Page 144 of Adversary to the Villain

And the world suddenly felt right again.

Fate clapped. “If I interfered, you would never have everyday wonders.”

Lulu rolled to her back, allowing the babies to flop atop her stomach, playing like a couple of puppies. And Fergus let out a happy screech, shooting for the skies in swooping, swirling patterns. A celebration flight.

Blade whistled, clapping along with Fate. Soon Rebecka joined, and her brothers, too.

They celebrated the new lives and the old, the good and the bad.

Until awhooshthrough the air rang in Blade’s ears, and when he followed it, he wasn’t celebrating anymore. Instead, he watched in horror as a large spear sank into Fergus’s side.

And alongside the cries of his mate, the male guvre, in all of his colorful splendor, fell from the skies.

Chapter 75

Kingsley

It was done.

The worst of it was finally over.

And it had only taken losing everyone he cared for in the process.

“You—you knew?” Alexander had been so careful. So meticulous. He couldn’t believe all this time, his friend had allowed it to go this far.

“No. No, I didn’t know.” Trystan laughed caustically. “I never would have suspected you. But you knew that, didn’t you? I trusted you. I loved you like a brother since we were children, Alexander, and because of it, I ignored every red flag in front of my face. But I see now. I see you.”

“I didn’t want it to come to this, Trystan.” His voice was smoother after days of practice, but the edge was still there. Perhaps it always would be.

“Oh, no?” Trystan’s words were low and deadly. “Then release her.”

Alexander tightened the blade at her neck. “I need the window. Bring it to me, and nothing will happen to her.”

Evie spoke. “You won’t hurt me, Kingsley.”

Alexander couldn’t bear this, but he had to. He’d tried to keep his hands clean, to stay out of it, but there was no other way for this to end. Alexander Kingsley had but one option.

“I will if I must,” he replied steadily. “In this, Evie, we are adversaries.”

Trystan’s eyes were so frigid. “How long?”

“Benedict got ahold of me when I left the manor eight months ago. Just before you found me.”

“The day I met Evie,” Trystan concluded.

Alexander swallowed. “Indeed. I began working with him then. Trying to prevent you from fulfilling the prophecy.”

Tatianna stepped closer, and he tightened his hold on the blade. “Why? Why would you ever agree to such an arrangement?”

Alexander swallowed. “Because the curse must happen. For all your lives to be saved.”

Evie shifted in his arms, suddenly pressing herself away from him and farther against the knife, cutting into the top of her neck. He flung the knife away like it was monstrous and fell backward, holding the tree for support. His hands shook.

“I apologize if that freaked you out. I was growing tired of all this.” Evie rubbed at her neck, and Trystan tracked the motion, the dribble of blood that slid down to her collarbone. “Told you he wouldn’t hurt me,” she said lightly.

“There is a wound on your neck that wasn’t there a moment ago.” If looks could kill, Trystan’s would eviscerate. “I wouldn’t agree.”

“I don’t mean to cut this greeting party short!” Malcolm huffed, sprinting toward them. “But you have maybe five more minutes before the king cannot be stalled any longer. Exit plan?”