioned it. We both did, but wewantedhope.Stupid.We’dallbeensodamnstupid.

“Rightnow,allacrossthecity,Ordermemberswillbemeetingthesamefate.AndbackinNewOrleans?Thesame,accordingtoplan.ButwhatIdidn’tplanonwasabrownie.”TheQueen’slipscurled,baringrazor-sharpteeth.“Whereisit?”

Drawinginashallowbreath,IpushedasideeverythingwithDanielandmethergazehead-on.I’dhavetodealwiththatfreshbetrayallater—iftherewasalater.“Idon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout.”

“Okay. You want to play a game. I love games.” She clasped her handstogether. “This is a game I like to call, kill everyone.Except you. I still needyou,buttherestareabouttodie.”HergazefoundFaye.“Startingwithyou.”

Faye’s chest rose with a sharp breath, but she held her ground as Kalensteppedtostandnexttoher.

“Ormaybenotyou.”TheQueendriftedforward.“Maybehim.”Myheartlurched.ShewasstaringatRen.“Ifyoutouchonehaironhishead,

you’llregretit.”“SomehowIdoubtthat.”ShemovedfasterthanIcouldtrack.Asecondlater

shewasstandingbehindRen,herlongfingersencirclinghisneck.“Doyoulikethisgame,Ivy?”

Ren’sjawlockeddownasheheldverystill,meetingmygaze.Myheartwaspoundingfast,toofastasIliftedthedaggertomyownthroat.Ididn’thesitate.Not for a second. “If you hurt him, Iwill slitmy own throat and then you’llreallyhavetofindanotherhalfling.Howdoyoulikethatgame?”

Her lips thinned as she tilted her head to the side. “You’d kill yourself tosavehim?”

“Inaheartbeat.”“Ivy,”Rengaspedout.Disbeliefcrowdedherface.“Youwouldn’t—”The sound of plastic wheels gliding over wood floors drew all of our

attentiontowardthedoor.Icouldn’tbelievewhatIwasseeingatfirst.Iblinked,thinkingIhadtobeseeingthings,butmyeyesweren’tlyingtome.

Tink’s suitcase rolled across the floor, slidingpast thePrince and stopping

justshortofFabian.ThenTinkzoomed into theroom,flyingas fastasa littlemissile,towardthesuitcase.Grippingthezipperinhistinyhands,hedraggeditalongtheseam.Onesideofthesuitcaseswungopenandhundredsoftrolldollsspilledout,scatteringoverthefloorinaseaofneonblueandhotpinkhair.

“Whatthe...?”Istumbledbackastep.TheQueencockedherheadtothesideassheheldRen.Everyonestared,becausetherewerehundredsoftrolldollsrollingacrossthe

floor,throughblood,andyeah,itwasreallybizarre.Flyingforward,Tinkhoveredabovehisseaoftrolldollsandliftedhisarms.

“Riseup,mylittlebabies.”The dolls trembled on the floor and then shook. All of them. Their little

plasticbodiesrocking,andthentheirbodies...weren’tplasticanymore.Theirlegsbent.Theirarmsmoved.Theirheadsturned,andtheireyeswerethepalestblue,likeallcreaturesfromtheOtherworld.

Ihadnowords.Thetrolldollsroseontotheirstubbylegs.Theirmouthsopenedandahigh

keeningscreecheruptedfromthem,raisingthetinyhairsallalongmyarms.Well,Iwasgoingtohavealife’sworthofnightmaresbecauseofthis.“Holy crap,” Iwhispered. “Instead of being theNightKing, he’s theTroll

King.”Thedolls’headsturnedtowardtheQueen.Lettingoutashriekofrage,theQueenthrewRenaside,sendinghimsliding

several feet across the floor.Hewent downononeknee as I shot to his side,grabbinghishandandhaulinghimup.

“Weneedtogetoutofhere,”hesaid,hiswideeyesonthedolls.“Now.”“Agreed.”Holdingtighttohishand,IshoutedforTinkasthedollsstompedacrossthe

floor,racingtowardtheQueen.TinkflewtomyshoulderasIspuntowardFayeandKalen.Themalefaemetmygazeandnodded.

Thedolls reached theQueen, their littlehandsclutchingatherdress.Theyclimbedupherlegs,dozensofthem.

She shrieked, plucking one off her thigh. Blood covered its little mouth.Theybit?Shecrusheditinherhandasshescreamedinrage.Dozensmorewereclimbing up her, reaching her stomach, digging in with their hands and . . .mouths.TheKnightsstartedtowardher,butwerealsoovercomebydolls.Theyswallowedthemwhole,likeacarpetofflesh-eatingtrolldolls.

Iwasgoingtoneedtherapy—yearsoftherapy.Renstarted toward thedoorandTinkhoppedfrommyshoulder tohis,but

handslandedonmyback,jerkingmeawayfromRen.MyhandslippedfreeasI

wasspunaround.IcamefacetofacewithDaniel.“Ican’tletyougo,”hesaid,hisgripdiggingin.“I’msorry,Ivy.”Ididn’t stop to think aboutwhat Iwasdoing,butmychest achedandmy

eyesburnedasmygriptightenedonthedagger.“Daniel,”Isaid,myvoicehoarse.HisgazemetmineasecondbeforeIslammedthedaggerdeepintothecenter

ofhischest.Daniel’smouthopened,but therewerenowords.None.Isawhiseyesdullover.

Exhalingroughly,IletgoofthedaggerasIblinkedbackhottears.Ijerkedasanotherhandtouchedmyarm.IturnedtofindMilesbesideme.“Weneedtogo,”hesaid.“Now.”

Unable tospeak, Igotmyfeetmoving.Weracedacross thefloor,our feetslippingandslidingintheblood.Atthedoorway,IrealizedFabianwasn’twithus.HewasstandinginfrontofDrake,speakingtoofastformetounderstand.

TheQueenwasinthecenteroftheroom,spinningasshesenteviltrolldollsineverydirection.

Fabianpickedupafallendagger.Istopped,heartsomewhereinmythroat.Itwasiron.Itwouldn’tkillDrakeat—

Fabiandidn’tstabtheWinterPrince.He sliced open his own palm, drawing blood, and he lifted that bloodied

palm, dragging it down the center of Drake’s face and pressing it against hismouth.

TheWinter Prince’s entire body jolted aswhat appeared to be a thousandfirefliessurroundedhim,encasinghisentirebodyinashimmeringgoldenglow.Onlyasecondortwopassedandthentheshimmering,dazzlinglightsreceded.

TheWinterPrincestoodthere,hisluminousblueeyeswideandunseeing.Itwas likea layerofdarkness seepedoffandslidaway.Blackhairgaveway togolden.Shadowspeeledawayfromthehollowsofhischeeks.Hisfeatureswerethesame,buthewasnotoftheWinterCourt.Hewas...

Whatintheholyfu—?“Ivy!”Renwasonceagainatmyside.“Look,”Iwhispered.“Lookathim.”Renfollowedmygaze.“Whatthehell?”ThePrince fellbacka step,hiswidegazedartingoverFabianandus.His

staremetmine,andhisentirefacecontortedasifhewereinpain.IbumpedintoRenasthePrincewhippedaroundandletoutasoundthatwas

asterrifyingasitwasinhumanandprimitive.Thesmellofburntozonefilledtheairasablastofpotentenergyrolledacrossthefloor.IthittheKnightsfirst.

Theyburstintonothing,disintegratingonthespot.

Skinpeeledoff theOrdermembers thathadbetrayedus.Theirboneswerecrushedintodust.Theimpactwassointensethatitburnttheirshadowsintothefloor.

Stillflingingoffthetrolldolls,theQueenspuntowardthePrince.Hereyeswidenedwith shock, and then the energy slammed into her. She and the dollsflewofftheirfeetandbackward.TheQueenhitthewall...andcrashedthroughit.

“Ithinkweneedtogo.”Rengrabbedmyarmandstartedbackingup.“Likeforreal.”

Pullingmygazeawayfromthebizarrescene,Iturnedandrandownthehall,catchingupwiththerestofthegroup.

“WhataboutFabian?”Tinkdemandedasthepatiodoorscameintoview.“Forgethim,”Renresponded.“What?”TinklaunchedhimselfoffRen’sshoulder.“Oh,hellno.”IsnatchedTinkoutofmid-air,wrappingmyhandsaroundhis

waist.“Youarenotgoingbackthere.”“But—”“No.”IheldtighttoTinkasweburstoutontothepatio.“Anddon’tyoudare

bitemeorchangeforms.”Tink’sfacefell,andIignoreditasIranacrosstheparkinglot.Kalenalready

hadthekeysoutasherantothedriver’sdoor.FayeclimbedintothefrontseatasMilesclimbedin,headingforthesecondrow.Rengotinandtwistedtowardme,reachingoutahand.Hisgazeflickedovermyhead.

“Whatthehell?”hedemanded,startingtomakehiswaybackout.Iturnedandmymouthdroppedopen.Fabian stormed through the doors, andwith himwasDrake, his face still

bloody.“Whatthehellareyoudoing?”Ireachedformydagger,butrealizedIhadnoneleft.“WhatareyoudoingwithDrake?”

“Thisisn’tDrake.”FabianheldontothePrince’sarm.“Bullshit!Iknowwhoheisevenwiththelighterhair.”“You’rewrong.”“Fabian,thatistheWinterPrince.”Fayehadrolleddownthewindow.“Isaw

himeveryday.ThatisDrake.”TheWinterPrince squinted, shieldinghis eyesashe swayedunsteadilyon

his feet. “I am . . .”He trailed off, flinching as if something or someone hadgottennearhisface.

“ThatisnottheWinterPrince.”Tinkbeatatmyfist.“I’veseenhimbefore,Ivy.IknowwhatDrakelookslike.IsawhimintheOtherworld,remember?”

Confused,Ishookmyhead.

“Weneedtogo,”Kalenwarned.“Weneedtogetthehelloutofhere.”“Letusin,”Fabiandemanded.“Nofuckingway.”Renpushedmeintotheseat.“I’mgoingtokillthatson

ofabitch.Idon’tcareifhelookslikeBeachPrincerightnow.”RenwasoutoftheSUVbeforeIknewwhathewasdoing.Inaheartbeat,his

fistslammedintothePrince’sjaw,snappinghisheadback.Ishotforward,fearabittertasteinthebackofmythroat.ThePrincewould—

ThePrinceslowlyturnedhisheadbacktoRen.Hislipwassplit.Hedidn’traisehishandsoranythingasRen’s fist snakedoutagain, catchinghimunderthechin,knockinghisheadback.

“Stop!”shoutedTink.“Youneedtostop,Ren!”Rencockedhisarmbackagain,butFabiancaughthisfist.“Hithimagain,

andIwillmakesurethereisnothingleftofyou.”IsnatchedthebackofRen’sshirtwithmyfreehandandtuggedhimback.

Hedidn’tbudge,notuntilIwrappedmyarmaroundhiswaist.“That’senough.”“No.”Renshookhishead.“Thatisnotnearlyenough.”“He’snotDrake!Lookat him.He’sdifferent,”Tink shouted, and then the

littlebastardsunkhisteethintomyhand.“Ouch!”Iletgo,drawingmyhandbackandshakingthestingout.Tinkflew

outofthecar,towardthePrince’sshoulder.“Wedon’thavetimeforthis,Tink.Getawayfrom—”

“Ifyoudon’tletbothofthemintothiscar,I’mnotcoming!”Igapedatthedamnbrownie.“Areyououtofyourmind?”“Areyou?”Tinkshotback.“This is not Drake,” Fabian said, his voice sounding broken. “This ismy

brother.”

Chapter31

TheridebacktoDelMarwas...awkwardandtense.Itprobablyhad todowith thefact that thePrincewhokidnappedRenand

me,whohad tried to seduceme tobringabout a fae apocalypse, andwasall-aroundmurderousandpsychotic,wassittinginthebackseatoftheSUV,silentandstaringoutthewindow.

Between that, the armies of troll dolls, the betrayal of Daniel, and theappearanceoftheQueen,itwasofficiallytheworstMondayever.

Renpracticallysat facing thebackseat theentire ride to thehouse.SodidMiles,andIdidthesame.

TherewassomethingwrongwiththePrince.Hedidn’tspeak.Hedidn’tlookatanyofus.Hedidn’tevenrespondtoany

ofthetersecommentsabouthim.Hejustsatthere,andIcouldn’tbelieveIwasinacarwithhimandnottryingtomurderhim.

“Hewasunderanenchantment,”Fabianexplained,staringatDrake.Itwascleartheywerebrothers.I’dseenthesimilaritybeforeandnow,withthechangeinthehaircolor,itwasobvious.“WebelievedthathediedintheGreatWarwiththeWinterCourt.Isawhimgodown,andIcouldn’tgettohim.QueenMorganatook his body.We thought she did so to refuse us our burial tradition.Now Iknow.Sheplacedhimunderherspell.”

AndnowweknewwhatQueenweweredealingwith.Ofcourse,ithadtobetheonewhowastheboogeymanofallthefae.Great.Justourfreakingluck.

“So, are you sayinghe’s not responsible for anyof his actions because hewasunderaspell?”Rendemanded.

“Yes.”FabianlookedatRen.“ThatisexactlywhatI’msaying.”“Bullshit,”hegrowled.“Thatbastard—”“Wasunderherspell,”Fabiancut in.“Just likeahumanwouldbeundera

glamour. It is apowerfulenchantment thatonlyaKingorQueencando.Onethatisforbidden.”

Renleanedtowardthebackoftheseat.“I.Don’t.Care.”“Iknow it’shard toaccept. I’mhavingahard timeaccepting it, too.Trust

me,”Fayesaid,havingtwistedaroundinherseat.“Butwhenoneofourkindisunderanenchantment,wecannotcontrolwhatwedo.Itwouldbethesameforamortal.”

Milesstiffened.“Hekilledscoresofourmembers,eitherbyhisownhands

oronhisorder.”“And themanyouanswered tobetrayedallofusandhisownmen,”Faye

remindedhim.I squeezedmy eyes shut against the truth of thosewords. I couldn’t even

thinkaboutwhatDanielhaddoneorthatIhadendedhim.Milesdidn’trespondtothat,becausewhatcouldhesay?Iopenedmyeyes.

“It’snotthesamething,though.Wedidn’tknowwhatDanielwasdoingorhowlonghewasdoingit.Weknowwhathewasdoing.”

“But it’snothim.”Tink landedon thebackofour seat. “Itwasn’twhohereally is.You sawwhat hedidwhenhe cameout of the enchantment.HeputQueenBitchthroughawall.”

“I.Don’t.Care.”“Thisisbullshit,”Renmuttered.“Let me guess. He has no memory of all the horrible shit he’s done?” I

demanded.The Prince’s head slowly turned, and his eyes met mine. “I remember

everythingI’vedone.Everything.”Isuckedinasharpbreathasashiverdancedovermyskin.Hedidn’t...he

soundedlikethePrinceIknew,butat thesametime,hedidn’t.Hereturnedtostaringoutthewindow.

“Itchangesnothing,”Rensaid.“Itchangeseverything,”Fabianreplied.“You’llsee.Givehimtime.You’ll

understand.”Ren’slaughwasharsh.“Thisisunbelievable.”Itreallywas.Allofit,butherewewere,andIneededadistraction,becauseI

wantedtowhipthatthornstakeoutofRen’shandandslamitintothechestofthatbastard,enchantmentornot.

MygazeshiftedtoTink.“Yougoingtoexplainaboutthetrolldolls?”He sighed as hewalked across the back of our seat, kicking at something

noneofuscouldsee.“Ihateleavingthemthere.They’remybabies.”Babies? They were the stuff of nightmares. “How did you make them

move?” I thought about the times I’d find them around the apartment. “Weretheyalwayscapableofthat?”

“Well,Itakeadropofmybloodandmixitintheirhair,soIcanreanimatethem.”

Myeyeswidened.“AndItrieditoutafewtimesbackhome.”Tinkshruggedashepeeredupat

me.“Sometimestheygotout.”OhmyGod.

Thosedamndollshadbeenalive!“Man,Idon’tknowwhatabouttodayismorefuckedup,”Renmuttered.“TheQueen,”Fayeanswered.“Thatisthemostfuckedupthing.”“Whatarewegoingtodonow?”Milesasked.Nooneanswered.Because no one had any answers.We spent this entire time believing we

weredealingwithapsychoticprince,butnowwehadaQueentodealwithandnoneofuswerepreparedforthat.

Rencaughtmyhand,holdingmebackonthestepsaseveryoneelsemadetheirwayintothesprawlinghome.

“Comehere,”hesaid.Iwasn’tgivenmuchofachoice.Not that Ineededone.Holdingon tomy

hand,hepulledmeagainsthischestandfoldedhisarmsaroundme.Lettingout a raggedbreath, I closedmyeyes and soakeduphis closeness

andwarmth.Alongmomentpassedbeforehespoke.“I’m so sorry.” Ren kissed my forehead and then each of my eyelids. “I

knowhowyoufeltaboutDaniel.”I shuddered. “That was why he was so accepting of me, of what I’ve

changedinto.Shit.Ithoughtitwas...”Icouldn’tfinishthatthought.Notrightnow.“Ijustcan’tbelieveit.NeverinamillionyearswouldIhaveeverthoughthewouldturnonus.”

“I know.” He dragged his hand up the center of my back, threading hisfingersthroughmyhair.

“When did this happen?Was he alwaysworkingwith theQueen?Did heknowshewashereordidshegettohimsomehow?”

“We’renevergoingtoknow.”Thearmatmywaisttightened.“Butyoudidtherightthingbackthere.”

Ihad.Thatdidn’tmakeitanyeasier.I swallowed again. “When she grabbedyouby the throat, I’ve never been

moreafraidinmylife.”“Gottoadmit,Iwasn’texactlyhappymyself.”Hepaused.“Butyoudidn’t

seemafraid.Youwereactuallyprettybadassinyourresponse.”“Iwould’vedoneit.Iswearto—”“Iknow,”hewhispered.“Andthatscaresme.”“Youwereprettybadass,yourself.PunchingthePrinceandall.”

“Iwanttoriphisthroatout,Ivy.”Ishivered.“Hedidn’t...hedidn’teventrytostopyou.”Slowly,Iliftedmy

gaze tohis.“Hedidn’t retaliate.ThePrince Iknewwould’ve,Ren.Youknowthat.”

Renlookedaway,amusclethumpingalonghisjaw.“What are we going to do?” I whispered hoarsely. “We have him in that

houseandacrazy,reallypowerfulQueenabouttodoGodknowswhat.Wedon’tevenknowhowmanyOrdermembersareleft—”Myvoicecracked.“Thisis...thisisterrifying.”

Herestedhischinon topofmyhead.“We’regoing to figure thisout,”hesaidafteramoment.“Wehaveto.”

Ididn’tseehowwecould.Ifwedidn’tknowhowtodefeataprince,howinthehellwouldwedefeattheQueen?

Thehandinmyhairslidtomycheek.Rentiltedmyheadback,andmyeyesdrifted shut. He kissed me, and it was gentle and sweet, and somehow itremindedmethattherewasstillgoodsurroundingme.Thattherewasstillusinthismess.

Opening my eyes, I pulled back and cupped his cheek, wiping away asmudgeofblood.“Webetterheadinthere.”

“Yeah.Webetter.”Wewalkedintothehouse,andbothofusstiffenedatthesightofthePrince.

Fabianplacedahandonhisshoulder,steeringthesilentmanaway.“Idon’tlikethis.”RencrossedhisarmsasFabianledhisbrothertowardthe

kitchen.“Atall.”“Me neither.” I watched Tink buzz after them. I couldn’t believe that the

Princehadbeeninthecarwithusandnowwasinthishousewithus.Therewassomuchtoworryabout.Toomuch.“Areweevensafehere?”

“Idon’tbelieveDanielknewwhereyouguyswerestaying,butthatdoesn’tmeantheywon’tfindout.”Milesdraggedahandoverhishead.“Shit.WhatamIgoingtotellhiswife?”

“Doyouthinksheknewofhisactions?”Fayeasked.“Iwanttosayno,buthell,IneversawitcomingwithDaniel.Shecouldbe

inon it too.”Shoulders tensed,he lookedaway.“Ineed toget incontactwithsomeoneattheNewOrleansbranch.Ineedto...”

Heneededtomakesuretheywerealive.God.I couldn’t let myself think of those I knew—those I cared about possibly

beingdead.IfIwentdownthathellishhole,Iwouldprobablyneverresurface.Milesturnedtome,andforthesecondtimethatnight,Icouldseeemotionin

hisexpression.Itwassorrowthistime,deepsorrow.“Whatyoudidbackthere?WithDaniel?Youhadto.”

Iblinkedandswallowedagainstthesuddenburn.“Ijustwantyoutoknowthat.”Milesshudderedwithasighashelookedat

FayeandKalen.“It’sjustusnow.”Kalenliftedhischin.“Wecan’tstayherelong.ThePrincemight’veputher

throughthewall,butitwouldn’thavekilledher.Wouldn’thaveeventakenheroutofcommissionforthatlong.”

“TheQueen.”Faye let out a raggedbreath. “I can’t believe it.ThiswholetimeitwasBreena.”

“IfIdidn’tneedanymorereasontohateher.”Irubbedatmyhipwithmypalm.“WhatIdon’tgetisifBreenawasalwaystheQueen,thenhowwasIabletooverpowerherthatonetime?”

“I thinkyoucaughtheroff-guard.”AweaksmilegracedFaye’s lips,but itfadedquickly. “Idon’t think sheever expectedyou to attack. I thought itwasjustBreena’sarrogance.Inreality,itwastheQueen’sarrogance.”

Istillcouldn’tfathomhowwedidn’tknowthatshewastheQueen,butthenagain, as anOrdermember,Ren and Iwere raised and trained to believe thattherewerenocourts,noprinces,noqueens.We’dbeenledtobelievethattheywerenothingbutdust.

Istartedtopace.“We need to address something far more important at the moment,” Ren

said.“Whatinthehellarewegoingtodowithhim?Areweseriouslyjustgoingtolethimroamaround?He—”

“I know, Ren. But I am telling you that man in there is not Drake—notanymore.”Faye sat downononeof the thickly cushioned chairs. “That is theolderbrotherofFabian.TheheirtotheSummerCourt.Inallreality,heshouldbetheKing.”

Igaveacurtshakeofmyhead.Ididn’tevenknowwhattosaytoallofthat.“AndwhereistherealDrake?I’massuminghewasreal,wasn’the?TinksawhimonceintheOtherworld.”

“He must’ve died in the war,” Kalen answered. “And Queen MorganainstilledFabian’sbrotherinhisplace.”

“Andnoneofyouknewthis?”Rendemanded.“WedidnotgrowupintheOtherworld,”Fayesaid,shakingherhead.“We

never sawDrakeorFabian’sbrother.Wewouldn’thaveknown.WesawwhattheQueenwanted us to see. Someonewho could pass asDrake. That is howpowerfulherenchantmentis.”

IfTinkhadseenhimintheOtherworldbeforetheGreatWar,thenhowold

wasTinkreally?Geez.Butthatwasn’timportant.“Whatifthisisatrick?”“Doyounotseehim?”Fayescootedtotheedgeofherseat.“Heisnotthe

samemanI loathedandfeared.Hedidn’tstrikebackwhenRenattacked.Thataloneshouldbeenoughevidence.”

Imethergaze.“Idon’tcare ifhe’sTeamGoodFaenowandforever,he’sstillthemanIloatheandfear.”

Faye pressed her lips together. “I can understandwhy. I really do. But heattackedtheKnightsandtheQueen.YouhavetotrustmewhenIsay—”

“Trustyou?”IlaughedasIstoppedpacing,standinginfrontofher.“Youallhave lied to me since the beginning. You knew that I’d be trapped in theOtherworldandyoufailedtotellmethat.”

“Thatismessedup,”Mileschimedin.Ishothimalook.“I’m glad we’ve circled back to that little piece of fuckery.” Ren’s voice

hardened to stone. “There is noway in hell Ivy is completing that ritual. Noway.”

Fayetensed.“IjustwanttopointoutthatIdidn’tknowaboutthat.”Kalenliftedhishand.

“Notatall.”Ilookedathim.Kalenshrugged.“Justsaying.”“Wehopedtohavefoundawaytoensurethatyouwerenottrapped,”Faye

begun.“We—”“Youhoped thatyou’dfindaway tomakesure Iwasn’t trapped?Areyou

kiddingme?Whatdoyouthinkwould’vehappenedtomeifwecompletedtheritualandIwastrappedwiththeevilversionofthePrince?”

“Wedidn’thaveachoice!”Fayeshot toherfeet,hereyesfierce.“Youarethe only halflingweknow, the only one strong enough to complete the ritual.What other option didwehave?Opening the doorswould destroy thisworld.I’mnotbeingdramaticbysayingthat.Itwoulddestroyeverything.”

“Sacrificeonetosavemany?”Ilaughedharshly.“Wehopeditwouldn’tcometothat.”Ren stepped forward. “Do you knowhowbadly Iwant to end all of your

livesrightnow?”“I’m sure you do, Ren, but how is that going to help?” Miles raised his

brows.“We’reit.Andifyoudon’ttrustthem,Igetthat.ButthelastdamnthingI ever expected to do was find myself standing with fae and agreeing withthem.”

“YouagreewiththemaboutthePrince?”IwhirledonMiles.“Seriously?”

“We’regoingtoneedhim,aren’twe?”MilesmetmygazeandthenRen’s.“Ifhereallyisn’tDrakeandhe’sthatotherbigblonddude’sbrother,thenwe’regoingtoneedbothof themtodefeather,becausewhatIsawin there—whatIsawthatshewascapableofwasnothinglikeI’deverseen.”

Isteppedback,surprised.“Thenwhatarewegoingtodo?”Fayesatbackdown.“TheQueenishere.

Doyouhaveanyideawhatthatmeansformortalsandfaealike?”“Oh,I’mguessingtheusualbloodbathisinstoreforeveryone,”Isnapped.“Iknowwhatweneedtodo.”We all turned at the sound of the voice. Itwashim. The Prince. Formally

knownasDrake,currentlystilltheguywhoholdsthenumberonespotonmyto-killlist.

Thebloodhadbeenwashedoffhis faceandhisnowblondhairwasdampandpushedbackfromhisface.“WeneedtostoptheQueen.”

Chapter32

MyheartstartedthumpingheavilyasIstaredatthePrince.Icouldfeeltheangerand tension rolling off of Ren, but it was nothing compared to the riot ofemotionscurrentlybattlinginsideofme.

BehindhimwasFabianandTink,whowasnolongerintinyTinkform.Hewasfull-grownandthankfullydressed.

“Youwanttoknowwhatweneedtodo,”hesaid,hisvoicenowmorelikeIremembered.Deep.Oddlyaccented.Iwantedtovomit.“Wemuststopher.”

“Noshit,” I snapped,andhis leftbrow lifted slightly. “There isno ‘we’ inanyofthis.”

Fabianexhaledroughly.“He’s—”ThePrinceraisedhishand,silencinghisbrother.“Shehaseveryrighttobe

angry.Tohateme.Asdoeshe.”“Glad we’re on the same page,” Ren bit out, his jaw tense. “It’s literally

takingeveryounceofmyself-controlnottotakethisstakeandshoveitthroughyourfuckingeye.”

I sucked in a sharpbreath asmygazedarted fromRen to thePrince.Thelatter’sfacewasimpassive,somuchsothatMileshadtohavebeenimpressedbytheutterlackofemotion.

“AndIwouldnotstopyou.”Surprise shot throughme. The Prince couldn’t be real. Therewas noway

he’dstandthereandletRenkillhim.“Really?”Rensteppedforward.“Let’sgivethatatry.”Fabianstiffened,butitwasTinkwhospokeup.“Guys,Igetthatyouwantto

getstabby-stabby,kill-killwithhim,butyoureallyneedtoletthatgo.”Iglaredathim.“Easyforyoutosay.”“Itreallyisn’tthateasy.”Tinkmetmyglare.“Iknowwhathedidtoyou,but

whoheisnowisnotthePrinceyouknew.”My breath caught. “There is noway I could trust anything he has to say.

Enchantmentornot,heisthePrince.Heheldme—”“IknowwhatI’vedonetoyou.FromthemomentIsawyouinthathallway,

after theenchantmentwasbroken, I remembered. IclosemyeyesandIsee it.Whenitissilent,Ihearyour—”

“That’senough.”Ren’svoicewaslowwithwarning.HisgazeslippedfrommetoRen.“IrecallwhatIdidtoyou,howIbecame

you—”“Seriously.Doyouhaveadeathwish?”Myhandswereshaking,soIclasped

themtogether.“Perhaps,”hemurmured,andIblinked.“WhattheQueenwantedisnotwhat

Iwanted. Itneverhasbeen. Ihaveno intentionof following throughwithherplan.”

“Soyoudon’twanttoknockmeupnow?”Hisjawtightened.“Nooffense,butno.”Iliftedmybrows.“Relieved.”“Iknowthereisnexttonothingthatwillmakeyoubelieveme—”“Actually, there is.” An idea occurred to me just then. “How would we

weakenaprinceenoughtobeabletokillthem?”“Youhave—”“Brother.”Fabiangrippedhisbrother’sshoulder.“Ifyoutellthem,theywill

useitagainstyou—againstus.”“It’sariskwemustbearthen,”thePrincereplied,shakingoffhisbrother’s

hand.“Thereare twoways toweakenus. Ifourmagic is turnedbackonus, itcanseverelywoundus,takingusmonthstoheal.Andthereissomethingthatisquitepoisonoustousifittouchesourskin.Worseifitinvadesourbloodstream.Thethreeofyoucarryitonyourperson.”

“What?”Milessteppedforward.“Afour-leafclover,”thePrinceanswered,andFabianclosedhiseyes.“Itis

poisonousnotonlytous,buttoourKnightsandotherAncients.”Mymouthdroppedopenasmyhandwenttothechainaroundmyneck.The

encasedcloverwas likeabodypart,suchapartofmethatIdidn’teventhinkaboutit.“Areyouserious?”

Henodded.“Mostofyoualreadycarryourgreatestweakness.Usethatandathornstake,andwearenotsohardtokill.”

Claspingthebackofhisneck,Fabianlookedaway.“AndaQueen?”Kalenasked,speakingupforthefirsttimesincethePrince

hadwalkedout.“WoulditweakenaQueen?”“Itwould.Normally.QueenMorganahasbuiltupatolerancetoitoverthe

years.Itwillnotaffecther.”“Ofcoursenot,”Imuttered,crossingmyarmsasIglancedoveratRen.Hewasstillclutchingthethornstakeandhehadn’ttakenhisgazeoffofthe

Prince. Not once. I couldn’t tell how he felt about any of this beyond themurderousrageclearlyetchedintohisface.

“WhatdoestheQueenplantodo?”FayeaskedquietlywhileIwasstillhunguponthefactthatafour-leafclovercould’veweakenedthedamnAncientsand

thePrincethisentiretime.“She’d want to still open the doorway, right?”Miles sat on the arm of a

nearbycouch.“Shecan’twithoutaprincewillingtocarryoutherdemands.”“What if she finds amale halfling and engages in some bow-chicka-bow-

wow?”Tinkasked.“TheprophecyhasnevermentionedwhatwouldhappenifaQueenorKing

procreatedwithahalfling,butIimagineitwouldwork,”thePrincesaid.Fabianfacedus.“Itwouldhavethesameeffect.AKingorQueenisnotof

thisworld,asisahalflingandachildofsuchaunion.Itwouldundotheseals.”Iexhaledroughly.“NowwehavetoworryabouttheQueenfindingsomeone

andgettingpregnant?”“Morganacannotconceive,”thePrinceanswered.“Andhowdoyouknowthis?”Renchallenged.“No.He’sright.”HopesparkedinFaye’seyes.“Remember?Itoldyouthat.”Shehad.ThedayImetFabian.“The legend we were taught was that Morgana had committed a great

misdeed and to escape having her powers stripped, she gave up the ability tocreatelife.”

“This sounds likea reallybad fantasynovel,”Renmuttered, and Iblinkedslowly.

Everythingaboutthissoundedlikethat,butthatwasnothingnew.“Whatgreatmisdeeddidshecommit?”Tinkaskedwithinterest.ThePrince’sjawhardenedandtheglinttohiseyesmirroredwhatRenwas

giving off. I had a suspicion that whatever thing the Queen had done, it hadinvolvedthePrince.

“Whatwillshedonow?”Iasked,makingsurewestayedontopic.“Idoubtshe’sjustgoingtotucktailandhide.”

“Ifheroriginalplanwas to fail, shehadaback-up,” thePrince explained.“ShewouldgobacktotheOtherworld,andwemuststopher.”

MylipspartedasIstaredathim.TherewasnowayIhadheardanyofthatright.

“If shewas to go back to theOtherworld, thenwhywouldwe stop her?”Kalenfrowned.

“Youdon’tunderstand,”Fabianspokeup.“ShehastheCrystal.IfshetakesthatbacktotheOtherworldwithher,shewillbeabletoreopenthedoorwaysatanytimefromherside.”

“Shewillcomebackwithwhateverarmyshecangatherand thereare . . .creatures inourworld thatwouldwreakakindofhavocnomortalshaveever

seen before,” the Prince clipped out. “Out of pure spite and vengeance, shewouldlaywastetocities.Millionswoulddie.”

“Wait.”Renfrowned.“Thedoorwaysaresealed—”“Theyweresealedwhenwecamethrough,weretheynot?”ThePrincemet

hisstare.“Theycanbe reopenedagain.Notonlyare thereAncientswilling toendtheirlivestoopenthedoorsoncemore,shewouldn’tneedthem.ShecouldopenthedoorwiththeCrystal.”

I rememberedwhenhe’dcome through.Thatwasanight I’dnever forget.“Ifshe’salwaysbeenabletoopenthedoortotheOtherworld,thenwhyhasn’tshe before? Why not just bring the army through instead of trying to get ahalflingpregnant?”

“Becauseshecanonlygothroughthegatewayshecamethrough,”hesaid.“Andwith the Crystal, she won’t need to wait until theWinter Solstice. TheCrystalisstrongenoughtoopenanygateway.”

Myshoulderstensed.NearlyallofthedoorwaysintheOtherworldhadbeendestroyed by the brownies—all except the one in New Orleans. The babyapocalypsewould’veopenedall thedoorways,whether theyweredestroyedornot.

“Sheknowsthatopeningallthedoorwayswouldhaveagreaterimpactthanjustone.TheOrderwouldn’tbeabletostopwhatevercomesthroughall thosedoorsatonce.”

ThePrincenodded.UnderstandingcreptintoRen’sexpression.“She’sgoingtotrytogothrough

thegatewayatthehousenexttotheLaLauriehouse.”“We need to get back there before she does.” The Prince’s gaze flickered

overus.“Wehavetokillher.Ifwedon’t,shewilltakethatCrystalwithherandshewillbeback,strongerthanbefore.”

“Andprobablyalotmorepissed,”Tinkguessed.“HowdowekillaQueen?Yousaidyourselfshecan’tbeweakenedbythe

clovers,”Milessaid.“She’llhavewhatisleftoftheKnightswithher,butifyouguystakecareof

them,mybrotherandIwilltakecareoftheQueen.”Iopenedmymouthtointerrupt.“Betweenthetwoofus,weshouldbeabletotakeherout.”Fabianliftedhis

chin.“Sheisthemostpowerfulofourkind,butsheisnotunstoppable.Notifweallworktogether.”

Glancing over atRen, Imet his gaze. I exhaled slowly.Even though he’dtolduswhatwouldweakenhim,trustinghimwasstillahugerisk.

“YouhavenoreasontotrustmeandIdon’tblameyouforthat,”thePrince

said,seemingtoknowmythoughts.“Butyouhavenootheroption.”Andhewasright.Wehadnootheroptionbuttotrusthim.

WeweregoingtoleaveforNewOrleansimmediately,soRenandIwentbacktotheroomwespentthenightintograbourbags.

Heclosedthedoorbehindus.“Idon’tlikethis.Atall.”Isighedwearily,pushingastrandofhairoutofmyface.Itfellbackasecond

later.“Meneither.”“But thatbastard is right.”Hecrossed the room,grabbingoneof thebags,

practicallyrippingthezipperopen.“Wecan’tlettheQueentaketheCrystalbacktotheOtherworld.”

Renwasright.Rightnow,FayewasgettingincontactwithTanner,fillinghiminonwhat

hadgonedownandwhatwe’dlearned.Theywereexpectingus—allofus—toreturntoNewOrleans.

Noneofusweresureofwhowecouldcontact in theNewOrleansbranchthatwasn’tworking for theQueen, so at this timeweweren’t reachingout tothem.

Idon’tthinkanyofusfeltcomfortablewithanyofthis,butlikethePrincehadsaid,wedidn’thaveanoptionbuttokeeptravelingdowntheroadwewereon.

Ibitdownonmylip.“Ijust...”Shovingtheshirthe’dwornthedaybeforeintothebag,Renlookedoverhis

shoulderatme.Whateverhemust’veseeninmyfacemadehimstopandfaceme.Alongmomentpassedandthenheasked,“Whereareyouat,Ivy?”

I knew what that question meant, and I didn’t know how to answer it.Walking over to the bed, I sat down. “I just don’t know about anythinganymore.” I slowly shookmy head. “Every time I think I know something—every time I think I have a handle on what is going on, everything changes.Everything.”

Renwassilentashewatchedme.Iliftedmyhandshelplessly.“Heisrightdownthehall.Him.ThePrince,but

. . .he’snothimanymore.At least that’showitseems.Butwhatdoweknowanymore? It could be another trap. Look at Daniel. Never in a million yearswouldIhaveeverbelievedforasecondhewascapableofbetrayingus.Buthedid.Sowhatdoweknow?Itcould—”

“Idon’t think it’sa trap,”hesaid,surprisingme.Renknelt in frontofme,placinghishandsonmyknees.“Idon’tcareifthatbastardhadnoideawhathewas doing while he was under the enchantment. That doesn’t mean I don’tbelieveit,butIcan’tlookathimandnotseewhathedidtoyou,whathewantedtodotoyou.Itdoesn’tmatterthatitwastheQueencontrollinghim.I’drathershoveastakethroughhischestthanworkwithhim.”

“Ditto,”Imurmured.“ButI . . . fuck,Ican’tbelieveI’msayingthis,butIbelievehim—believe

whathesaidabouttheQueen.Idon’tknowwhatinthehelltheirhistoryis,butit’sevidenthehatesherasmuchaswehatehim.”

Thatlastpartbroughtawrygrintomylips.“Istilldon’tlikehim,butifwe’regoingtostoptheQueen,weneedhim,and

weneedFabian.”Hesqueezedmyknees.“Butwedohaveachoice.”“How?Howdowehaveanyotheroption?”Thosestunningemeraldeyesmetandheldmine.“Weleave.”Atfirst,Ididn’tthinkIheardhimright.“What?”“We leave,Sweetness.Weget the hell out of here, don’t tell anyonewhat

we’redoing,andwegetasfarawayaswecan.WecanevenbringTink, ifhewants to go.”One side of his lips kicked up. “We could travel, see theworldbeforeitinevitablygoestoshit.Wecouldlive.We’vegivenyearsofourlivestotheOrder,toourduties.Wedon’thavetogivethemasecondmore.”

Mybreathcaughtinmythroatasawildyearningsprungtolifedeepinsideme.Couldwedo that?We’dbewantedby theOrder,butwhatwas leftof theOrder anyway? Somanywere dead, and the rest we didn’t even know if wecouldtrust.Wouldtheyevencomelookingforuswhiletheshithitthefanandsplatteredeverywhere?Probablynot.Wecouldlive—livenormallivesuntilwehadtofacewhatwashappeningtotheworld.

“Wehaveachoice,Ivy.”Hisgazedidn’twaver.“Whateveryouwanttodo,Iamwithyou.Ahundredpercent.”

Air lodged inmy throat. Itwasalmost tooeasy tosayyes,becausesayingyeswouldbebetter.Iwouldn’thavetoworryaboutRengettinghurtordying,becausetherewasnowayweweregoingtofaceoffwiththeQueenandnotlosesomeone.Itwasstatisticallyimpossible.IcouldmakeTinkleavewithus.We’dbesafeandhappy,atleastforalittlewhile.

IfIclosedmyeyes,Icouldalmostseeus—thethreeustravelingtheworld,visitingplaceswe’dnevergetthechanceto.Wewouldn’tworryaboutstoppingtheQueenorifwecouldtrustthePrince.LikeRenhadsaid,wewouldliveaslongaswecould.

ButI...Icouldn’tsayyes.

Thewordwouldn’tevenformonthetipofmytongue.Itwasn’taboutduty.Itwasn’t even about living normal lives. I didn’t have it inme towalk awaywhenIknewwhatwashappening—whatwasgoingtohappen,andIknewRenwouldonlydothatforme,ifIchosetowalkaway.

“Ican’t,”Iwhispered.“Ican’twalkaway.I’msorry.”“Ididn’t thinkyouwould.”Risinghalfway,hecuppedmycheeks.“You’re

toobravetorunandhide,butwehavethatchoiceandwe’remakingthechoicetostayandfightandkickass.”

“Yeah,weare.”

Chapter33

We arrived in New Orleans earlyWednesday morning, having drove straightthrough,onlystoppingforgasandtograbaquickbitetoeat.Ididn’tknowhowIfellasleep in thatcar,sittingbetweenMilesandRen,but Ihadwithhalfmyupper body in Ren’s lap. He’d fallen asleep too, with his head against thewindowandhishandonmyhip.WhenIwokeup,IfoundTinktwistedaroundinhisseat,staringatme.

“Hi,”hewhispered.“Hey.” I sat up,wakingRen as I rubbed a handovermy face. “Wereyou

watchingmesleep?”“Maybe.”Renliftedhisarmawayfrommeashestretchedouthisneck.“You’resucha

freak.”“Iam.”Tinkgrinned.“We’rehere,bytheway.Justpullingupnow.”IglancedoveratMilesandsawthathewasstaringatwhatappearedtobean

abandonedbuilding.“They toldme thiswas a powerful glamour,” he said, his voice hoarse. “I

can’tbelievethishasbeenherethiswholetimeandIhadnoidea.”“KindofhowIfelt.”Iyawned.“Justwaituntilyouseetheinside.”The SUV stopped and the doors swung open. Fabian turned towardMiles

before he climbed out. “You’re being trustedwith something very few peoplehave.Youbetraythefaehere,andIwillpersonallymakeitsothatyouwishyouweredead.”

Miles heldFabian’s gaze. “I have no desire to betray these fae if they arewhatyousaytheyare.”

“YouwillseethatIhavenotlied.”Iresistedtheurgetopointoutthathemaynotbelyingaboutthisplace,but

thefaeherewerestillliar-mc-liar-faces.FabianstudiedMilesforamomentandthensteppedoutoftheSUV.Getting

out of the car and sitting after somany hours was painful as all get out as Iwalkedthecrampsinmymusclesoff.

Theglamourofthebuildingwasstillintactastherusted-overdooropened.Wehurriedinside,outof thedarknight.MileshadthesameexpressiononhisfacethatIdidthefirsttimeIsawthepoweroftheglamourfadeaway,revealingtheluxurioushotelinside.

“Jesus,” hemuttered, rubbing a hand on his face as he took in the grandlobby.

“It’salottotakein,isn’tit?”Iturnedtohim.“AndyouhadnoideathatthefaeworkedwiththeOrderatonetime?”

“I’dheardthestories,butIthoughttheywererumors.Ididn’tbelievetherewerefaethatdidn’tfeed.Justdidn’t thinkit . . .”HetrailedoffashewatchedTannerapproachus.

AndIknewwhyhehadbeenstrucksilent.Tannerwas livingandwalkingproofofafaewhodidn’tfeed.BehindhimwasBrightonandhermother.

“Merle?”Milesloweredhishandashestaredatthewoman.“You look like a ghost done walked over your grave.” Merle lifted her

brows,andherdaughterseemedtotakeadeepbreath.Brighton’shairwasdown,and itwas probably the first time I’d seen herwear it like that. It fell in softwavesand loosecurls, reaching themiddleofherback.ShegaveRenand Ialittlesmile.

Milesgapedather.“Youknewaboutthis?”“Shehasknownforsometime.”TannerstoppedinfrontofMiles,extending

ahand.“IamTanner.”“Miles.”Amomentpassed and thenhe shookTanner’shand. “Uh,nice to

meetyou.”Tannerstartedtorespond,buthisgazeflickedbehindus.HedroppedMiles’

handandsteppedback.“Fabian?Isthis...?”“Yes.”FabianstoodbesideTink.“Thisismybrother.”TannerpaledashesteppedaroundKalenandFaye,hiseyeswideandfullof

wonder.“OurKing.”“King?”Renlookeddownatme,andIshrugged.ThePrince showedno responseasTannerbowed in frontofhim.“It is an

honor,”Tannersaid.IwaswaitingforhimtokissthePrince’shand.“Thisisweird,”IwhisperedtoRen.“Everythingisweird.”ThePrinceglancedatusandthenspoke.“Weshouldbegintoplan.”“Of course.” Tanner straightened. “Please come this way. We have

refreshmentssetup.”IarchedabrowasTannerspunonhisheel.Merle eyed the Prince with distaste and a hefty dose of distrust. “An

enchantment,”shemuttered.“Howcliché.”ThePrince’scoolgazeflickeredoverher.“Agreed.”Merlefrownedassheeyedhim.FollowingTanner, thePrincepassedBrighton. I onlyknewhe’d looked in

her direction based on how wide her eyes grew and how she stepped back,bumpingintothewall.

PoorBrighton.We all ended up in one of the large meeting rooms, and there were

refreshments.Coffee.Juice.Bagels.Fruit.Anentiredamnbuffetofcoldcuts.Ididn’tgetthattreatmentwhenIshowedup.Whatever.Plopping down on the couch, I stretchedmy legs out and leaned into the

thickcushion.“So,youknowwhat’sgoingon?”IaskedasTinksatdownonthearmbesideme.

Tannernoddedashesatinthechairacrossfromus.“Iammostsorrytohearaboutthebetrayalofyourleader.”

Bitingdownonmylip,Ibreathedthroughthatsting.“Sowerewe.”Rensatnexttome,hislegpressingagainstmine.“Andwewerealsosorryto

hearthatyouknewthatIvywouldbetrappedintheOtherworldifshecompletedtheritual.”

Tanner’s cheekbonesdeepened in color. “As I amsureFayeexplained,wehopedtofindawayaroundthat.”

“Sure,”Imuttered.Itwasn’tthatIdidn’tbelievethem.Ijustdidn’tbelievethere was a way, and they probably knew that deep down. I was the livingembodimentofsacrifice thefewto thesavethemany.Icouldunderstandthat.Didn’tmeanIwasokaywithit.

“Doesn’tmatternow,does it?”Merle said, turningwitha cupof coffee inherhands.Ilookedaround,notseeingBrighton.“OurPrinceisn’tinterestedinputtingaseedinyourbellyanylonger.”

Igroaned, sinking further into thecouchasTink laughedunderhisbreath.Ren,however,didn’tfindthecommentnearlyasamusing.

NeitherdidthePrince.“No.Instead,wehaveapowerfulQueenthatwillbeclose to impossible to kill andwe don’t nearly have enough time to plan andprepareforherattempttoopenthegateway.”

MerlesmiledatthePrince.“Ahyes,thatisaproblem,butnotnearlyasbadasallthegatewaysspringingopenallatonce.”

Rensighed.“Bothsoundprettyterrible.Weallcanagreeonthat.Whendoyouthinkshewillarrivehere?”

ThePrincedidnotsitoreat.HestoodbehindthechairFabiansat in,armsfolded. “Shewillmost likelymake it here by late tonight. Shewill notwastetime,notwhensheknowsthatshewillfacebothFabianandI.”

Iexhaledroughly.“So,wehavewhat?Twelvehours,giveortakeafew?”“Thatwouldbecorrect.Itwon’tbelong.”

Renstood.“Thenweneedtogetready.Restupasmuchaswecan.Allofus.”

“Andthenwhat?”Tinkasked.“I’ll seewho is still left in theOrder thatwecan trust,”Miles spoke from

wherehestoodbythebuffetoffoodnoonewastouching.“I’mhopingtherearesomethatareleft.”

I remembered the look onDylan’s facewhenVal betrayed us. I hoped hehadn’tcrossedovertotheevilside,butIdidn’tevenknowifhewasstillalive.OrifJackiewasoranyoftheotherOrdermembersI’dknown.

“Youwillhaveourmostskilledwarriors,”Tannersaid.“Somearealreadyatthegateway.Shehasnotshowedyet,buttheyarethereandtheyareready.”

“Andyouhaveme,”Tinkchimedin.Iopenedmymouth,butFabianbeatmetoit.“Youmuststaybehind.”Mybrowslifted.“Foronce,Iagreewithyou.”Tinkshotfromthearmofthecouch.“Thisisbullshit.Icanhelp.”“Iknowyoucan,but if theQueenwas to somehowgetaholdofyouand

wasabletocontrolyou,therewouldbenohope.”Fabianrose.“Weneedyoutostayasfarawayfromheraspossible.Wealsoneedyouhere.Thatishowyouhelpus.”

“YouknowIcanhelp.YouknowhowstrongandpowerfulIam.”Tink’sjawwasashardasgranite,butforonceIkeptmymouthshut.

“TheQueenwasabletocontrolmebecauseIhadbeenwoundedinbattle.Iwas weakened and she took full advantage of that.” The Prince’s voice washeavyashespoke.“Andbecauseofthat,Ibecameamonster.Shewoulddothesame to you. She knows what it would mean to have a brownie under hercontrol.Wecannotriskthat.Youcannot.”

Foldinghisarms,Tinkfellsilent.“Tink,”Icalledout,leaningforward.Hedidn’tmoveforamomentandthenheturnedtome.“Iknowyouwant

metostayback.”“Ido.Weneedyouto.”Imethisangrystare.“Becauseifwefail,weneed

someone to protect the fae here. Theywill be the only thing left between theQueenandherdestroyingtheworldwithherarmy.Youwillbeourlasthope.”

Tinkstaredatme.“LikeObi-Wan?”Mylipstwitched.“Yeah,likehim.”Tanner twisted inhis chair sohe could seeTink. “Youwill defendus.We

needyouhere.”Hischestpuffedup.“I...Iwilldothat.Iwillmakesurenothinghappensto

thosehere.”Heshottomysideandkneeledsowewereateyelevel.“Butyou

willcomeback.Allofyou.”HecurledhislipinRen’sdirection.“Evenhim.”“Wewill,”Isaid,makingapromiseIwasgoingtodoeverydamnthingin

myabilitytokeep.“Wewillcomeback.”

I closed the door behind us and leaned against it as Ren walked over to thedresser,unhookingthedaggersalonghiship.IwasquietasIwatchedhim,butmyheartwaspounding.

Ilovedthisman.I loved him because he chasedwhen I ran. I loved him because he never

gave up on me, not when I was being held captive and not when I’d closedmyselfoff,shuttingeveryoneout.Ilovedhimbecausehewasagoodman,andifIwantedtosayscrewallofthisandleaverightnow,he’dberighttherewithme.IlovedhimbecauseIknewthathewouldbestandingnexttomelater,readytofightbymyside.

Ijustlovedhim.Whenhefinishedunloadingwhatwouldhavebeenanalarmingnumberof

weaponstoanyoneelse,heturnedtome.Weneededtosleeptheentireday.Wehadto,becauseweneededtobewell-restedandthensomeforwhatwe

weregoingtofacetonight.Neither of us spoke as our gazes collided and connected. There were no

words.Theredidn’tneedtobe. Intentfilled thosemoss-greeneyes.Mybreathcaught as raw emotion swelled in my throat. Pushing away from the door, Iwalkedovertohim.

Ren gripped my hips, lifting me clean off the floor. I wrapped my legsaroundhisleanwaist.Hisstronghandsgrippedmyrearashebroughtmylipstohis. Therewas awild, out-of-control quality to theway he kissedme. It wasneedyanddemanding,breathtakinganddesperateashe rockedmeagainsthiships.ImoanedintohiskissasIgrabbedathisshirt,wantingitoffandwantingitoffnow.

Renputmedown,bending slightly as I pulledhis shirt off. Iwent forhispants,andhehelped,kickingoffhisshoesandshuckingoffhispantsandbriefsinrecordtime.

“Naked,”hegrowled.“Now.”Ishudderedandthendidasheordered,strippingoutofmyclothes.Hegrew

impatient,helpingwiththeshoesandpants,andwithinminutes,Iwasnakedandonmyback,andRen’smouthwasmovingovermineoncemore.Hishardlength

rocked againstme, and I clutched his shoulders,moaning as he nipped atmychinandthesideofmyneck.

Whatwedidinthosemoments...Itwas fast and hard and beautiful.Hewas overme and then insideme. I

archedagainsthim,throbbingandachingashetookcompletecontrol.Lustandsomething far more powerful consumed me as his hips moved against mine,deepandslowatfirst.

Hisrestraintbrokeandhebegantothrustdeeper,harder,andI’dneverfeltfuller,moredesperateformoreasourbodiesmovedfrantically.Eachdeep,hardplungedroveuptheintensityuntil itwasatafeverishpace.Mylegstightenedaround him, and then that exquisite feeling deepwithinme coiled and coiled.Myheadspunashemovedfaster,grindinghishipsagainstmineashegrippedmychin,keepingmymouthwithhis.

AndthenIbrokeapart,shatteringintoamillionlittlepiecesasIcriedintohiskiss.Thrownsohighbythetight,mind-numbingwavesofpleasure,Ididn’tthinkIcouldtakeanymore,butIdid.Overandoverasheroseontohiskneesand liftedme up, driving intomewith such reckless abandon that I thought Iwoulddie.Snaking an armaroundmywaist, he liftedmeontomyknees andintohislips.Hethrustoncemoreashisarmsfoldedaroundme,sealingmybodytohisashecame,hislargebodyshuddering.

MymuscleswerelimpanduselessbythetimeheloweredmedownsoIwashalfspreadacrosshischest,andthenneitherofusmovedforalongtimeaswestruggledtogetourbreathingundercontrol.

Itwasmewhobrokethesilence.“Thatwas...”Hischestrosewithaheavybreath.“Iknow.”IkissedtheslickskinofhischestasIletmyeyesdriftshut,snugglingclose

tohim.“Ivy?”“Mmm?”“Tonight—oncetheQueenisgone?Iwanttogobacktomyplace.Iwantus

tosleepinmybed.Iwanttowakeuptomorrowinmybedwithyou.”I smiled even thoughmy stomachwas filledwithknots, chasing away the

languidbliss.Planningforlaterwasamazing,butitwasalsoscaryashell.“I’dlikethat.”

“Yeah?”“Yeah.”Renpulledmeclosertohisside.“Good.”I tried to smile again, but I couldn’t.Notwhen balls of dread and unease

werepilingatopeachotherinmystomach.Wouldwehaveatonight?

Wouldwehaveatomorrow?

Aftersleepingmostofthedayandrestingasmuchaspossible,ourcrewminusTink arrived at the house next to the infamous LaLaurie Mansion just afterseven.WeclimbedoutonRoyal,becausetherewasnowaythatSUVwasgoingtomakeitdownthenarrowroadwithouttakingouttourists.

Nervousenergyfilledme,somethingIfeltmanytimesbefore,buttherewasarazorsharpqualitytoitthistime.Knowingthatwewereabouttofacethemostdangerousfaeknownbroughttheentireworldintostarkclarity.

Everything had changed since the last time IwalkedRoyal, but in away,nothing had. I was still the same Ivy who walked this street and entered thehouseallthoseweeksago,preparedtofightandtodietoprotectthecity.Iwasstillher.Yeah,Icarriedalittlemorebaggagewithme.Yeah,I’dbeenliedtoandbetrayed,butIwasstronger.Iwasmoreprepared,andIwasreadytoprotectthiscityagain.

Steppingonto the sidewalkofRoyalwas like . . .God, itwas like finallycoming home. It had been so long since I walked these streets. Too long. Iglanceddownthestreet,takingintheoldbuildingsandsidewalkscrowdedwithtourists and locals, and I listened to the laughter and shouts, theblaringhornsanddistantwhirlingsirens.

Home.This was home—my home, our home. I wasn’t going to let some Queen

Bitchbring somekindofarmy through thisgateway, layingwaste to thiscity.Hellno.Resolvefilledme.

“I’llbedamnedifIletherwin.”“What?”Renasked,steppinguponthecurb.Turningtohim,Ismiledalittle.“Justthinkingoutloud.”Heslidmeasidelongglanceasthebrotherspassedus.Peoplestoppedand

stared as they rounded the corner to what used to be called Hospital Street.Couldn’tblame them.The twowerewellover six feet and looked likeVikingconquerors.

FayeandKalenfollowedusaswetrailedbehindthebrothers.Thehousewasjust as creepyand rundownas I remembered,but aSummer fae stoodoutsidethistime,guardingthebuilding.

Thatwasdifferent.Strangedays.Walking inside, there was no suppressing the shudder the place always

broughton,evenwiththeroomsfullofpeople.Mileswasalreadythere,aswereseveralOrdermembers.

So relieved to see Jackie, I shot forward and gave her a quick hug. Itobviouslysurprisedher,becauseittookamomentforhertoreturnthegesture.

IturnedandlookedatDylan.Hesteppedback,andIknewhewasgoingtobeano-goonthewholehugthing.“I’mreallygladtoseeyoutwo.”

JackieeyedmeintenselywhileDylanstaredatmyears.“Whathappenedtoyou,Ivy?”

“Longstory,”Isaid,awarethatRenwaswatchingusanddefinitelylistening.“ButI’mnot—”

“Evil?”Jackiesuggested.“Halflingornot,you’vealwaysbeenalittleevil.”“Notruerwordshaveeverbeenspoken,”Dylansaid.Mylipstwitchedintoasmallgrin.“True.”“Freaking sucks aboutDaniel though.” Jackie shookher head. “Iwouldn’t

havebelievedit,but...”“ButtherehavebeentoomanyunexplainedOrderdeathsinthelastcouple

of weeks, most of them being found dead at home.” A muscle ticked alongDylan’sjaw.“Skilledmembersnotcarelessenoughtobefollowedhome.OncewetalkedtoMiles,itjuststartedtomakesense.”

“Daniel’swife?”Jackie’s shoulders tensed. “Noonehasheard fromher inweeks.Wedon’t

knowifshe’sdeadornot,butwecheckedouttheirhouseaftertalkingtoMiles.Herpursewasthere,sowasherphone,butshewasn’t.”

“That’snotagoodsign,”Isaid.“Nope,”Dylanagreed.“Wedon’tknowifshewasawareofwhatDanielwas

doingornot,butattheendofthedayitdoesn’treallymatter.We’velostoverhalfofouractivemembershere.”

Aballofemotionfilledmythroat.Theirdeathsweresounfair,sofreakingsenseless.“So, thecity isreallyscrewedif theQueencomesbackthroughthisgatewaywithahordeofOtherworldcreatures?”

Jackienodded.“Hey.” Ren nodded at the two as he curled an arm aroundmy shoulders.

Dipping his head, he kissed my cheek, and my heart squeezed in the bestpossibleway.Ilovedallthosequickkisses,andI’dnevergrowtiredofthem.IjusthopedIhadachancetoprovethat.“I’mgoingtoheadupstairs.”

“Okay.Berightup.”Renwalkedahead,scopingout the interior.Nothinghadchangedsince the

lasttimewe’dbeeninhere.AtleastasfarasIremembered,buttheair...yeah,theairwasheavier.Ididn’tthinkithadanythingtodowiththedoorwaybeing

here,butmoresowithallthedeaththathadoccurredthefirsttimeithadbeenopened.

Ihadahorriblefeelingtonightwe’dbeaddingtothatheaviness.“Ivy.”Stiffeningat the soundof thePrince’svoice, I turned.Tension seeped into

mymusclesasmygazemethis.Hestoppedinfrontofme.“Areyoureadyfortonight?”Iliftedashoulder.“AsreadyasIcanbe.Areyou?”Therewasatwitchtohislips,asifhewishedtosmilebutdidn’tknowhow.

“AsreadyasIcanbe.”“Cool.”Istartedtoturnaway.“I’msorry,”hesaid,speakingthosetwowordsinalowvoice.MybreathcaughtasIfacedhimoncemore.“What?”“Iamsorry.Iknowmyapologymeansnothing.ThethingsI’vedonetoyou,

thethingsItriedtodo...”Hetrailedoff,hisvoicehoarse.“Idonotaskforyourforgiveness for things I couldnever forgivemyself for, but I am sorry for thepainandterrorI’vecaused—”

“Stop,”Iraspedout,brieflyclosingmyeyes.Thebitter tangleofemotionscurledaroundmyheart.“I...Iappreciatetheapology.Ido,butI...”Ithoughtbacktowhatfeltlikealifetimeago.“Ioncewasunderthecompulsionofafae.HowI’dendedupunderacompulsionhadbeenmyfault.I’dbeenstupidandIpaidforthat.Completelyundertheirglamour,I’dletfaeintoahousewheretheykilledeveryonewhowasimportanttome.SoIknowwhatitfeelsliketohavenocontrolanddothingsyouneverwould,butI...”

“Iunderstand,”hesimplysaidafteralongmoment.My gaze shot to his, and I thought . . . I thought that maybe he did

understandwhatIcouldn’tevenputintowords.Itwasn’tthatIdidn’tunderstandhe hadn’t been in control.He’d even been under a spell, devoid of consciouschoice or will, and I guessed that was worse than anything Ren and I hadsuffered.Iunderstoodthat,butitwasstillhard.ThatIcouldunderstandhowhebecamethePrincethatterrifiedme,howhehadn’tbeenresponsible,butallthatknowledgedidn’tchangethefactthatforgivingandforgettingmayneverbeinthecards.

The Prince gaveme a curt bow and then he stepped aroundme, headingupstairs,andIwasleftstandingthere,staringattheplacewhereheoncewas.

Sucking in a sharp breath, I pushed that mess of memories and emotionsassociatedwithmycaptureandheadedupstairs.Nowwasnotthetimetodwellonanyofthat.IneededtohaveaclearheadifIhadanychanceofsurvivingthisnight.

Milesfollowedmeup,andImademywaydownthenarrow,darkhallway.Awave of goosebumps spread over my skin as I neared the entrance to thebedroom.

As I walked through the door and found Ren standing by a boarded-upwindownearawoodenchair,myheartstartedkickingaroundinmychest,doinganerraticdance.

“It’skindoflikewecamefullcircle,isn’tit?”IsaidtoRen.Henoddedasheeyedthesealedclosetdoor—thegateway.Rightnowitjust

lookedlikeanynormaldoorinanold-as-hellhousewithawhiteceramichandlethatmost likely jiggled.Therewas a gapbetween the topof thedoor and theframe.Itsatslightlycrooked.

“Itis.”Renpausedasalopsidedgrinappeared.“Inareallymessedupway.”Curlinganarmaroundhim,Ididn’tcarewhatitlookedliketotheothers.I

wantedtofeelhistattooedskinundermineforaslongasIcould.I didn’t know how much time had passed. Maybe a handful of minutes.

Maybeanhour.Itfeltliketimehadsloweddowntoacrawlandalsospedupatthesametime.

Butwedidn’thavetowaitlong.The Prince stiffened and then turned to the doorway. A strange stillness

permeatedtheroom.“It’stime.”

Chapter34

Ashiversnakeditswaydownmyspine,andmyhandsautomaticallywenttotheiron stakes onmy thighs.Tiny hairs rose onmybody.All aroundme, peoplebegantoreacttothepeculiartensionseepingintothehouse.

Dylanblewoutatersebreathanditpuffedintoamistycloud.“Isitjustmeordidthetempsjustdropbytwentydegrees?”

“It’snotjustyou,”Renreplied.Ice formedover thedoorframeand seepedover thewalls as a soft, highly

feminine giggle rose fromdownstairs.Abone-coldwindwhipped through theroom.

“They’rehere,”Jackiewhispered,tendrilsofherhairlifting.AhorriblesenseofdéjàvuslippedovermeasIheardthepoundingfeetand

creakingfloorboards.We’dbeenherebefore.Itallstartedhere,andithadbeenabloodbath.

IlookedatRen.Hisgazemetmine.Hewinked.Onesideofmylipskickedup.“Iloveyou.”“Proveittomelater.”“Iwill,”Ipromisedastheaircaughtinmythroat.The Summer fae stepped forward, lifting crossbows as the Queen’s fae

reachedthehallway,andthentheywerehere.The first through the iced-over doorway was an ordinary fae, and Kalen

caughtitinthechestwithaquick,cleanstrike.Andthentherewasanother,andJackietookoutthatonenext.

And then they just kept coming, spilling through the open doorway like aplagueof locusts.Therewere somany that they filled the room,and the floorrattled like dry, angry bones under the weight. The wave of Queen’s faeswallowedours, taking themdown.Screams ripped through theair asdaggersandteethtorethroughflesh.

IforcedmylungstoinflateandthenIletgoofthefearanddreadthatalwayscamewiththiskindofbattle.Isprangintoaction,likeI’dbeentrainedtodo—born to do. I caught the nearest fae, slamming the dagger home. Instinct tookover. I spun,extendingmyarmandcatchinganother fae just asRen launchedforwardasthefirstKnightappeared.

Theywouldn’tbeaseasytokill.Dippingdown,hecaughttheAncientinthestomachwithhisshoulder.The

forceofthebroadblowflippedtheAncientover.Helandedonhisbackwithagrunt of surprise. Ren spun skillfully, thrusting the thorn stake deep into theAncient’s chest. Renwhirled, shoulders tense,mouth nothing but a slash of aline.

Iturnedatthesoundofpoundingfeet.AnAncientwasgunningforme,eyesfullofhatred.Mymusclestensedlikedtheyalwaysdidbeforeengaginginbattlewithanenemythatwasn’tgoingtobetakendowneasily.Iwaitedfortheperfectmoment,knowingIhadtobesmartaboutthis.HehadatonmoremuscleonhimthanIdid,butIwasstrongerthanthelasttimeIstoodinthishouse.Hereachedforme,andIdartedunderhisarm.Springingupbehindhim,Islammedmyfootintohisback.He letout a roarofpainas Idragged the irondaggeralong thebackofhisneck,usingeverythinginmetocutthroughboneandtissue.Bloodsprayed, dottingmy chest and face. His roar ended in a gurgle as the daggerpunchedthroughtheotherside.Jerkingmyarmtotheright,Iseveredhishead.Hisbody fell forwardandhisheadwent straightdown, landing ina splat thatturnedmystomach.

Gross.Sofreakinggross.Aharshshoutdrewmyattention,andIspunaround.Myheartdroppedlikea

stone.Renwassurrounded,twoAncientsathisbackandthreefaeathisfront.Bloodtrickledfromthecornerofhismouthasheduckedablowthatwould’vemostlikelyknockedhimoutorworse.Hewaspushedbackandafaejumpedonhisback.Literally.Likeafreakingspidermonkey.

I shot forward and gripped the back of the fae’s shirt, yanking him off ofRen.Ithrewittothefloorandswoopeddown,jabbingthedaggerdeepintoitschest. That fae was no more by the time I straightened and looked over myshoulder.

Renhad takenoutoneof theAncientsbasedon theheadlessbodynext tohim,buthewasstillsurroundedandtherewasanuglygashalonghisforeheadthatstolemybreath. Istarted towardhimjustas Icaughtsightof thePrinces.The brotherswere tearing through the fae like theywere nothing but paper. Icouldn’tseeKalenorFayeoranyoneelse in themess. Ihoped that theywerestillstanding.

GrabbingthefaeclosesttoRen,Ispunheraround.Thefae’seyeswidenedinshockasthestakecutthroughherskinlikeahotknifethroughbutter.Ijerkedtheweaponout,mygazealreadyswingingtoward—

Abodyslammedintome.Knockedoffbalance,Ifellontomyside.Aburst

ofpanichitmeasIrolledontomyknees.Istartedtogetup,butpainexplodedalong my back as a boot came down, knocking my legs and arms out fromunderneathme.Ididn’tevenknowhowImanagedtoholdontomyweaponsasmychinknockedoffthewoodfloor.

Grindingmy jaw through the pain, I grunted as hard fingers dug intomyshoulders, roughly flipping me over. I didn’t even have a chance to react. Aheartbeatlater,anAncientwasontopofme,handsencirclingmythroat.

My oxygen was cut off as he squeezed down, putting pressure on fragilebones. He was going to snap my neck like a twig! Panic exploded in mystomach.Ireactedwithoutthought.Liftingbothofmyarms,IjabbedthestakesintoeithersideoftheAncient’sneck.Thefae’shandsleftmythroat,butitwastoo late to stopme. Screaming, I cut through, severing the spinal cord.BloodspurtedastheAncienttrembledandthenfelltotheside.

Rollingaway,IsprangtomyfeetandspunbacktoRen.Icameupbehindthetwofae,slammingmystakeintothebackofone.Theotherwhirledonme,screeching.

“Hi!”Ichirped,dippingdownasitswungatme.Ilaunchedup,kickingoutandswipingthelegsoutfromunderneathher.“Bye!”

Thrustingthedaggerdown,Itookoutthefaeandthenpoppedup.SlippingunderRen’sarm, Iwentstraight for theAncientsneakinguponhim.Flippingthestake,IswungmyarmoutjustastheAncient’sbodyjerkedinfrontofme.Hiseyeswidenedandthenflameseruptedfromhissockets.Hismouthdroppedopen and fire crawled out, licking along his cheeks and down his throat. Hetippedforward—

Ijumpedoutof thewayashefellandmygazeswungtowherehe’doncestood.ThePrincestoodthere.

“Fire?”Isaidstupidly.I’dseenwhatFabianhadbeencapableof,butthat—thatwassomethingelse.

ThePrince’sgazeflickeredoverme.“Youhaveblood...everywhere.”“Yeah,” I whispered under my breath, stumbling back a step. “That nifty

trickwould’vebeenhelpfulaboutaminuteago.”“Sorry.Beenbusy.”Hespuntowardthedoor.I turned, finding a female fae chargingme, practically impalingherself on

mydagger.Iblinkedassheimploded.“Wellthen.”ThenIspottedFaye.Shesprangontoachairnimblyandspunlikeadancer.Aimingthecrossbow,

shefiredoffseveralshots,oneafteranother.Eacharrowfoundahome,strikingdownthreefae.Astheyfell,IfinallysawMiles.Hewasbruisedandbloodybutstillstanding.Relieffilledme.

“Getdown!”Fabianshouted.IwhippedaroundjustasRenpoppedupbesideme.Circlinganarmaround

mywaist,hedraggedmedown to the floor justas theairaroundusexplodedwithraggedshardsofice.

“Whatthehell?”Igaspedaswhatappearedtobeiciclesshotoverhead.Theyhit thewalls,shatteringwood.Somehit thefleshoffaeandmortal, thosewhohadn’tbeenfastenough.

I criedout asKalenwentdown, a thick icicle embedded inhis thigh.Rencursedashisfingerscurledintothebackofmyshirt.

The soft, almost childish giggle echoed off thewalls as I stared up at theentrance and then therewerewords, ancientwords in a language I had neverheardbefore.Theyflowedoveruslikearushofcoldwater,sendingachilldownmyspine.

Itwisted,pressingintoRenasatall, thinshadowappearedinthedoorway,andthenthereshewas.TheQueen.

Shedriftedintotheroom,hersharpeyesdartingaroundandstoppingonthePrince.ShedidnotholdtheCrystal.TheAncientbehindherdid.

It was about the size of a basketball, white and frosty looking, but as hesteppedintotheroom,itbegantoglowaniridescentblue.

Fabian reached the Queen first, his body starting to glow the color of asummersunrise.TheQueenflickedherwrist,andthenhewasflyingbackward,pinned to the wall—pinnedwith jagged icicles, one in each of his shoulders,snaggedtherelikeapinnedfly.

“GoodGod,”Renmuttered.ThePrincechargedher,butallshedidwasflickherwristoncemoreandhe

wasskiddingbackwardacrossthefloor.“Giveupandlive,”shesaid,hervoicefullofsmokeandshadows.“Getin

mywayanddie.”RenandIpushedtoourfeetasthePrinceshovedoffthewall.Alowrumbleshookthefloor,gainingsoundandspeed.Iglancedbehindme

asRendidthesamething.Afaintbluelightappearedatthebottomofthedoor.“Thedoor!”Igasped.“She’sopeningthegateway.”TheQueenturnedtowherewestoodandliftedherhand,butRenandIhad

already seen what she was capable of. We parted ways, him going in onedirectionandmeinanother.

Jumpingoverfallenbodies,ImadeitaboutfivepacesbeforeIwassweptoffmyfeetandsenttumblingbackward,assoverhead.Islammedintothewall.Theimpactknockedtheairandastakeoutofmyhands.Iwasstunnedforamoment,unabletomove.

TheQueenhadclearedapath.Thateasily.Evenwith two princes, an army of Summer fae, and the remainingOrder

members,shehadclearedapathway.FabianandthePrincehadseriouslyoverestimatedtheirabilities.The Queen strode forward, Crystal in her arms. It was glowing intensely

now,sobrightitwaspainfultolookupon.Ibitbackacurse,pushingtomyfeet.“Helpme.”Iturned,seeingFabian.Shootingtowardhim,Ireachedfortheicicles.They

wereindeep.“Sorry.”Wincing, Ipulled the firstoneout.Hisentirebody joltedas Idropped the

firsticicle,buthedidn’tmakeasounduntilIpulledthesecondoneout.Thenhescreamed, dropping to his knees. Fayewas suddenly at his side, pressing herhandintohiswound,stanchingthebloodflow.

The Prince spun in our direction, and that was when the Ancient who’dentered with the Queen charged the Prince, thrusting his shoulder into thePrince’sstomach.Theycollapsedbackward,intothewall.Drywallcrackedandgavewayasdustfilledtheair.Thewallshookandthenhalfofitshatteredapartastheyfellthroughintotheotherroom.

“Use them,” Fabian gasped, letting his head fall back. “Use them againsther.”

Mygazedroppedtothethickicicle.Itwassocoldthatitburnedmyhand.Ilooked up. TheQueenwas almost to the door.Withmy heart inmy throat, Ipivoted,notgivingmyselftimetothinkaboutwhatIwasdoing.

Racing across the room, I reached the Queen just as she turned to me.SurpriseflickeredoverherfaceasIliftedmyarm,swingingtheicicledown.Sheswepttotheside,andImissedherchest.

ButIdidn’tmissher.The icicle cut into her shoulder, sinking deep to the bone. The impact

traveledallthewayupmyarm,jarringmyentirebody.Screaminginpainandfury,theQueenlashedout.Ididn’tevenknowifshe

hitmewithanypartofherorifitwasjustthemightofherfury.Eitherway,Iflew backward, crashing to the floor and rolling several feet. Ears ringing, Icametoastop,slowtorealizeIwasnowweaponless.

Ipushedupontomyelbows,breathingheavyas I lookedacross theroom.The Queen was also down, on her knees, and tearing at the shoulder of hersilverydress.Darkbloodstainedthefrontofit.

The closet door suddenly swung open and intense blue light poured out.She’dopenedthegateway.Dammit.

Windpickedup,powerfulandfierce.Atremblerattledthefloorsasmyloosecurlsblewacrossmyface.Ipushedmyselfuptomyknees,ignoringtheacheinmybones.MystaremettheQueen’s,andhergazedriftedawayfrommeandtomyleft.Ilookedover.TheCrystal.

TheQueenhaddroppedit.Rollingover,Iscrambledtomyfeetasmystomachdropped.TheQueenwas

alreadyonher feet andshewascloser.My feet slippedover theblood-soakedfloorboards.

Ren whipped around and started forward, but it was too late. The QueenreachedtheCrystalfirst.Ishoutedasshewrappedherslenderfingersaroundit.Rising, she clutched it to her chest. She didn’t look atme. She didn’t look atRen.

TheQueenlookedtothePrince,towherehewasstumblingbackthroughthewall.“I’llseeyouagain,mylove.”

His chin jerked up and he roared with fury as he tossed the body of theKnightasideandrushedtowardtheQueen,butshewasasfastasashadow.Shespunonbarefeetandran.Ididn’tevenhaveachancetotakeanotherbreathofair before she went through the doorway, the Crystal in hand. The blue lightstretched, forming thick tendrils of light. They touched the Queen and flaredintensely.

The blue light expanded and whipped out, circling around my leg. Itcontractedhardandfast,rippingmylegoutfromunderneathme.Ihitthefloorandthenwasslippingacrossit,towardthedoor.

Realizationslammedintomeatthespeedofatrain.Blood—Iwascoveredinit.Someofithadtobemine,andthatmeant...

Mybloodmust’vebeenontheCrystal.IwasabouttobesuckedintotheOtherworld,alongwiththeQueen.“Ren!” I screamed, digging into the floor. My nails cracked and broke.

AnotherscreamtorethroughmeasIwaspulledbeyondtheopeningofthedoor.Arms flailing, my hands smacked off the door frame. My wide gaze swungaround,andtherewasnothingbutdarknessbeyondthebluelight.TheforceoftheOtherworldpulled,stretchingmyarmsuntil I feltmymusclesstart to tear.MyfingersslippedandIlostmygrip.

Handsclampeddownonmine,andmygazeflewtoRen’s.OhGod,hewasthere, his feet planted on either side of the door.My body lifted clear off thefloor.

“Holdon!”heshouted,hisfacestrainedashetugged.“Ren,ohGod,Ren!”Icriedout,panicandterrordiggingintomybones.Theforcegrew,liftingRenup,andIknewitwastoopowerful.Itwasgoing

tosuckbothofusthrough.Bothofus.No.Icouldn’tletthathappentohim.Icouldn’t.MybodytwistedsoIcouldseehisface.Ourgazescollided.“Ren.Letgo.

Please!Pleaseletgo.You’vegottoletgoofme.”Horrorfilledhisexpression.“Never—God,never!”“Youneedto.”Stretchedtotheirlimits,myarmsandshouldersburnedasif

theywereonfire.“Iloveyou,Ren.Iloveyousomuch,butyouneedtolet—”“Stop!” he shouted, his beautiful face contorting with anguish. “I’m not

lettinggo.”Tearscloudedmyeyes.“Youhaveto.You—”Arms circledRen’swaist and then Iwas being pulled forward, out of the

lightandbeyondthedoorwayandintoRen’slapaswefellbackward.Ilookedup,overRen’sshouldersashefoldedhisarmstightaroundme.

ThePrince.OhGod.ThePrincehadpulledme—pulledus—free.Wind whipped through the room and was ripped out of it, sucking back

throughthedoor.TwistinginRen’sarms,myeyeswerewideasthebrightbluelightpulsedonceandthentwiceandthenpulledintoitselfuntiltherewasjustadotoflightinthenever-endingdarkness,andthentherewasnothingbutbone-chillingblackness.

Thedoor to theOtherworldswungclosed,sealing itselfupwith theQueenandtheCrystalinside.

Chapter35

Slowly, we picked ourselves up, one at a time. The Prince was helping hisbrotherstand,andFayewaswithKalen,onearmaroundhisshoulders,holdinghimup.

MileswasnexttoDylanandJackie.Allofuswerestillalive,butwe...“Wefailed,”Iwhispered,staringatthesealeddoorway.“Weactuallyfailed.”SilencegreetedmeasRenslippedanarmaroundmywaist,drawingmeto

hisside.Ifelthis lipsbrushmytemple,butbitterdisappointmentwashedoverme,nearlystrippingmeofwhateverstrengthwasleft.

Wefailed.The Queen was gone, but she was going to come back with a vicious,

monstrousarmy.Probablyindays.Hoursifweweren’tlucky.Istumbledback.“Butdidwe really fail?”Dylan asked. “TheQueen is gone.So are all the

Ancients—”“WehavenoideaifalltheAncientsaregone,butwehadtohavetakenout

nearly all of them.”Miles limped forward, pickingup a fallen stake. “But theQueenhastheCrystalintheOtherworld.Shecancomebackatanytime—”

“Itwon’tbefora longtime.”Fabian’svoicewashoarse.“Youstabbedherwithoneoftheicicles,right?”

Turning,welookedathimandmymouthdroppedopen.Hewasaghostlycolor.MygazeshottoKalen.Sowashe.Bothwerebarelystanding,alloftheirlimbstrembling.“Idid.Igotherintheshoulder.Prettydeep,too.”

ThePrincelookedatmesharply.“Youdid?You’resure?”“Yes.Hitthebone.What?”IpulledawayfromRen.“What’sgoingon?”“Ifshewaswoundedwithherownmagic,herownweapons,shewill . . .”

ThePrincetrailedoff,andthenhedidsomethingIhadn’theardfromhimsincetheenchantmentwasbroken.

ThePrincelaughed—adeep,loudlaugh.Ren walked forward, his movements stiff. “Can you fill us in on what’s

goingon?BecauseI’mnotsurewhatisfunnyrightnow.”“Meeither,”Milesmuttered,sheathingthestakeathiship.“Beingwoundedbyoneofthoseicicleswouldtakeanyfaetimetorecover

from. It would’ve killed a mortal.” The Prince turned back to his brother,wrappinganarmaroundhiswaist.“ButfortheQueentobewoundedwithher

ownmagiciscatastrophic.Thesameforanyofus.”“Sowhatdoesthatmean?”Jackiedemanded,wipingatthebloodalongher

cheek.“Willitkillher?”“No.”ThePrinceledFabiantothedoor.“Butitwillgreatlyweakenherfora

verylongtime.”I didn’t dare let any hope grow in me as I limped after them, but I

rememberedhimmentioningthiswhenhe’d tolduswhatwouldweakenthem.“Howlongisaverylongtime?”

“Months,”heanswered.“Months?Areyoukiddingme?That’snota long time.” Itwasbetter than

weeksorhours,butstillnotlongenough.He stopped and looked over his shoulder. “Months in the Otherworld are

yearsinthemortalworld.”“Years?”Renrepeated.“Likeinplural?”“Inplural,”thePrinceresponded.“Andwhileshe’sweak,she’snotgoingto

beabletogatheranarmy.Withherpowersdownandwounded,shewon’tgainmany supporters. Not in the Otherworld, where only the strong and fullypoweredgainsupport.”

Myheartwasthunderinginmychest.“So,whatdoesthismeanexactly?”“Itmeanswedidn’tfail,”hereplied,smilingslightly.Itwaswarm,butdidn’t

reach his eyes. I didn’t think any of his smiles did. “We will have years toprepareforherreturn.”

I limpeddownthesteps,myheadamixofconflicting thoughtsandemotions.Hadwefailed?Yes?No?Iwasn’tsure,andIwastoodamntiredtoreallythinkaboutitandtoofreakingecstaticthatwewereallalivetobeatmyselfupaboutnotgettingtheCrystalorkillingher.

I’dleavethatfortomorrow.Becauseweweregoingtohaveatomorrow.“Ivy!”TinkscreechedthemomentIreachedthebottomofthestairs.I drew up short as he raced away from Fabian and all but tackled me,

wrappinghislongarmsaroundme.“You’realive!”“Yes,”Isqueaked.“AndIthoughtyouweresupposedtostayatthehotel.”“I did, but I couldn’t wait any longer. I showed up just as everyone was

comingdownthestairs.”Herockedmebackandforth.“Iwentoutallbymyselfandfoundtheplace!”

“Hewasn’t byhimself,” I heardTanner say. “Hewasgettingworried, and

well,wecouldn’tstophim.”Squeezingmyeyesshut, Ihuggedhimback, toohappy tobehugginghim

againtobemadabouthimnotlisteningtous.“Whathappened?”Tinkasked,andIpulledawayasFayebegantoexplain

everything.RenmovedovertothePrinceswhileTinkwasgiventhebreakdown,andI

saw that Tanner hadn’t come alone. Brighton was with him, lingering in theback.ShewasstaringatthetwoPrinces,herprettyfacepale.

“Weneedtogetmybrotherbacktothehotel,”ThePrincesaid.“Heneedstorest,asdoesKalen.”

Tinkmoved away fromme, hurrying to Fabian’s side. “Is he going to beokay?”

“Hewillbe.”“Whatcanwedotohelpthem?”Iasked.“Nothing,”heanswered.“Allwecoulddoiswaitfortheaffectstowearoff.”LookingatthepaleanddrawnfacesofFabianandKalen,Ifeltreallybadfor

them.“Howlong?”“Toolong,”gruntedFabian.“Weshouldbefine...inafewweeks.”Weeks?Myeyeswidened.“I...IbroughtanSUV.”Brightonclearedherthroatandthenspokeup.“I

cantakethemback.”Idrew inashudderingbreathandwalkedover towhere thePrincesstood.

Renwasalreadythere.“Hey,”Isaid,glancingbetweenthetwoofthem.“Ijustwanttothankyoufor,um,savingus—savingmebackthere.Ifyouhadn’t...”

Hestaredatme.“Youdonotneedtothankme.Ever.”Ishifted,uneasy.“ButIdo.Wedo.”“She’s right.”Ren’s shoulders tensed as he extended a hand to thePrince.

“Thankyou,Prince.”ThePrince’sgazeflickeredfromRen’shandtohisface,andthenafteralong

moment,hetookRen’shandandshookit.“You’rewelcome.”ReleasingRen’shand,heglancedoveratme.AndmynameisnotPrince.ItisCaden.”

Faint sunlight seeped under the heavy curtains, slipping its way across thebedroom floor, toward the bed. I had no idea what time it was since Renapparentlydidn’tbelieveinbedroomclocks,butIknewithadtobelateintheafternoon.

Justlikewetalkedaboutthedaybefore,wehadn’tgonebacktoHotelGood

FaelastnightwheneveryoneleftthehouseonRoyalStreet.We’dgonebacktoRen’s,becausewe. . .becausewecould,andnowitfelt likeI’dsleptforever,butasIstaredatthetinyparticlesofdustdancinginthestreamoflight,Iwasn’tsureIwasreadytobeawake.

Squeezingmyeyes shut, I shiftedmyhipsasawaveofunrest sweptoverme.Thearmaroundmywaisttightened,drawingmebackagainstahard,warmchest.“Youshouldstillbeasleep,”Ren’sdeepvoicerumbledagainsttheskinofmyneck.

Reaching down to where his hand rested on my stomach, I threaded myfingersthroughhis.“Shouldn’tyoubeasleep,too?”

“You’reawake.”Hekissedthesideofmyneck.“So,I’mawake.”Sometimes I wondered if he had an internal Ivy alarm system and if he

chargedhimselfamonthlyfeeforit.Isqueezedhishandinreturn.Therewasabeatofsilenceandthenhetuggedmeontomyback,andIfoundmyselfstaringintosleepy,beautifulgreeneyes.

Curlybrownhairfellforward,brushingagainsthiseyebrowsasheroseontohis elbow aboveme. “I’m not going to ask if you’re okay.”He swept back astrandofmyhairashisgazesearchedmine.“Justdon’tbottleallofthisup.Alothashappened,andeventhoughwemayhaveyearsbeforewefacetheQueenagain,alotisstillgoingtohappen.”

I swallowed razor blades of emotions and whispered, “I promised Iwouldn’t.”

Renwaitedashestareddownatme.Drawinginashakybreath,Iexhaledslowly.“Doyouthinkwereallyhave

yearsbeforetheQueencomesback?”ThetipsofRen’sfingerstrailedacrossmycheek,avoidingthedeep,purplish

bruisesandrawcutsthathadappearedovernight.“Basedonwhattheysaid,wehavenoreasontobelievethatisn’tthecase.”

“True,”Imurmured.“Butwhatifthey’rewrong?”“Whatifthey’renot?”Hedraggedhisthumbundermylip.“Whatifwehave

years to live and to make sure we’re ready when she comes back? Years,Sweetness.That’salongtime.That’salotofliving.”

Abitoftheknotrestinginthepitofmystomachloosened.Itdidn’tgoawaycompletely,butitmadeiteasiertobreathe.Renwasright.Therewasnoreasonthatthebrotherswerewrong.Wecouldhaveyears.“It’sover,”Isaid,becauseIfeltlikeIneededtosayit.“It’soverfornow.”

Rendroppedaquickkissonthetipofmynose.“Yes,it’soverfornow.”Iclosedmyeyes,lettingthatreallysinkin.Itstilldidn’tseemreal.Thatwe

weren’tlivingsecondtosecond,daytoday.

He kissed my forehead. “You’re going to worry about this, but it’ll geteasier.”Thistimehekissedthecornerofmylipsandthensighedheavily.“Butyoualreadyknowthat.”

Idid.Movingonpast the fact that theQueencouldandmost likelywouldcome

backwasn’tgoing tobeeasy.But I couldn’t live in fear.Ahealthyamountofdreadwasonething,butwe...

Wereallydidn’tfaillastnight.Iopenedmyeyes.“Whenshedoescomeback,we’regoing tobeready to

killthatbitch.”Rengrinned.“It’ssohotwhenyoutalkaboutkillingevilfae.”Alaughescapedme,andforthefirsttimeinalongtime,Iletmyselfreally

lookahead.Ipracticallyhadanentirelifeaheadofme—anentirelifewithRen.Ofcourse,westillhadourduty.Eitherofuscoulddieonournextpatrol,butwiththehelpoftheSummerCourt,itwasn’tjusttheOrderanymore.

Wecouldhaveafuture.Itmayberoughfromtimetotime.EventhoughIhadn’thadacravingsince

weleftCalifornia,Iknewthatitcouldcomeback,butifitdid,Iwoulddealwithit.Wehadafuture—oneIwantedtostartrightnow—ahopeful,brightfuture.

Iliftedmychin,andwithoutwords,RenobligedwhatIwassilentlyseeking.Renkissedme,anditwasdeepandconsumingandbeautifulinallthewaysthatbroughttearstomyeyes.EverythingRenfeltformewasinthatkiss, ineverykiss,andwhenhepulled theblanketout frombetweenus,heslippedovermeandslidinsideme.

The way our bodies joined was nothing like the night before when wereturnedtoRen’splaceandimmediatelyracedtotheshower,washingoffalloftheblood.Thathadbeenfastandhard,asifithadbeentheonlywaytoprovethatwewerestillalive—thatattheendofitall,westillhadeachother.Thiswasdifferent.Renmovedpainstakinglyslow,likeithadbeenthefirsttimeforus.

Ren’smouthnever leftmine.Not aswemoved together, ourhipspushingandpullingapart.Notonceashishandsstayedwrappedaroundmine,holdingthemdownoneithersideofmyhead.NotevenasIcurledmylegsaroundhiswaist,takinghimasfaraswecouldgo.Wekissedasifweweredrinkingfromoneanother,takingsipsandthengulping.

Therewasnoroomforwords.Nospaceleftforthemasthepaceofourhipspickedup.Therewereonlysoftmoansanddeepergroans in thebriefsecondsour mouths were parted. Sweat dampened our bodies, glistened on our skin.Every muscle in my body seemed to tighten and unclench in never-endingwaves.

Thiswas . . . thiswasmaking love—sweetandsteadyandsoul-scorching.Thewayhedraggedouteverykiss,everythrust,absolutelydestroyedmeinthebestpossibleways.IneverfeltclosertoRen,moreinlovethanIdidrightthen.

Renbrokethekisswhenhecame,speakingmynameagainstmylipsinthisdeep,gutturalwaythatcurledmytoesandsentmetumblingovertheedgeintobliss.Tight shiverswashedoverme.The release flowing throughoutmybodyblew nearly every thought out ofmymind, leaving room only for the rollingpleasure.

Whenitwasallover,onlywhenourheartsbegantofinallyslowandI laycurledinhisarms,mycheekrestingonhischest,dideitherofusspeak.

“Whatdowedonow?”Renaskedashishandtrailedlazilyupanddownmyspine.

ThatwasaloadedquestionbecauseIknewhewasn’taskingaboutwhatweweregoingtodoafterhavingmind-blowingsex.Hewasthinkingbigger,long-term.“Idon’tknow,”Isaidafteramoment.“Ithink...IthinkIwouldwanttogobacktoschool.”

“Yeah?”Hisfingerstangledinmyhairbeforeslippingfree.Itookashallowbreath.“I’vemissedspringregistration,butIcouldstartin

thesummerorthefall.”“Ithinkthat’sagoodidea.”Excitement blossomed in the center of my chest, unfurling like a rose

blooming for the first time. I lookeddifferent,butnotenough that themortalswouldreallynoticeanything.Icouldeasilybeinthepublic.Nobiggie.“Ireallywouldlikethat.”

“I can come visit you on campus,” he suggested. “You know, just to bedistracting.”

“That’sreallyhelpful.”“Itrytobe.”Grinning, I trailedmy fingers over the taut planes of his stomach. “What

aboutyou?”Hedidn’teven takeasecond toanswer.“Whateveryouwant todo,where

youwanttobe,that’swhatI’lldo—that’swhereI’llbe.”“Really?”IliftedmychinsoIcouldseehisface.“Really,”herepeated.“Ithoughtmaybewecouldtakeavacation,though.I

thinkweearnedit.”Therewasnostoppingthesmileracingacrossmyface.“Avacationwould

beawesome.”Thosebeautifulgreeneyeswerebright.“Wheredoyouwanttogo?”“Somewhere cold,” I answered immediately. “Somewherewhere therewill

besnowandwecanmakesnowmenanddrinkhotchocolateand...havesexinfrontofacracklingfireplace.”

“I think I know of a few good places back home,” he replied. “And I amreallylovingyourideaofavacation.”

“Itwasthesexpart,wasn’tit?”“Possibly.”I laughedasIsettledbackdownagainsthim.AsI laythere,surprisefilled

me as the realization hit me that there was going to be tomorrow, a week, amonth, years to fill up. For some reason, it hadn’t struck me until this verymoment that wewere going to have a real future, barringwe didn’t get, youknow,killedonthejoborrunoverbyaspeedingtrolley.“Iguesswereallycandothatnow?”

“Dowhat?”“Plan.Wecanreallyplan.”Ibitdownonmylip.“Forawhilethere,Ireally

didn’t think therewas going to be a future.Youknow? I just kindof stoppedthinkingabout...tomorrow.”

Ren’shandstilledforabeatandthenstartedmovingagain.Hefellquiet.“What?”Iliftedmyhead,meetinghisgaze.“Youwantedmetoletgo.”“Ren—”“YouwantedmetoletgoandifIhadyouwould’vebeengone.”“Ididn’twantyoutobedraggedintotheOtherworldwithme,Ren.You’re

angryaboutthat?”Anincredulouslookfilledhisgreeneyes.“There’sapartofmethat’spissed

aboutthat.Probablygoingtobeapartofmepissedoffthatyouwerewillingtothrowyourlifeaway—”

“Iwasn’twillingtothrowmylifeaway.”Isatup.“Ithappenedsofast,andIrealizedthatyouweregoingtogetsuckedin,andI—”

“Tosaveme.Iknow.Iunderstandthat.”Hishandfelltomybarehip.“Thatdoesn’tmeanIhavetolikeit.”Hisgazedropped.“ButIlikethisrightnow.”

Irolledmyeyes.“Stopcheckingoutmybreasts.”Hearchedabrowasheslowlymovedhisgazetomine.“Areyouseriously

tellingmenottodothat?Doyouevenknowme?”Areluctantlaughescapedme.“They’re too distracting, Ivy.” He brushed his fingers over one breast,

causingmetosuckinasharpbreath.“They’rebeautifulandtheylooksolonelyrightnow.Beautifulbreastsshouldneverbelonely.”

Ismackedhishandaway.A playful grin filled out his lushmouth and then faded away as if it had

neverbeenthere.Hishandfelltohischest,torestabovehisheart.“Theideaoflosingyouscarestheshitoutofme,Ivy.ThatshockandangerIfelt—theshockandangerIstillfeelandprobablyalwayswilltosomeextentwasfueledbytheterrorofknowingyoucould’vebeentrappedoverthere,withtheQueenandGodknowswhat.”

Ashudderworkeditswaythroughme.ThemerethoughtofbeingtrappedintheOtherworldwiththeQueen,evenaseverelywoundedQueen,washorrifyingbecauseIknewfromexperiencewhatthatwould’veentailed.

Itwouldn’thavebeenpretty.“We’vebeenthroughalot,”Iwhispered.“Webothhavealottodealwith.”“Yeah.Wedo.”AndIknewthatforyearstocomeI’dstillhavenightmares.MaybeIwould

untilthedayIdied.I’dstillwakefromsleep,fullofpanicthatIwasbackthere,withachainaroundmyneck,orthatIwassecondsawayfrombeingtrappedintheOtherworld.Likegrief,thatkindofterrorwasn’tgoingtogoawayeasily.

I swallowed against the sudden knot inmy throat, and he folded one armbehindhisheadashestaredupatme.“IwantyoutoknowI’mnotholdingthatagainstyou.It’snotlikethat.Forreal.”

Iknewhewasn’t.Thatwasn’thisstyle.“Idon’twantyoutofeel thatwayanymore.”

“AndIdon’t.Ireallydon’t.”Hebrieflyclosedhiseyes.“It’sjust...whenIthinkaboutwhatcould’vehappened—whatalmostdid—it’sajolttothesystem.Ittakesmebacktothatverysecond,butitdoesn’tholdmetherelong.”

Tuckingmyhairoveroneshoulder,Iplacedmyhandonhishardstomach.“Igetit.Ido.LikeIsaidbefore,ifithadbeenyouaskingmetoletgo,Iwould’vebeenpissed.”

“Youwouldhavestraight-uppunchedmeinmynuts.”Agrin tugged atmy lips. Iwould’ve. Iwould’vedone it until he couldn’t

walkhisfineassintotheOtherworld.The hand on my hip moved to my back. With the slightest pressure, he

broughtmebacktohischest,towhereIwaslyingbefore.Hekissedthetopofmyhead.“AndlikeIsaidbefore,Igetwhyyouthoughtthatwaswhatneededtohappen.Ihatesayingthat,butIgetit.”

I pressed my lips to his chest and then threw my arm over his waist,squeezinghimsotightlythathelaughed.

“God,”hegrunted.“You’reunnecessarilystrong.”Giggling,Isqueezedhimagain,butthistimenotashard.AfewmomentspassedandthenRensaid,“IknowI’vetoldyouthisbefore,

butIneedtosayitagain.Especiallynow.”

“Youthinkmybreastsstilllooklonely?”Renlaughed.“Believeitornot,thatwasn’tthedirectionIwasgoingin.”“Well,that’sashocker.”“Iknow.”Hesatupthen,bringingmewithhim,myhairtumblingovermy

shoulders, and then wewere face to face. For amoment, like I did every sooften,Igotalittleloststaringintothosebeautifuleyes.“IwasscaredoutofmymindwhenIthoughtIwasgoingtoloseyou,butIwasalsosofuckingblownawaybyyou.”

Iblinked.“What?”Hiseyessearchedmineashereachedbetweenus,catchingthestrandsofmy

hairandtuckingthemback.“Youwentafterherwiththaticicle,knowinghowdangerousthatwas.Yetyoudiditanyway.”

“Youwould’vedonethesamething,”Ireasoned.“That’s not the point.” Ren cuppedmy cheek. “Youmade such a selfless

choice.Partofmewants tokeepyoulockedawayandpreferablychainedtoabedbecauseof it,but Idon’t thinkI’veeverbeenmoreawedor impressedbyanyoneinmylife.”

Warmthstartedtoinvademycheeksandspreaddownmythroat.Ren’shandslippedandcurledaroundthenapeofmyneck.“Iloveyou,Ivy.

I thinkyou’rebeautifulandsexyashell.You’refunnyandsodamnintelligentthatsometimesIdon’tfeelworthy.”

“Ren,” Iwhispered,myeyes fillingwith tears as I placedmyhandonhischest.

“And I admire the fuck out of you,” Ren continued, his voice thickening.“Youaresomanyamazingthings,Ivy,butmostofall,youaresodamnbrave.”

Brave.Thatwordagain.Awordthatmeantsomuchtome,andIknewRenwasright.Hewasproud

ofme,butbetteryet,Iwasproudofmyself—ofwhatIwould’vebeenwillingtodoandwhatIhaddone.

IsmiledasIleanedin,pressingmyforeheadagainsthis.Iwasbrave,andIhadmyentirelifetobebrave.“Iloveyou,”Iwhispered.

Ren’slipscurvedintoagrinagainstmine.“Proveit.”

The wicked and dangerously seductive world of the fae and the Ordercontinues withThe Prince, a 1001 Dark Nights novella, coming August 14,2018.

Pre-orderThePrince

AboutJenniferL.Armentrout

#1NewYorkTimesand#1 InternationalBestsellingauthor Jennifer lives inMartinsburg,WestVirginia.All therumorsyou’veheardaboutherstatearen’ttrue.Whenshe’snothardatworkwriting.shespendshertimereading,watchingreally bad zombiemovies, pretending towrite, hanging outwith her husband,herJackRussellLokiandtheirretiredpolicedog,Diesel.Inearly2015,Jenniferwasdiagnosedwith retinitispigmentosa,agroupof raregeneticdisorders thatinvolveabreakdownanddeathofcellsintheretina,eventuallyresultinginlossofvision,amongothercomplications.Duetothisdiagnosis,educatingpeopleonthevaryingdegreesofblindnesshasbecomeofpassionofhers,rightalongsidewriting,whichsheplanstodoaslongasshecan.

Herdreamsofbecominganauthorstartedinalgebraclass,whereshespent

most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades inmath. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, andcontemporary romance. She is published with Tor Teen, Entangled Teen,Disney/HyperionandHarlequinTeen.HerWickedSerieshasbeenoptionedbyPassionFlix.Jenniferhaswonnumerousawards, includingthe2013ReviewersChoiceAwardforWaitforYou,the2015Editor’sPickforFallWithMe,andthe2014/2015 Moerser-Jugendbuch- Jury award for Obsidian. Her young adultromanticsuspensenovelDON’TLOOKBACKwasa2014nominatedBest inYoung Adult Fiction by YALSA. Her adult romantic suspense novel TILLDEATHwasanAmazonEditor’sPickandiBookBookoftheMonth.HeryoungadultcontemporaryTHEPROBLEMWITHFOREVERisa2017RITAAwardWinner in Young Adult Fiction. She also writes Adult and New AdultcontemporaryandparanormalromanceunderthenameJ.Lynn.SheispublishedbyEntangledBrazenandHarperCollins.