Chapter 99

“You see. Before you arrived, all the ploys were political. I saw them coming miles away. Of course, it helps that my father has connections. Turns out, your father and mine have worked together. Occasionally. As much as a good posturing leader and a conniving opportunist can. I don’t hold either at a pedestal. What troubles me is, shortly after your presence. Things happened. I can’t explain them. No one has attacked us inside our territory before. Desmond’s known for his heavy hand, especially to people who betray him. Your father’s doing well. Breathing, walking like he did not just whisper all Desmonds’ secrets to us.. Most important. I have never made enemies, and I won’t, the type who’d wake up one day and think of harming someone I love to get back at me. Can you see where I am going with this?” Every syllable hurt him. He didn’t want to have to choose. But the smock thickened until everyone on this side of the battle was blinded with their need to protect what was theirs. Van