Page 122 of A Court of Thralls and Thorns

“Achievements.” My laugh was sharp and bitter. “That’s what we call it when you rack up a body count like Remy’s... I mean, Lieutenant Saulter’s.”

Zander’s gaze flicked toward Remy, who still stood by Katama. “I’m sorry, Ashe. Using you...”

“I’m Cyran Rebec’s daughter,” I interrupted. “He needed a way to get close to my father. It’s part of the infiltration handbook.” I shot another glance at Remy. “Remand is very good at what he does.”

Remy’s eyes locked on mine from across the courtyard. His face was calm, but his fingers moved in a way so subtle no one else would notice.

Let me explain.

I clenched my fists, fighting the burn of tears threatening to rise.

“He’s still watching you,” Zander muttered, stepping closer. “If you don’t want to talk to him...”

“I’ll handle it.” My voice was sharp, but I softened my tone when I looked at Zander. “Thank you.”

“You don’t have to do this alone.” His eyes were dark—not quite black, but shadowed. “If you need me...”

“I know,” I said, and I meant it.

My squad stayed close as Zander walked away, but none of them spoke. They were waiting for me to decide what came next.

Remy’s fingers twitched again.

Please.

I let out a slow breath. “I need to talk to him.”

Riven’s hand shot out, catching my arm. “You sure about that?”

“No,” I admitted. “But I need to hear what he has to say.”

Jax’s gaze hardened. “We’ll be close.”

I gave him a small smile, one that didn’t feel real, before walking toward Remy. His face gave nothing away, but those fingers kept moving.

Please... just give me a chance.

Chapter

Twenty-Four

Remy stepped forward, his fingers stained red as he held out the three silver throwing stars. The blood was drying, darkening the edges, but the metal still gleamed in the fading light.

“I believe these belong to you,” he said quietly, voice softer than I remembered. Too careful, like he thought I might break.

“Not anymore.” My tone was cold enough to freeze the air between us.

He hesitated—just for a heartbeat—then tucked them into his pocket. “I’ll clean them... have them returned.”

“Don’t bother,” I said tightly. “Keep them. Consider them a gift.”

His jaw clenched, and his fingers flexed like he wanted to reach for me. “Ashe...”

I crossed my arms tightly, forcing my voice to stay calm. “Why are you here, Remy? The truth this time.”

“The truth? I live here.” His breath hitched, and something like regret flickered across his face before vanishing beneath that careful mask of his. “I was tasked with infiltrating the Order. The king suspected someone was collaborating with the Blood Fae—someone inside our kingdom. I was assigned to get close to your father, to get information.”

I barked a bitter laugh, sharp and humorless. “Well, congratulations. I guess that’s one mission you excelled at.”