Page 66 of When Night Falls

It takes me half of a blink of an eye for me to have his back slammed onto the ground by his neck and my fist in his chest.

His heart races in my grip, I can feel the pulse begging for life as I tempt to rip it from him. His veins squirm against my palm as I threaten to pluck them out one by one.

"If you ever disrespect my wife ever again, I'll personally tear your heart to shreds with my fucking teeth. Do you understand me? No treaty will get in the way of what I would do to you."

He gasps for air as I remove my now bloodied hand from his insides, wiping off the red liquid over his suit jacket before getting up off the ground and nodding to the guard that stands by the door.

"Get him the fuck out of here," I direct him, and Viktrum whines his way to his feet before exiting the premises.

"What do you want me to do?" Zharus turns to me, his eyes wide at the whole scene that just took place.

"I want you to explain to me why you were on that video Viktrum just showed me." I use my tucked cloth to wipe the rest of the blood off my hands as I look Zhar dead in his eyes.

"You-you think that was me?" His voice seems to crack as fear laces his tone.

"Zharus. Iknowit was you." I would recognize that walk anywhere. I know how tall he is and how he keeps his arms straight to his side as if they'll make noise when he walks.

"Okay, fuck. I was visiting my-"

"Your lover," I finish for him.

"I didn't think anyone would follow me." He drops his shoulders, tension fading as he realizes I'm not mad.

"Does anyone else know about your little tryst, Zhar?"

"Just you and him. At least I thought. I didn't think we'd ever get caught."

"You know it's nothing to hide from."

"I'm not hiding, Rivian. I just-I know crossing societies isn't really something that's encouraged these days."

"I don't need an explanation, Zhar. I just need you to be more careful. Luckily, you're not recognizable. I only know it was you because of the way that you walk," I admit to him and something uneasy lines his expression.

"I'm sorry, Rivian. They probably saw me leaving their compound shortly after they found Dominek's body. I led them here, dammit."

"We don't know when they found Viktrum's brother. They probably just saw you and took it as their answer. Whoever killed Dominek will be found. Just keep a low profile from now on. Maybe tell whatever-his-name-is to come here next time. But no more late-night rendezvous, got it?" I try not to be too hard on him. I know how high emotions are about to get when everyone realizes I might need to start cracking down. At least until I can solidify my marriage and claim title.

"Yes, sir," he answers.

"For now, we'll wait for the Faction to contact us. I'm sure Viktrum is on his way over there right now with that footage. They'll want to investigate and who knows what else. I don't know what's about to take place but we need to be prepared."

I think back to just one of the many times my father had locked me up in the cold basement. It was the first time the Faction got involved, I can’t remember what for. But I was a teenager and I was left with no food, and no water. So I can’t be sure what the Faction will do moving forward.

"Once Lucynda and I marry, we can restore blood strength to the Society and hopefully we'll no longer be on anyone's radar."

Restoring blood strength is a big part of the blood bind, thesanguis religo. It’s going to allow for the Society to amplify the strength of their control which eliminates weaknesses and accentuates respect. So if anything, it would be easiest to find out if we truly do have rogue.”

"And what if the culprit is within Hollows, Rivian? You told me to keep an eye on everyone who left and well, last night, most of the kingdom was out at play."

“Just look out for suspicious behavior. It’s all I can do right now until I figure out what the plan should be. The wedding is in two days.” I try my best to seem delegatory. But really, I could care less about any of this mess.

I have my own agenda to abide by, but I have to feign administration for appearance until I get this over and done with.

"Got it. Anything else?"

"Yes. It's been a minute since I've chatted with my brother. Have him meet me in my office in two hours," I tell him, knowing that defiant Travois will probably decline the request, but I might need him to be with me on this, if he isn't the one against me.

I don't wait around any longer, leaving Zharus in the great hall while I move on to find Lucynda.