Page 4 of King of Ashes (Kingdom of Sinners #4)

KEIRA

T he door slams behind Phoenix, the sound rattling my bones. I sink back onto the window seat, my legs unable to hold me up any longer. The man who just left isn't the boy I fell in love with. His eyes are cold and dead now.

But maybe they’d always been that way and in my youth and naivety, I missed it. He hid it in his plot to bring my father down. A plot that failed when my father killed Phoenix’s parents first.

My family destroyed his, and I've spent ten years trying to convince myself that it wasn't my fault. I couldn’t believe it when my father told me ten years ago that Phoenix used me and as a result, he had to kill the Ifrinns.

"You did this." My father's words echo through time. "Your little secret forced our hand."

It was impossible to believe the man I’d fallen for was capable of such treachery and betrayal.

The man with the empty, soulless eyes I saw tonight is capable of that and more.

So why does his kiss linger? Even angry, even cruel, his touch still sets my skin on fire.

I hate that he can affect me this way after everything.

A sob builds in my throat but I swallow it down. Crying won't help anyone. Not me, not my parents locked in their own basement, not Brigit. She’s the only reason for me to follow through with whatever Phoenix wants from me. Even if it means handing over my body.

Anger courses through me at my parents and Phoenix.

How dare they lay their crimes at my feet?

I was eighteen, still believing in love and happily ever after.

More importantly, I was a young woman with zero agency in her life.

Yet somehow, I’m to blame for all this destruction?

I’m the one who has to pay for it? They were the ones who chose violence, who orchestrated annihilation.

The anger gives way to grief and guilt. For ten years, I've carried the burden of Phoenix's death. If I hadn't loved him, if I hadn't been so na?ve about life…

But Phoenix isn't dead. He's here, breathing, living, hating.

All these years of mourning him and the dreams we had.

He was alive, and he never made it known until he and his brothers blew into our lives, killing my brother and taking over the house, threatening us all with death. Including an innocent child.

Why didn’t he come to me, take me away from here like he promised?

He knew how I felt about my family. He knew my life here was untenable.

All those secret walks in the garden or when he’d sneak me into his house through private passages, and we’d talk about life and love and a future together.

Then he’d kiss me, and I felt cherished.

It was the only time in my life I truly felt loved and respected.

His lips were soft then, gentle. Nothing like the bruising kiss he forced on me today. That kiss tasted of rage and revenge. And it’s clear from his comments tonight that he sees me as a spoil of war, something he can do whatever he wants with whether that’s to take me against my will or kill me.

The house is quiet now, but his hatred fills every room, seeping through the walls like poison.

Not that the house ever felt warm and loving.

That had been the Ifrinn home. Phoenix’s parents were kind and sweet, at least to me.

I knew the rumors that Mr. Ifrinn could be lethal if warranted, but whenever I saw him, he had a smile on his face and he loved his family.

I thought that’s what I’d have with Phoenix.

But perhaps the warmth and love burned away when Ronan set the house on fire. This house my father built has never been warm, has never had love. And it appears it never will, at least not in my time.

I’m going to continue to live in this loveless home married to a man who hates me. Who’ll probably someday kill me. As soon as my parents and I are of no use to him, we’ll disappear. It’s how this world works.

A floorboard creaks outside my door, and I freeze. Heavy footsteps pass by. Probably one of Phoenix's men making their rounds. My heart pounds as I think of Brigit hidden away with Nanny Fiona in the secret room. God, I hope they’re okay. I pray they haven’t been found.

Brigit is my focus now. I know I’m a dead woman walking, but I can use the time I have to protect her.

To figure out how to get her out of here and somewhere safe.

Sadness fills me at the idea of sending her away.

She’s the only bright spot in my life. But for her safety, I’ll do anything, including risking Phoenix’s wrath.

My stomach churns at the thought of playing nice with the man who's taken over my world. But what choice do I have? Every defiant word from my mouth puts Brigit at greater risk. One wrong move and Phoenix could tear this house apart and find her. But if I play my cards right, I can appease him while I make plans for Brigit’s escape.

I'll give Phoenix whatever he demands—my submission, my dignity, even the twisted marriage he's forcing upon me.

But Brigit stays safe, hidden, protected.

She's all that matters. I'll burn the world down before I let anyone hurt her.

Boots stomp up the main staircase. More of Phoenix's men, their voices carrying through the walls. They're methodically searching every room, every closet, every possible hiding place.

"Check for secret doors," someone calls out. "Rumor is the place is filled with secret passages."

I close my eyes, willing them not to find the secret room in the attic.

It’s not on any blueprints. But one wrong move, one loose floorboard, and they'll find it. If Phoenix discovers her, nothing will stop him from using her as the ultimate weapon in his revenge. I can’t have that.

I’ll kill him before I’ll let him destroy Brigit.