Page 66 of Lies That Bind
I stared at the envelope, my fingers pausing over the seal.
‘Are you scared to know who killed your father?’
‘Yes,’I answered truthfully.‘What if it’s someone I know?’
‘It will likely not state a single person but a toxin that you will have to investigate before finding the actual culprit.’
I knew that. I did. But I also just felt this foreboding feeling in my stomach.
Without overthinking it, I opened the report.
There was a bunch of useless stuff at the top. I scanned right to the conclusion of the report.
A new mark was found that only appeared later on the body. It was indicative of a small needle inserted into the neck. Blood toxicology shows a high volume of Hesperus, or “Evening star,” an herb found only in the foothills of Imbria. A tasteless, odorless poison.
It felt like time stopped, and the entire forest tilted on its axis as all the blood rushed to my head.
Foothills of Imbria.
Tasteless, odorless poison.
Meera?
My hands shook as I felt Liana stir under me. I peered at her to find that her eyes were wide.
‘Aisling, the needle in the report… remember the blow darts you told me Kohen used on the guards when you both came to free me?’
My eyes flew wide, and my heart stopped beating.
No.
Needle mark.
I won’t kiss you again for a long time.
Did Kohen kill my father? Or was he protecting Meera because he knew she did?
Everything I do is to protect you. Remember that.
No…
I stood, heart pounding, hands shaking. My head felt like it was stuffed with cotton. I was so confused.
Liana stood as well, shaking off her feathers, and peered up at me.
‘Did Onyx ever say anything?—?’
‘No. I would tell you.’I could feel the anger rising within Liana. She thought of Onyx as a son. If he hid this from her, she would be livid and devastated.
Maybe I was overreacting. Admiral Caruso interrogated Kohen, and he was found to be clean. So I was back to Meera. Little unassuming Meera.
Folding the papers, I told Liana to be on standby as I walked in a daze to the practice field Kohen was at.
He was alone with Onyx, using some throwing knives on a target stand. As if sensing me coming, he spun, and when I saw his face, my heart sank into my stomach.
Guilt. He looked guilt-ridden.
“No,” I said, shaking my head as if that could stop this.
