Page 7 of City of Promise and Light (Mates of Gods and Fae #1)

Taking a slow deep breath, I released it, pushing that anger further down so I could keep up my mask of indifference.

Still, it made my blood boil to hear the accusation in his voice.

I had been investigating how Ambrose managed to find her for years now; however, my search remained fruitless.

But when I found out who told Ambrose about Sybil, I swore I would tear them apart, limb by fucking limb.

Returning my focus to John, he stood in front of me, as still as a statue except for his chest which started swiftly rising and falling.

His composure shattered as he turned, picking up the book and throwing it against the wall while roaring a curse.

Raising an eyebrow, I glanced at the book that now lay flat on the floor but returned my cold gaze to John.

Bringing his palms to his eyes, John fell into his chair, resting his elbows on his knees while he fought for air, gulping down steadying breaths.

Keeping a close eye on him, I gathered my magic, transferring myself to the book.

Reaching down and wrapping my fingers around the beat-up leather, I stuffed the book into the hidden pocket of my jacket and quietly returned to my spot.

Clearing my throat, I found a bottle of water and handed it to John. He gingerly took the bottle, draining it in one go. Leaning back in his chair, John’s head fell back, and he closed his eyes. “Did she take his offer?” his voice was rough.

“No, not yet,” I sighed, looking back to the picture of John and Sybil. My chest tightened with regret for the part I was playing with Sybil’s fate. “She asked for a few days to think about it.”

Keeping his eyes closed, John swallowed thickly. “Will she do it?” his voice slightly trembled.

Pausing, I ran a hand through my hair, not knowing how to answer.

I wasn’t sure what she would decide. I’d been observing her throughout the years, but she remained a puzzle to me.

I wished I could confidently say that her suspicions would convince her to decline Ambrose’s offer, but I knew all too well the power Ambrose held over those around him.

An offer from Ambrose was near impossible to refuse.

Clearing my throat, I looked back at John, his tired blue eyes meeting mine.

Keeping my face blank, I shrugged. “Well, now you know,” I said, heading to the door.

Before I stepped through the doorway, I stopped.

“Sybil lives not far from here. About an hour away. Do what you want with that information.”

With that seed of knowledge dispensed, I closed the door behind me.

My magic danced around me, letting the world fall away as I transferred myself to Ambrose’s office.

Standing in front of his desk, I watched his hand move across the paper as he finished writing a letter.

Keeping my emotions hidden, I waited for his permission to speak, my fingers drumming impatiently against his desk.

“Well?” Ambrose asked, his eyes narrowing on my hands, his voice thick with resentment.

“It’s done,” I said calmly, though my anger was on the rise.

After my brief meeting with Ambrose, I had meant to return to my room and sort through who could have given away her location.

I didn’t mean to return to Mide, didn’t mean to find myself waiting in front of Sybil’s house to check on her.

But I couldn’t help myself. It was like a force that wouldn’t stop urging me to make sure she was okay.

She hadn’t returned home yet, her cherry-red car still missing from the driveway. Worry gnawed through me as I sat in the tree branches, hidden from view of neighbors passing along the sidewalks with their small children clinging to their legs.

I tapped my fingers nervously against my thighs, waiting for the red glint of her car. However, after an hour passed, I couldn’t wait any longer. I was due to meet with the war general to discuss Sybil joining our team , though calling ourselves such was a stretch.

Forcing myself to stand, I looked to the street one last time, willing for Sybil’s car to appear.

Relief coiled through me, and I released a breath when I saw the red gleam of her car shining in the sun.

I lingered while Sybil quickly pulled into the driveway before stepping off the thick branch.

I let the world slip away until I found myself in the middle of a sea of grass and flowers in Nemos, the upper realm.

Finding a hidden door along the rolling hills of the meadow, I opened it, heading for the darkened passage that would lead me back to the palace and court rivalries.

The queen had told me long ago that a time of chaos and turmoil was coming, but being the young male I was, I had laughed it off, believing it was just another one of her rambles.

And now, I couldn’t stop thinking of what she foretold, of the warnings she murmured in secret.

I glanced behind me, back to the grass billowing in the wind as if Sybil was already here, as if she lingered in that field taking in the new world around her. My gut twisted at the thought of her saying yes to Ambrose’s offer, of her coming here to this infectious court.

Rolling my shoulders, I gathered my strength, bracing myself for what was to come, and then stepped through.