Page 76 of Wicked Dove

“You mean someone,” I clarify, since they clearly don’t see her as a person, just a weapon.

“Sure,” he mutters as Saken sighs.

“Why?”

“Why what?” Anya bites, and I fight the need to roll my eyes.

“What significance does she bring to the table if her magic forms?” I felt the wait of her power first hand, but I don’t understand what difference that would make to a whole entire war. What do they want us to do? Line the enemy up one by one and place them in front of her in hopes her magic will work? That sounds like a long ass day and a lot more messing than letting me go straight for their throat.

“That’s none of your concern,” Saken insists, folding his hands together on the table. “Any information you can gather on her will be paramount,” he clarifies, nipping my curiosity before I get too far, and I know when not to push.

I nod. “And what do I gain from this?”

“Time out of jail with your parents,” Saken offers, and I cock a brow at them.

Rikard breaks first. “How about this? You help us, and when Jude Forrester does come knocking, we’ll let you go without question.”

I snicker at their disillusioned thought process. “Ifmy brother wanted me at his side, that’s where I would be right now.” Brushing my hands over my pants, I sit tall in my seat, ready to get this over with now that it’s clear they’ve revealed their hand. “How about I keep you updated on her and you give me immunity.”

“From what?” Toman asks, and I shrug.

“You can’t really be considering his ridiculous demands,” Anya snarls, and I grin, pushing to my feet as I toy with the button on my blazer.

“I already have something to offer.” I’m nothing if not observant.

The five of them glance at each other, and I give them the moment they clearly need to see they don’t really have the upper hand anymore.

“Be specific with your request,” Cordelia orders, and roll my shoulders back as I nod.

“No consequences for my actions while I’m at Thirteen, and when the end of the year rolls around, I leave.”

“Just like that?” Rikard asks, and I hum.

“Just like that.”

“Deal,” Saken calls, reaching a hand across the table. I consider not taking it, but if I want to seal the deal, then a handshake it is.

His palm is sweaty in mine, the shake poor, but I don’t care as I release his hold and turn for the door.

“Wait, what have you observed of Miss Blackwood so far?” Toman asks, hurrying to his feet, and I pause in the doorway to glance back at them.

“She’s showing signs of immunity to supernaturals.”

“How?” Cordelia asks, her mouth slightly wide in surprise, and I shrug.

“A fiery redheaded wolf cut her face,” I state, glancing at Anya, who grins with pride until I proceed, watching her eyes widen with trepidation. “She didn’t scream with pain, nor did she need much healing from the shadow prince himself.” Unease fills the room. “And when feeling the pinch of a vampire’s fang, she doesn’t writhe in horror.”

“That is interesting,” Saken murmurs, glancing at his fellow Sanctum members before returning his attention to me. “A witch? A fae?”

“We can make that my next assignment if you like,” I offer, and he nods quickly.

“Deal.”

I turn, ready for this meeting to be over, but I don’t make it two steps before Rikard calls my name, forcing me to stop once again.

I can sense his words the moment my gaze meets his. “Train her just like you were trained. Like your life depends on it.”

Without a word of confirmation, I saunter out with only one thought running through my mind: they have no fucking idea what they just asked for.