Page 110 of Where Darkness Falls

He whistles, and Domhnall appears beside him with a woman with short dark hair and olive skin. She’s bound and gagged. Blood and dark welts cover her body. She looks thin—too thin. The woman’s chest moves rapidly as she attempts to breathe.

What did he do to her?

“This woman has been found guilty of treason for conspiring with the Friotaíocht—a band of rebels that plan to usurp this beloved empire I’ve built,” the king sneers.

Boos echo as Domhnall removes the gag from her mouth, her eyes are frantic—searching for a means of escape. Something in her features reminds me of…

I shake my head in disbelief. “No,” I whisper, “it can’t be.”

The Cadre press their bodies a little closer to mine.

Virgil’s body is rigid beside me. “Do you know her?” he whispers.

I swallow thickly. “Yes,” I reply.

“Who is she?” Laisren growls under his breath.

I open my mouth to speak just as the woman’s eyes catch on mine and recognition lights her features. The sting of tears prick my eyes as I watch her struggle against Domhnall.

“Her name is Aria,” I say quietly. “She’s my sister Cara’s friend, and Gawain’s sister. I only met her once, but I-I didn’t know?—”

“Therefore,” King Tiernan’s voice rings out, “her punishment is death.”

“No,” I say under my breath. My hands clench my dress to keep from trembling, the sound of my heart roars in my ears as the crowd cheers.

My sister’s friend is a rebel, and she’s going to die.

I have to stop this.

This isn’t right.

What if she isn’t a rebel, and they’ve falsely accused her?

Where’s the justice in this?

My starlight stirs within my body, ready to make a scene, when Saoirse’s terrifying growl stops me.

No! You can’t save her, Maeva!Saoirse yells.

Why?I ask sadly.

This is what he wants. He wants you to stop it with your starlight. If you do, this event gives him enough witnesses to lock you away forever as a threat to the crown of Zulgalros and Malvoria,Saoirse growls.He’s baiting you.

But she’s going to die, Saoirse,I cry.Cara would want me to save her.

Cara isn’t here anymore, my dear. You’ll have vengeance one day for what’s happening here, but it can’t be tonight. Stand down, Maeva… please,Saoirse begs.

Virgil grabs my hand and squeezes, pulling me out of my spiraling thoughts.

“You can’t cry here,” Virgil commands. “Do you hear me? Don’t cry—not in front of him or any of these twits. They can’t see you break.”

I nod slightly, trying my hardest to heed his advice. Virgil releases my hand just as the king’s gaze travels to where I stand. The arrogant prick has the audacity to wink at me, even though I’m sure my featuresonly portray how much I truly hate him. I won’t kneel or beg before a king that doesn’t deserve my fealty, even if I inwardly wish to, for Aria’s sake. I’ll never forget the kindness she bestowed upon me in those first moments on my birthday that seems like a lifetime ago.

With a sigh, the king’s ring and eyes faintly glow. “High General,” he calls out, “abandon your princely duties for a moment as you join us up here.”

Every muscle in Emyr’s body shakes as it tries to fight against the command. Sweat forms on his brow as he attempts to ignore it, but against his will, he moves through the crowd. His steps are more rigid than usual, but he never allows his features to falter from the cool mask of indifference. His shoulders are squared back as his fists are held at his side, standing beside his father.

“Grab her,” King Tiernan commands.