Chapter 28
Simone
Claim
The next afternoon found us back in the meeting room, and I’d made damn sure to scrub every trace of Kane’s scent from my skin. Multiple showers, different soaps, and I was all good to go. He didn’t smell like me either, which was a relief because the last thing I needed was my entire family figuring out I’d jumped on his bones less than twenty-four hours after I’d ‘met him’.
I caught Finn’s eyes moving from Kane to me with that knowing look, and panic shot through me. He needed to stop being so obvious, for fuck’s sake. I aimed a kick under the table to get his attention, but apparently my coordination was terrible today.
“Fuck, Sisi!” Dash grunted from the seat next to Finn, rubbing his shin. “What the hell was that for?”
Finn had the audacity to snort, and I glared at him before grimacing at my brother. “Sorry. I had a cramp and was trying to shake it off.”
Dash shook his head, looking at me like I’d lost my mind, which honestly wasn’t far from the truth. Dad started the meeting before I could embarrass myself further.
“Right, let’s get to the first part of the plan,” Dad said, spreading out maps across the table. “How exactly are we getting inside Aerith without starting a war, long enough to make sure we rescue Kenzi and Irene with minimal damage?”
Kane leaned forward, his finger tracing a route on the map. “My plan was that I go back alone, initially. Try to create discord among Kellan’s followers. I’m still their king, after all. Some of them might remember their true loyalties.”
“That’s a good start,” Elonso agreed, nodding. “But what about the prisoners? We need to know their exact location before we move.”
“I know the castle’s layout, of course. I can find out if they’re in the dungeons, which is most likely, once I’m inside,” Kane said.
Jensen’s hands clenched into fists. “And if they’re not there? If he’s moved them somewhere else?” “Then we adapt,” Kane replied simply. “But I don’t think he has. He’ll probably want me to see how powerful he’s become.”
That’s when I decided to drop my own bomb. “I’m also going back.”
The room went dead silent, everyone staring at me like I’d announced I was planning to juggle fire
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< Chapter 28-1
while riding a damn unicorn.
Clar
“You can take me in yourself,” I continued, looking directly at Kane. “Pretend you heard Kellan was looking for me.”
All hell broke loose.
“Simone, that’s insane-” Mom jumped in.
“Are you out of your mind?” Dash shouted.
“This is the worst idea you’ve ever had, pup,” Jensen added.
But Kane’s voice cut through all of theirs. “You’re not going.”
Everyone turned to look at him, surprised by the vehemence in his tone. I could see the curiosity in their eyes, wondering why a guest would have such a strong reaction to my proposal. Way to be
subtle, jackass.
“Oh my goddess, stop!” I shrieked, loud enough to silence everyone except Kane, whose glare
could have melted steel.
“As I was saying,” I continued once I had their attention again, “he wants me as leverage. We can pretend Kane captured me in the woods while I was spying on the kingdom and brought me back. I’m the only one capable of fighting back against his magic, and you all know it.”
“I can also fight back,” Mom started, but I cut her off.
“Mom,” I said firmly, “it’s my fault Kenzi and Irene were there in the first place. I know how to fight Kellan’s influence, and I can project my abilities to other people without touching them. I am the best choice, and we can work on a distraction on my second day there, so we don’t spend that much time in Aerith.”
“I could go instead,” Dash spoke up. “I can force him into submission with my magic, and-”
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