Page 50 of Shattered Jewel
The second I saw him on the screen, alive and talking, I had hoped for answers, maybe even a, “If I’m dead, it means [insert name here] killed me.”
But it was a false hope. I should know that this world, these people, don’t deal with their problems upfront. No, they stalk, and circle, and study, until their prey is at their weakest. Maverick, good man that he was, would’ve been trained in the same way.
My god. Trained.
For how long? How long did the Sovereigns have him for?
More questions, more worries, swirl inside my head.
What is the full extent of the Cimmerian Court’s influence in Titan Falls—and beyond? How far back does their power truly reach? And most importantly—where the hell has Maverick hidden the other half of the ruby Heart?
I can’t shake the cold, phantom fingers brushing along my shoulders, chilling my skin and raising the hairs on the back of my neck.
Don’t trust anyone.
I slowly become aware of the others in the altar room. Wilder’s arm still wrapped tightly around me, more possessive than comforting. Like he’s saying through his strength, You’re not going anywhere, no matter what your brother just said.
Kaspian watches me for any reaction, a python waiting for its dinner. And Axe’s calm presence unsettles rather than soothes me.
I’m alone in here. Utterly alone among these evasive and dangerous men who likely know far more about my brother than I ever did.
Everyone’s a liar.
Chapter 13
Elara
Run, my instincts tell me., Maverick’s spirit whispers to me. Run, and don’t look back at them while you do.
Kaspian breaks the stillness. His tone is a low, feral thing, more animal than human, a snarl lurking just beneath the surface. “Now, where would your brother hide a piece of a multi-million dollar ruby?”
“I’m not letting you take over or order me around like I’m one of your initiates,” I say. “Maverick entrusted this to me.”
Wilder’s fingers flex on my shoulders, a subtle warning. “We heard him, too, sweetwitch, but there’s a lot your brother couldn’t have predicted. You can’t do this alone. You need us.”
His tone carries an edge of menace, masculine expectation, beneath the concern.
I shrug out of his hold.
“I don’t need anyone.” The words taste wrong on my tongue, but I force them out. “Especially not those my brother warned me against.”
Axe drifts closer. “Maverick was one of us, Elara. He knew the Cimmerian Court inside and out. If he left clues, we have the best chance of deciphering them.”
I snort, a harsh sound in the oppressive stillness of this ancient, awful room. “Right. Because you’ve been so forthcoming with information up until now.” Sarcasm drips from my words, sharp and biting. “Where’s my necklace, by the way? Do you want to tell me where you’ve stored it?”
Kaspian's eyes become guarded slits, a wall slamming down behind them. “Watch your tone, beastie. Don’t make the mistake of making us your enemies. Again.”
I notch my chin. “Does that mean you’re still greedy for me, Kaspian? Because it doesn’t seem like it, and I certainly don’t need your threats.”
Of its own will, my hand snatches the dagger at Wilder’s hip, the blade rasping as it clears the sheath. I clench the hilt, the weapon an unfamiliar weight in my grip.
Wilder follows my movement, a humorless smile twisting his lips while his arms stay relaxed at his sides. “You really think you can take us on? You’re in over your head. Maverick’s video has you panicking.”
I thrust the dagger forward, the point wavering inches from Wilder’s throat because he didn’t back away. His honed instincts would’ve seen me coming before I rose to the balls of my feet.
Wilder stares at me over the shine of steel, his eyes flashing with a dare.
He moves forward enough that the knife’s tip dents the skin above his Adam’s apple.