Page 29 of Dream in Darkness
“What do you mean?” Yasmeena cocks her head. “We helped so many people today, don’t let those pricks ruin it.”
“Yeah, you’re right,” I say, trying to stay positive, even though my mind is starting to spiral into the worst of places.
My father’s hand slapping my face. The last night I saw my mother. Tyrus’ funeral.It all replays in my head like a bad movie, and I’m desperate for someone to cut the film. Every step Yasmeena and I take forward together feels like it’s followed by three steps back when I remember who she is and what she’s done.
“I’m performing in The Sinner’s Circus tomorrow night,” she says, changing the subject. “Will you come watch?”
I immediately want to say yes, but I know I’m better off spending as little additional time with her as possible. “I’ll think about it.”
Movement No. 12
Tempest
After the carnival closes, everyone meets in the hall for dinner before The Sinner’s Circus, and I struggle to keep my composure, especially while sitting near Reina. Though there are two Executioners, I have theories about which one was responsible for my cousin’s death, even if nobody will confirm them yet.
I have found a friend in Taryn, and I am forced to work with Yasmeena, even finding some pleasure in it, but that doesn’t mean I have to be kind to everyone. Especially not Reina.
Nor should I.
I am one step closer to avenging Tyrus. I know my father’s mission is for me to kill the half-demon who gave the orders, but I still don’t have to like her. And Idefinitelydon’t trust her.
I didn’t even really like Tyrus. I loved him the way you’re supposed to love everyone you’re related to, but I didn’t like him. Honestly, I was jealous. My father never even suggested I try and challenge Tyrus to become Alpha. It was like he never believed in me, and now look where we’re at. I’m his only option.
Tyrus made bad decisions, and he was likely going to run this pack into the ground, but he was family. Family and the packmust always come first. Lupion are loyal to a fault. Every decision I make here is grounded in that.
Reina offers me the pasta bowl, and I take it without a word.
“Thank you not in your vocabulary?” she asks, and I try not to take the bait. “Whatever, Temper.”
“Tempest,” I correct her.
“Don’t mind fangs, she gets a little grouchy when guests overstay their welcome,” Draven cuts in, and my muscles freeze.
Taking a deep breath, I try not to be exactly what she’s calling me. “I would leave if I could.”
Raph bangs a cup against the table and everyone stops their conversations mid-sentence. “Tonight’s performances will include: The Scorpion and The Butterfly, The Goliath, The Mermaid, The Pretzel, The Sphinx, and The Phantom.”
“So how does it work?” I ask, looking around the table.
“It used to be a fixed, rotating schedule, but now Raph draws from a hat. We’re all supposed to perform around twenty nights a month. If you get drawn and you’re busy that night, he’ll just pick someone else. We all agree this is much better for everyone,” Gemma explains, giving me a polite smile.
“There are exceptions, obviously,” Draven starts. “If the king or another governor joins us, Raph selects a special line up that almost always includes The Pretzel.”
A flash of discomfort crosses Lilian and Yasmeena’s faces for a split second, but neither of them say a word, and it’s at this exact moment I wish I could read minds.
“Interesting.” I look down at my empty plate and frown.
“We also try to schedule our most popular acts for Friday and Saturday nights,” Lilian explains. “Gemma and Draven’s new sphere of death show is our most popular act yet.”
“Yes, thank you. Our lovely sister Taryn’s duo with Rowan is also favored highly,” Draven shares.
Lilian’s smile broadens. “And my husband Baelor—The Carver—is a big hit.”
Draven and Gemma exchange a look, and I am once again too curious for my own good. “Oh really, what does he do?”
“He carves into people’s skin,” Reina says flatly. “That’s his show.”
“Ah.” I don’t have anything else to say other than yikes.
