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“JETHRO.”
I looked up from my phone. My father came into my quarters, fastening a diamond cufflink through his black shirt.
I couldn’t stop reading Nila’s text. Over and over again. Her words embedded into my soul, and no matter what happened in the future, I couldn’t carve them out.
Once again, she’d proven her power over me was undeniable, forcing me to face the conclusion I’d finally admitted to myself yesterday.
Nothing would work.
No one would fix me.
I couldn’t continue to be responsible for my brother or sister.
I couldn’t continue to live in constant fear of being murdered or cast out.
It was time to take what was mine—regardless of the aftermath, and I couldn’t do it on my own.
Last night, I’d swallowed a tablet and visited my sister for the first time in almost two months. She’d been cross and short-tempered, but once I laid out my plan, she’d thawed.
Like the perfect sibling, she’d forgiven me and gave me what I needed to face what must be done.
Then, I’d visited Kestrel. I’d apologised, admitted my douche-bag behaviour, and asked for help. Just like Jasmine, he’d granted absolution and listened to my struggles. I hid nothing, revealed everything. For the first time since we hit adulthood, we were completely in-tune and equal.
Lucky for me, after my bout of honesty, he was only too happy to agree to my ludicrously ambitious plans.
Killing Cut wasn’t an option—for now.
We had to be smarter
We had to be shrewd.
The time had come.
Hawks against Hawks.
Cut finished securing his cuffs. “Tonight, Jet. I want it done.”
My body seized. What?
No way.
Every fucking time.
He’d guessed I was breaking and came at the perfect moment with his proverbial hammer to smash me into pieces.
“Not tonight.” I clutched my phone. I had a hair-brained concept, but it was still in its infancy. It can’t happen tonight. I’m not ready.
“Yes, tonight. I want this whole process sped up.” He dropped his hands stiffly by his sides. “Those pills are working. You’ve impressed me more the past few weeks than you have in your entire life. You’ve killed to protect our family. You’ve remained distant from those you don’t need, and you’ve cut that Weaver Whore out of your heart.”
He came forward and patted my shoulder, harsh respect glowing in his eyes. “I don’t want anything to jeopardise the new connection we’ve found, son. And she’s the cause of it all. Let’s get the Debt Inheritance over with. Complete your final test and take your place fully by my side.” His voice dropped. “When the time comes, I’ll gladly hand over the crown because you’ve earned it.”
Despite my hatred for him, relief slithered around my heart. Relief because I’d finally been worthy of the gift I’d been fighting to receive for twenty-nine years.
Pity, it was just empty words.
“I’m proud of you, Kite.”
I bowed my head, squeezing my phone until the casing cracked.
I would have to be ready...there was no other way.
“Now, tell the lady’s maid to prepare the girl. Tonight, we inch closer to the finish line.” His teeth glinted with an evil smile. “Tonight, the Third Debt will be paid.”
