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“Yes. He is the bird of Anala. He can cross the planes and the realms. I send messages back to the Fae lands by him.”

“Does every Fae have one?” Tava asked.

“No. Only the most powerful. They protect and guide their bonded Fae, and keep certain spirits and forces from this world.”

“And Scarlett…?” Tava trailed off.

“Yes, she will likely have one should I ever get her the fuck out of here,” Sorin confirmed. Amaré squawked loudly, and Tava jumped at the sudden noise. “Does Maliq know what we have found?” Amaré’s wings flared as he cooed. No then. “Nasima?” The bird made no sound, just stared at Sorin.

“So you can speak to the bird?” Cassius asked skeptically.

“No, I cannot speak to him,” Sorin snapped, “but there is a form of communication, yes.”

Amaré cawed again and flew to the window, perching on the nearest chair. Sorin walked over and opened it. Snapping his fingers, a piece of parchment appeared in a whorl of flames, and he tied it to the bird’s leg. “To Briar, my Friend. Faster than the winds. Do not let them hear.Do not let Sefarina hear. Eliza shall be here when you return tomorrow.” Amaré flew through the window and a few seconds later, Sorin saw the flash of light letting him know he’d left the land.

“Who is Eliza?” Tava asked. Sorin didn’t give her enough credit. She was quiet and introverted, but she never missed anything.

“You will meet her tomorrow. She is currently making sure everything is in order for when we get her out,” Sorin answered, returning his attention to the map.

“You have someone helping? Outside of those in this room?” Cassius inquired.

“I do.”

“She can be trusted?”

Sorin looked up, meeting his gaze. “I would trust her with my life. Ihavetrusted her with my life. She is loyal to me.”

It was Tava who voiced the next question. “What is your title where you are from?”

“I suppose that depends on who is addressing me,” Sorin answered.

“What would Eliza address you as?” Cassius cut in.

Sorin chuckled. “Eliza usually addresses me as asshole. Sometimes she will toss in fucking idiot to mix things up a little.”

Everyone exchanged confused glances except for Nuri, who grinned like a fiend. “She sounds delightful.”

“She is rarely ever that,” Sorin grumbled, “but as I said, you will meet her tomorrow. Until then, you three,” he nodded to the Tyndells and Cassius, “need to get ready for a dinner this evening. Nuri and I will figure out what to do about the orphans so that when we get her out, everyone will be safe.”

“Then we get revenge,” Nuri said, the maniacal gleam back in her eyes.

CHAPTER 41

SCARLETT

“Good, you are ready,” Mikale said, entering the room where she was being kept. Servants had dressed her in a gold gown. It flowed to the floor with capped sleeves and an open back. It was simple and stunning, even if it wasn’t her taste in the slightest. A silver belt had been slung along her waist with silver slippers on her feet. Heavy silver earrings hung in her ears, her amulet at her throat. At least he had let her keep that. Her silver hair had been curled and hung loosely around her shoulders. She sat on the stool at the vanity where they had painted her lips dark red, smudging kohl along her eyes. Mikale’s eyes roved over her, not bothering to hide the desire in them.

“Let’s discuss tonight,” he said smoothly, coming to crouch before her. He placed his hands on her hips, looking up into her face. She sat motionless, but narrowed her eyes at him. “You seem to have retreated somewhere inside that head of yours,” he observed, peering into her eyes as if searching for her.

She did not say a word.

“Your friends will be at the dinner tonight along with Prince Callan.”

She gave no reaction. Her face remained blank.

“You will be expected to interact with them normally,” he said through gritted teeth. “You need to at least acknowledge that you understand me.”

Her lips curled involuntarily into a cruel, twisted grin. “My dear Lordling,” she said, bringing her hand to his chest. Mikale froze, and she felt a sense of satisfaction deep within. Oh, he had no idea what he had allowed out when he threw her in here. She ran a finger along his throat and felt him swallow. Shadows wreathed her hands and fingers, and she saw him glance at them. She leaned down to him so she was right next to his ear as she whispered, “Do you not recognize what sits before you? After all, you released her.”