7

KILLIAN

I don’t knock.

I march straight through the iron-framed doors, my steps echoing against the marbled floors of the estate. A couple of staff members scramble to get out of the way, offering startled greetings I don’t return.

The scent of roasted lamb and sugared wine hits me before the laughter does.

Of course. A fucking Clan gathering the one I come home.

Voices rise from the garden courtyard, familiar and distant all at once. I spot my grandmother first, white curls tucked into a golden scarf, a glass of something I don't want to know in her hand. She takes the strangest things.

Her face lights up when she sees me.

“Killian, darling!” she calls, smiling as if this isn’t the first time she’s seen me in years. “You came!” Giving the rest of the family a pointed look, she adds. “I told them you’d show.”

One of my younger cousins waves excitedly, jumping to her feet. “Big bro!” She looks like she's thinking about hugging me, but it's a good thing she doesn't because it wouldn't end well for her.

Someone claps, and another is already reaching for another chair.

They all look excited to see. I almost feel guilty about staying away from them, but then I remember they're professionals at betrayal and lies.

Someone blocks my path. I don't think my mood can dampen any further till I see it's Rain, the future head of the Golden Clan and my self-proclaimed rival. One day, I'll put him in his place and show him that he really isn't my rival. “Out of my way.”

“Nice to see you too, Killian,” He says, wearing a wide smile, a stark contrast to the irritation and suspicion in his eyes. “Didn't think you'd honour my invitation.”

Oh. So they sent me an invitation. Mum must have thrown it away because she knows I wouldn't bother with it. One would think they'd have given up on trying to get me to attend family functions after all the rejection they've faced. No doubt my grandmother is responsible for the constant invites.

“I’m not here for whatever this is. Now, out of my way.”

His eyes narrow in slits. “Then what are you here for?”

“Wouldn't you like to know?” I say wearing a smug grin, before switching to a frown as I shove him out of the way. Someone like him can't be subdued with words.

They didn't forget to send me pointless invites, but forgot to mention the one document I should know about, the one they signed with the mystics—without me.

The moment I step into the inner hall, the room quiets like a flame snuffed out. The Elders are seated at the far end of the long table, wine-stained lips and smug little smiles wiped clean as they spot me. “You're here.” Henry, my grand-uncle doesn't bother hiding his displeasure at my presence.

“Welcome, my child,” Another of the elders says, her voice familiar.

No way.

My lips curl into a genuine smile when my eyes land on her—Cilia, my mentor and the head of the Holomirs. Putting aside my anger, I walk over to her, planting a kiss on her knuckles. “Master. What are you doing here?”

Like me, she rarely attended any clan function unless it was absolutely necessary that she was present. Her assistant usually delivered whatever message she wanted to communicate.

She gives me a warm smile. “Just thought I should catch up with my people.”

That's an obvious lie.

I don't point it out and instead pull out a seat at the end of the table, directly opposite Henry. “Who signed the agreement with the Mystics?” My voice slices through the silence. “And which of you thought it was wise to do it behind my back?”

“I did.”

As expected, it's Henry.

Before I can speak, Cilia speaks. “We all did, Killian,” Shooting an annoyed glare at Henry, she continues, “although Rain was supposed to deliver the message to you.”

Casually sipping on his wine, Henry shrugs. “He was bound to find out sooner or later. Why do we need to deliver letters to him like some messenger?”

“I don't want to know why you signed it, nor am I interested in knowing why you chose me. I just came here to inform you that I won't be working with the Mystics.”

Though I'll definitely be keeping an eye on Auryn. She's definitely not an ordinary mystic.

“Killian.” Cilia’s voice is stern. “This is not a matter of what you want or don't want. You will do it.”

“Master—”

“Their King asked for you specifically and it's best this way. If there's anyone that can fix whatever this crazy situation is, then it's you.”

Raising a brow, I ask, “And I'm already doing that so why do I need to partner with those creatures?”

“Because we’re running out of time,” She says quietly. “The attacks aren’t random anymore. Someone's pushing from the other side—hard, and if we don’t act fast, we’ll have another collapse on our hands. The Mystics have access to territories and energies we don’t. You don’t have to like or trust them. You just have to work with them.”

My jaw tightens. Everything they've said makes sense but—

I exhale slowly. There's no but.

At first, I thought the Mystics were responsible, but after the few run-ins I've had with the creatures responsible, it's clear whatever is happening is bigger than us… than me.

Pushing the chair back, I stand on my feet. “I'll comply. But this should be the last time I'm involved in anything I didn't agree to.” Without waiting for a response, I storm out of the hall, cleverly avoiding my grandmother before leaving the gathering.

I have to find Auryn.