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My hands squeezed into fists. “What are you talking about?”

“A choice,” she repeated. “One that I’m still willing to offer because I’m that gracious and forgiving.”

“You are delusional,” I said, rattled by the realization that she truly believed those words.

Isbeth’s eyes narrowed. “You know where Malec is. You said so yourself. If you expect to leave this city with your beloved, you will find him and bring him to me.”

Chapter 36

“What in the hell?” Malik exclaimed, his tart confusion echoing mine, but our confusion wasn’t the only emotion I felt. A fainter trace came from…

Callum stared at the Blood Queen, his grip on Clariza still firm but his brows rising under the winged mask.

“What does he have to do with anything?” Casteel demanded.

“Everything,” she replied, toying with the diamond ring. “Bring him to me, and he will give me what I want.”

“You think he will help you destroy the realms? Punish Nyktos?” Casteel’s brows lifted. “You know how long he’s been entombed. He won’t even be able to hold a conversation with you, let alone help you destroy anything.”

Isbeth’s gaze sharpened. “But he will.”

“Your Majesty,” Callum began. “This is not—”

“Silence,” Isbeth ordered, her stare fixed on me.

The Revenant stiffened, his eyes narrowing. He was clearly unaware of whatever Isbeth planned or wanted.

And I was, well, utterly thunderstruck. This was how she believed I would aid her in destroying Atlantia and possibly the realms? By freeing Malec? Casteel was right. Malec wouldn’t be in any state of mind to take part in whatever she thought she could accomplish. “Just to make sure I understand this correctly, you think I will leave, find Malec, and then return with him so that you can then use him to destroy my kingdom? The realms?”

“That’s exactly what I think.”

I glanced at Reaver, who had gone completely still and quiet as he watched the Blood Queen. “Why wouldn’t you just ask that I tell you where he is?” I questioned.

“Because I wouldn’t believe you.”

“And yet you believe I will do as you request once I leave here?”

Her stare met mine. “As I said, I would’ve offered you his freedom in exchange. I still do.”

“Do I look like I’m in chains?” Casteel snarled.

“They may not be around your neck, but those chains are still there. Except, now, they’re around everyone’s neck—just in different forms. Revenants surround this pitiful example of a home. The entire district is full of them. Too many for your interesting traveling companion to handle without harming those innocent people you all worry so much about. Should’ve known you’d bring a draken with you.” She sent a quick, displeased look in Callum’s direction. He’d handed off Clariza to another but remained half shielded by her. “Be that as it may, you have to know that your charming—albeit destructive—escapades have come to an end. And while you may believe the worst of me, I am a most generous Queen.”

I almost choked.

“Find Malec and bring him to me, and I will let you leave. I will allow Casteel to go, too.” She watched me closely, waiting. “Your answer should’ve been immediate, Penellaphe. I know you will do anything for him.”

I would do anything for Casteel, but Malec was a god—one who had been entombed for hundreds of years. He was the son of the Primal of Death and his Consort. I couldn’t even begin to fathom what releasing him would mean or do.

I quickly glanced at Reaver again. His expression was unreadable. What in the world would Nyktos and his Consort do if Malec were freed? Then again, as far as I knew, they hadn’t intervened upon his entombment.

But this was it? How she sought to use me? This was what I was born to do? Then why had she waited until now to ask this of me? She could’ve made the request the first moment she’d spoken to me here. She could’ve sent her offer with her gift.

Something about this didn’t make sense. Hell, a lot of things, actually. Starting with why she believed that Malec would be able to give her what she wanted, and ending with what she thought would happen afterward. “If I agree, then what? You and Malec destroy Atlantia, remake the realms, and call it a day? And if I refuse?”

Her eyes hardened. “If you refuse, I will make sure you regret it until the last breath you take.”

The Primal essence roared to life, pressing against my skin. I knew immediately that she was referencing Casteel. “And what do you think will happen to you if you do that?”

“I know what you will do,” she said, smiling. “But I also know you won’t let it get to that point. You will, in the end, come to your senses and do as I bid. And I know this because whether or not you admit it, we are alike. You care for him more than you care for any kingdom.”