A Desperate Pact
Adrian’s words hung in the air, each one a knife threatening to cut through the fragile web of secrecy Lyra and Eryon had maintained.
Eryon set Lyra down gently against the wall, his wolf snarling just beneath the surface. “You don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said, his voice low and edged with warning.
Adrian stepped further into the chamber, his sharp crimson eyes flicking between the talisman in Lyra’s limp hand and the now-faded runes on the ground. “Don’t I?” he replied. “You’ve been hiding something since the day you got here. The only question is how far you’re willing to go to keep it hidden.”
Eryon moved to block Adrian’s view of Lyra, his stance protective. “This isn’t the place for accusations,” he said tightly.
“It’s exactly the place,” Adrian shot back. “You think I’m blind? You think I haven’t noticed the way you and your sister flinch at every blood ritual, the way you hold back in fights?”
Adrian’s frustration simmered, his voice softening just enough to betray his inner turmoil. “You’re not like the others, Eryon. And it’s not just me who’s noticed. Misery has too. If you think she’s going to stay quiet, you’re deluding yourself.”
The mention of Misery sent a chill through Eryon. He knew Adrian was right. Misery wasn’t the type to let a secret lie; she’d already begun weaving her web.
***
Later, Eryon found himself alone with Misery, her sharp smile greeting him as he stepped into the empty training hall. She was leaning against a pillar, the flickering torchlight casting long shadows across her elegant, dangerous frame.
“I hear you’ve had an interesting night,” Misery said, her voice smooth and laced with amusement.
Eryon crossed his arms, his expression cold. “What do you want, Misery?”
Her smirk widened as she pushed off the pillar and stepped closer, her movements deliberate. “To help, of course.”
“I don’t need your help.”
“Oh, but you do,” Misery said, her tone sweet but cutting. “Adrian’s closing in, and if he doesn’t uncover your secret, the Vampire King’s knights will. But lucky for you, I have a knack for misdirection.”
Eryon’s jaw tightened. “What’s the catch?”
Misery’s eyes gleamed with triumph. “A favor. You’ll take me to the hidden chamber and share whatever secrets it holds.”
Eryon’s wolf bristled at the demand, but Misery wasn’t finished. She stepped closer, her voice dropping to a near whisper. “I’ll keep Adrian off your back. But in return, I get what I want.”
Eryon’s stomach twisted, knowing he had little choice. “Fine,” he said finally, his voice low and reluctant.
Misery extended her hand, her smirk wicked. “Good boy,” she murmured as they shook hands. “You should know, darling—I always win.”
