Page 85 of Crown of Death

“Apparently the security here was not as up to par as we were led to believe,” Cyrus hisses. “It was what it lookslike.”

Like someone broke in and went searching the house for…something. And dug through every square inch of the house to findit.

“What were they looking for?” I ask, lookingaround.

A low rumble echoes from Cyrus’ chest. I look over, to see him glaring with red eyes atMina.

“Confirmation,” hesays.

“Of what?” Iquestion.

“That I am here!” he bellows. “That the King has indeed arrived once more in America and has been operating for weeks under little to nosecurity.”

“Who?” I demand. “Who would do this? Why would they be looking foryou?”

Cyrus swings, smacking a glass from the counter. It smashes against the fridge, denting the appliance, and sending shards of glass spraying throughout thekitchen.

“One does not rule this long without making hundreds of enemies,” he growls. Abruptly he turns and stalks toward me. “I am sorry, Logan, but I’m afraid I can no longer hold up my end of the deal. We must do this now andleave.”

I back up, but he’s too fast. He darts forward, grabbing my wrist. His eyes glowbright.

“No!” I scream. “You said you were a man of your word. Do you really want to destroy that now over someone I know you can hold your ownagainst?”

Black veins slowly creep out over Cyrus’ face and his eyes flare brighter for just amoment.

Hot rage bubbles in mychest.

“Are you afraid?” Itaunt.

He hisses, low andrumbling.

“The King may have many enemies, but he has not remained King by running with his tail between his legs over a tossed house.” I stand straight, yanking my wrist out of hisgrip.

Bravado. I gather it all up inside me to fight back the risingpanic.

My death is seconds away at any moment. Cyrus is certainlycapable.

If I’m going to fight for my last moments, I have to do it withcertainty.

“Seven days,” Cyrus hisses. “You will die in seven days. But be prepared for some ugly, tumultuousones.”

He turns, and yells at Fredrick and Mina in German. They goscurrying.

I turn, and head for my bedroom, which has been just as thoroughly ransacked as the rest of thehouse.

Chapter 20

Something has changed.

Where Cyrus used to look at me with want in his eyes, like he could will who he wishes me to be into life, he’s withdrawn. Hasty. He’s donewaiting.

When I get home from work on Tuesday, he asks me if he can end ittoday.

I tell himno.

On Wednesday he asks me thesame.

I tell him it isn’t yettime.