Chapter 66: The Twist

NINE

The chamber room is as it was when I left it, minus Thirteen's crumpled body. I kneel on the floor, keeping my attention cast down. The only other person in the room is Kade, and he leans against the opposite wall, staring at me. Both of us are covered in dry mud, and Vince made sure we couldn't get our story straight prior to summoning the council. I don't know how he will spin his tale to get me out of this. I don't want him to get me out of this. Maybe this is for the best. In a few minutes, the meeting will start, and I'm a goner.

"You said you loved me."

I flick my gaze to his and hate the way my heart beats for him, the way it bleeds for him. My love for him has worsened every second in his presence since I realised it. Like an infection, he's poisoned my blood.

"I do," I say, my voice void of the tenderness I feel inside.

"Do you?"

"Yes."

"You've got a funny way of showing it."

"If I kissed you and declared my love for you, would the outcome be any different?"

He swallow