Page 217 of Infernal Bonds

EZRA

Filing into the council chambers after Father’s vallants came to summon us, I forced myself to push my irritation with Raelynn to the back of my mind.

She’d deliberately gone against what we’d discussed, defying both Father’s demands and my request of her.

And what did it bring her?

My shadows slithered beneath my skin, discontent with being in Father’s presence after what Raelynn said, but also angry with me for my agitation toward our Nyrith.

I took my dutiful place at the center of the pit below the dais, meeting Father’s judgmental gaze. The others flanked me.

“It’s good to see you awake and healed,” Lymsrana said, looking Rae over.

When we brought Raelynn home, the injuries on her knees and hands had not yet healed, leading me to believe that Bondrot was inhibiting her immune response. After spending several hours in bed with Ash, her superficial wounds vanished, and within another day, the remaining ones diminished.

“Will the others be joining us, Brother?”

Father glanced at Lymsrana. “No. Ardvaen and Rhistel are with the Guard, organizing squads to scour Alonia and send word to northeast Elyrdin. If we have a traitor, the Sephra clan needs to be aware to protect their own heirs.”

Traitor?

He glanced back at us as he said, “Amra and Caendra are with the triplets.”

The council chamber’s heavy doors opened, the sound echoing through the space, and moments later, Rinlora stepped inside, her head lowered and hands clasped in front of her. She stood off to the side when Lymsrana motioned for her to wait, not joining our line.

“Now that we’re all here,” Father said, “I’ve been informed of your speculation about my involvement in what happened to your Nyrith and your belief that the Sephra clan wants to take her away from us?”

My left eye twitched at his use of the word “us,” as if he held any claim to Raelynn.

“My vallants have informed me of your meetings with Rinlora, Kavina, and each other over the last week. To say I am disappointed is an understatement.”

Cyn snorted.

Father glanced at Cyn. “You wish to speak?”

“You’ve been listening in on our conversations this whole time. You already know what I got to say.”

“Yes, well, your temper tantrums haven’t gone unnoticed. I’ve been told how you’ve caused substantial damage to your property during your Nyrith’s absence. One would think you’d have more restraint.”

Raelynn glanced at Cyn.

“Oh, you didn’t know?” Father had the decency to look surprised, but he clearly delighted in her confused expression.

We hadn’t informed her of Cyn’s response to her disappearance, leaving it to him to handle his volatile bond with her himself.

“He has quite the temper on him, as you know. He grew particularly destructive upon learning that you had disobeyed orders and were abducted.”

At the mention of her disobeying orders, she focused on Father, glaring.

“But your little adventure into Alonia isn’t what I’ve gathered you all here for. It’s time to get to the bottom of your mistrust in your leadership. We can’t have you taking actions that might be seen as treasonous to our people, now can we?”

“Brother, I doubt they—”

Father lifted his hand. “As I’ve said from the very moment we witnessed Raelynn’s special abilities in Cholian, I believe someone is manipulating us all, possibly using illusion magic to control an ever-changing narrative.”

Cyn stiffened, and Zeke stepped closer to him.

“Whoever this traitor is, they’ve gone so far as to sow seeds of doubt throughout the palace. We’ve even questioned Quinfina, as you all know.”