Page 5 of The Path of Blood and Betrayals

Licking my lips, I shift my weight, back straight as I answer, plans unfolding quickly. I have to let him think it’s his idea otherwise he’ll never agree.

“We go with a small force so as not to raise suspicion. I’ll bring Serafina and Reid with me. We see who else has received his summons, hear what they’re planning, understand their forces.” My father’s lips tighten in thought, and I push ahead. “I’m sure others have been contacted. This way, we can see how strong he truly is, how the rest of the world fairs, and find out any secrets we can exploit.”

We rarely interact with the world. We trade with very few people and we have no knowledge of the Witch Covens. This could give us a good understanding of the dynamics of Neevea. Understand their strengths and weaknesses.

Maybeuseit. MaybeIcan use it.

Rubbing his chin, my father weighs his options. It’s a good plan and he knows it. A cunningness swims in his amber eyes, so startling similar to my own that my breath hitches.

“You may be on to something, Kaden.” He says my name, jolting me unexpectedly. Ever since I was a young boy, I’ve only ever been hisheir. “If we can learn his weakness, his strengths, we can use whatever weapon he has against him.”

“That’s not what?—”

“It’s perfect!” My father stands, walking the few steps down from his pedestal, stopping before me. I see the glee in his wide smile and my hand drifts to my sword. “Think about it. He’s a weak Human, somehow holding his own against us. If not for the Crimson Army, we’d be even stronger. He must have some kind of weapon that’s helping him. Keeping him from falling to our forces.” He grabs my shoulder and I tense. “We can finally stop all these unnecessary fights. End it. Once and for all.”

“To what end?” My one eyebrow raises. “What is the end goal, Father?”

“We can finally take the lands, conquer Neevea for all Fae. Get rid of the Humans. Without them, our people can flourish beyond the borders. We cangrow.”

Shifting my stance, I nod slowly. “You want total domination.”

Zelos has always been power-hungry, butthis more. It’s all consuming.

He’ll damn the world for this quest of power.

Unfortunately, all the other Fae kingdoms in the north will follow him. Dark Fae are not the only ones hunted.

“Total domination? No.” He shakes his head. “Peace? Our people safe? Freedom from those Humans? Yes.” His eyes harden, narrowing on me. “Don’t you want to keep our people safe?”

Safety is all I fight for, but to allow my father untapped power, would be foolish. I have to tread carefully.

“I only want our people to be safe,” I respond.

“Good.” He nods, pleased. “You’ll do as you suggested. Attend the peace summit, learn all about Griffin and his allies. But you’ll look for a weapon— a reason for his continual power.” His lips curl in disgust as he continues, “It’ll be so satisfying to kill him and destroy his throne. A Human in power bodes nothing well for the Fae, my heir.Nothing.”

Bowing my head, I nod. “Yes, Father. I’ll ready right away.”

Turning on my heel, I stalk across the throne room, mind already turning to preparations. As my hand lands on the heavy doors, my father calls my attention again.

“Donotfail me, Kaden.”

For one brief moment, I’m transported back in time. To a dank cell with the heaviness of chains on my wrists and dried blood stuck under my nails. Of a howling beast inside my head that urges me to take and claim andfeed.

My father stands before me, eyes hard and mouth sneering in disgust as thick bars separate us.

He had spoken those same words to me in the dungeons all those years ago, as I struggled to tame the beast within my soul. I had wanted to please him, to become the heir he demanded.

I sacrificed much to do it, but I didn’t fail.

I won’t now.

Chapter 2

Maximillia, Blackwoods Coven

Bolting upright, I gasp, clutching at my throat as a scream sits on my tongue.

Flames, bloodcurdling shrieks, the terrible scent of burning bodies and the feel of losing something immense, wracks my body, hands shaking. My heart pounds in my chest as I scan the hut, looking for the fires that haunted my dreams, fear so thick I can barely breathe.