Page 15 of King of Ashes

Brigit launches herself at me, and I gather her close, relieved to find her safe and well.

"I brought food." I pull back, brushing Brigit's dark curls from her face. "Are you both okay up here?"

Fiona takes the wrapped bundle, but her eyes never leave my face. "What's happening down there? We heard fighting…"

"Phoenix Ifrinn is alive." The words still feel strange on my tongue. "He's taken control of the house."

"The Ifrinns?" Fiona's face pales. "They’re dead.”

“Not Phoenix and his brothers.” I guide Brigit to the small table so she can eat. “It’s important that you stay hidden, but I’m not sure how often I’ll be able to come up. He’s locked me in my room.”

“Why are they so mean?” Brigit asks around a mouthful of eggs and toast.

“They feel they were wronged. You know how you get mad if you think someone was mean to you first?”

She nods.

“It’s the same here.”Except with guns and killing. I kiss her forehead, forcing a smile. "We're going to be brave, just like always. I won't let anything happen to you, I promise."

But as I hold her, I wonder how I can possibly keep that promise when Phoenix's hatred is at lethal levels.

"Well, isn't this cozy?"

My blood turns to ice at Phoenix's voice behind me. I spin around, instinctively stepping to block Brigit from his sight, but it's too late. He fills the doorway of the hidden room, his massive frame blocking our escape route.

“You’ve got a lot of nerve sneaking out again.” His eyes scan the space, taking in the makeshift beds, the food on the table. "Quite the setup you've got here."

"Phoenix—” My throat closes around his name.

"Who's hiding up here that's worth risking everything for?" He steps closer, but I lift my chin. He won’t get Brigit. Maybe at least he’ll drop the idea that I have a secret lover, although I prefer that to his knowing about Brigit.

"Leave her alone!" Brigit darts around me before I can stop her, planting herself between us with her tiny hands on her hips. "Two wrongs don’t make a right!"

Phoenix goes completely still, his eyes locked on Brigit's face.

Everything inside me goes still. "Brigit, go to Nanny Fiona. Now."

"No!" She stamps her foot. "I want to stay with you. You promised we'd always be together!"

"How old are you?" Phoenix's question cuts through the air.

Brigit lifts her chin. "Nine. And I'm not afraid of you."

"You're the only one who isn't."

I can't breathe. Can't think. Can't do anything but stand there as my carefully constructed world crumbles around me.

“You living in the attic?”

“We’re just playing up here,” Nanny Fiona says.

Phoenix’s eyes narrow. “Who are you?”

“The nanny.” Nanny Fiona is trying to look strong, but I hear the fear in her voice.

“Nanny, take the girl to?—”

“I have a name. It’s Brigit.”