Page 29 of King of Ashes

I don't answer immediately. The truth is, I haven't thought that far ahead. I can't allow myself to.

"She's a means to an end," I say finally. "Nothing more."

My stomach tightens, calling me a liar, but I ignore it. I have to. Because the alternative, that I still feel something for the woman whose family destroyed mine, is unthinkable.

11

KEIRA

Awedding. My wedding to Phoenix Ifrinn, the man who once held my heart and now wants to crush it beneath his heel. How am I supposed to plan a celebration for my own public humiliation?

I can’t think about that part. I need to focus on the task and the new freedom I have. Granted, I can’t run away, but I have access to the house and technology. I can plan to have Brigit sent somewhere safe. Before I do anything, I need to see her, make sure she’s safe.

I open the door of my bedroom, finding a stern-faced man waiting. Phoenix's watchdog. I guess we’ll find out if I truly have freedom to roam the house or not.

"I need to check on my god-sister,” I say with as much authority as I can muster.

He raises an eyebrow. "Boss said you can move around, but I follow."

"Fine." I stride past him, not waiting for permission. "But understand something—Brigit is innocent in all of this. You need to stay away from her."

He shrugs like he doesn’t care one way or the other.

As we walk toward Brigit's room, my mind races. I need to convince Phoenix that he can trust me to toe the line and that Brigit doesn’t need to be under heavy guard. The fewer eyes on us, the easier it will be to sneak her away.

When I open the door and see her sitting on the bed with Nanny Fiona, the weight crushing my chest eases slightly. Brigit is safe.

"Keira!" Brigit jumps up, running toward me with outstretched arms.

I drop to my knees, pulling her into a tight embrace. Her small body feels so fragile against mine, yet she's the strongest thing in my world.

"Are you okay?" I pull back to examine her face.

She nods, but her eyes tell a different story. Fear lingers there, clouding their usual brightness.

"Nanny Fiona, could you give us a moment?" I ask, glancing at the doorway where my guard stands.

Once Fiona steps out, I sit on the edge of the bed, patting the space beside me. Brigit climbs up, tucking herself against my side.

"I was scared yesterday," she confesses in a small voice. "When those men came…"

My throat tightens. "I know, sweetheart. I was scared too."

“Where are?—”

“They’re in the basement,” I say, knowing she’s asking about my parents.

“Are they dead?” Brigit’s eyes are wide.

“No.” Not that I’m aware of. “They’re fine.”

"Who is that man? The one who found us in the attic?" Her fingers fidget with the hem of her shirt. "He looks at you like he's mad."

How do I explain Phoenix to her? The truth is too complicated, too dangerous.

"His name is Phoenix. He and his brothers used to be friends with our family a long time ago."

"But not anymore?”