Page 73 of Liar Witch

I can’t sag like I so desperately want to. Instead, I turn back to the Empress, arms crossed and one hip cocked, waiting.

“The Lady Adella has forfeited.” Athena’s eyes are glowing with rage, her voice sharp with displeasure as it echoes out over the sand. “The witch, Nilsa, has won the mate challenge.”

The stands are quiet. No one knows how to react. No one expected me to win.

The clap which echoes from behind me has me turning. Far above the others, Cas is cheering like a madman, face split with joy. After a stunned moment, Kier joins him, applauding politely.

Another clap from the Empress’s box brings my attention back to Cassie, who’s beaming.

Slowly, more and more people join in. A few leave the stands, heads held high in disgust, but the majority remain and clap politely. Opal pads closer, shrinking down to her normal size as she takes in the cheering sirens.

“I suppose I was spectacular, wasn’t I?”

I smirk. “Of course. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

“Instead of all this noise, can’t they congratulate us with food? I’ve got a particular craving for sea bass…”

Chapter Eighteen

Niklaus

Nilsa’s win will be talked about for weeks. Most sirens like a lot more blood in their fights, but this one will be remembered for how easy she made it look.

“She’s made us look weak,” my mother growls, pacing back and forth in the privacy of her palace. “She defeated four of our greatest warriors in minutes and didn’t even have to kill them.”

She, my sisters and I are all gathered in the throne room. She’s kicked out all the servants and guards, though most of them fled before she had to say a word.

My mother, when she loses, is a terrifying sight to behold.

“I’ve identified the weaknesses in our training, Empress. It will be rectified.” Lexi sounds so formal, but she’s bouncing on her feet with excitement; all my sisters are.

Mother ignores her completely, turning instead to me. “You’re not leaving without a mating ceremony, it would be scandalous.”

“Then you’d better arrange one within the next hour.” My head whips round to find Nilsa, leaning against my mother’s empty throne, knife in hand.

I know I shouldn’t look, but fuck it. She won, and I’m sick of pretending not to look at her.

She looks fresh from the Arena, with her cat curled around her shoulders like a scarf.

I have a feeling the only reason Adella had her arm broken was because she went after that cat. Nilsa seemed ready to challenge her with a blade before she made a move toward the feline. My mate must be very fond of the creature to react so strongly.

“How did you get in here?” My mother shrieks.

“This is a family meeting, is it not?” I want to grin at how unrepentant she is. “I thought I’d be invited.”

“Witch…” Lexi’s warning is too late.

“You won by dishonourable means,” the Empress growls.

“I won. I’m here to collect my mate before I head off to deal with your mage problem on Fior.”

“He’s a sirenae prince. He needs a mating ceremony.”

Nilsa just shrugs. “By all means. Do whatever you have to do, but do it fast. We’re leaving.”

“You are not in charge here.”

“No, but does it honestly benefit you to delay me? The faster your enemy dies, the faster your people can be free of the place.”