Her stare met mine. “As I said, I would’ve offered you his freedom in exchange. I still do.”
“Do I look like I’m in chains?” Casteel snarled.
“They may not be around your neck, but those chains are still there. Except, now, they’re around everyone’s neck—just in different forms. Revenants surround this pitiful example of a home. The entire district is full of them. Too many for your interesting traveling companion to handle without harming those innocent people you all worry so much about. Should’ve known you’d bring a draken with you.” She sent a quick, displeased look in Callum’s direction. He’d handed off Clariza to another but remained half shielded by her. “Be that as it may, you have to know that your charming—albeit destructive—escapades have come to an end. And while you may believe the worst of me, I am a most generous Queen.”
I almost choked.
“Find Malec and bring him to me, and I will let you leave. I will allow Casteel to go, too.” She watched me closely, waiting. “Your answer should’ve been immediate, Penellaphe. I know you will do anything for him.”
I would do anything for Casteel, but Malec was a god—one who had been entombed for hundreds of years. He was the son of the Primal of Death and his Consort. I couldn’t even begin to fathom what releasing him would mean or do.
I quickly glanced at Reaver again. His expression was unreadable. What in the world would Nyktos and his Consort do if Malec were freed? Then again, as far as I knew, they hadn’t intervened upon his entombment.
But this was it? How she sought to use me? This was what I was born to do? Then why had she waited until now to ask this of me? She could’ve made the request the first moment she’d spoken to me here. She could’ve sent her offer with her gift.
Something about this didn’t make sense. Hell, a lot of things, actually. Starting with why she believed that Malec would be able to give her what she wanted, and ending with what she thought would happen afterward. “If I agree, then what? You and Malec destroy Atlantia, remake the realms, and call it a day? And if I refuse?”
Her eyes hardened. “If you refuse, I will make sure you regret it until the last breath you take.”
The Primal essence roared to life, pressing against my skin. I knew immediately that she was referencing Casteel. “And what do you think will happen to you if you do that?”
“I know what you will do,” she said, smiling. “But I also know you won’t let it get to that point. You will, in the end, come to your senses and do as I bid. And I know this because whether or not you admit it, we are alike. You care for him more than you care for any kingdom.”
“Shut up,” snarled Casteel, stepping forward.
Several of the Revenants moved in closer as Isbeth said, “But it’s true. She’s the same as I. Where we differ is that I have the courage to admit that.” Her gaze shifted back to me. “So, what will it be?”
My thoughts raced forward, beyond this moment. I was confident that I could kill the Queen. She was powerful, but I wouldn’t hold back on her. At the very least, I would seriously injure her.
But if what she’d said was true, and Revenants did surround us? Reaver would only be able to take down so many. People would get hurt. Those I cared dearly about might be among them.
And that cold part in me…
The part that tasted of death…
It wasn’t like my mother.
It was worse.
I glanced at Casteel. His gaze met mine, and he gave me a curt nod. I hated even entertaining the idea of complying with Isbeth, but she had to know there was no way that Malec could assist her in seeking revenge. I didn’t think he had anything to do with her plans. Her offer stemmed from the desperation of being reunited with her heartmate, no matter what condition he may be in, and that he was her weakness.
One we could exploit. Starting with agreeing to her demands with no intention of fulfilling them.
“I will bring you Malec,” I decided.
There was no rejoicing. Isbeth was quiet for a long moment. “You asked me how I could trust you to return. I had your King once to ensure your cooperation. Now, what do I have to do to ensure that you will not seek to betray me?”
“I guess you will just have to wait and see,” I retorted.
Isbeth gave a close-lipped laugh as her eyes shifted to Callum. That was the only warning. The Revenant hesitated for only a moment, but he was quick, unsheathing a slender black dagger as he snapped forward. Shadowstone. Reaver turned to him as Casteel swung his sword.