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Chapter 22: The Thick of It, Part 2
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The Unfortunate Trilogy Chapter 23: The Private Moment, Part 1
NINELater that night, I tiptoe through the manor at a ridiculous hour and against my Fortunate's orders. Unease churns in my chest, but I've been diligent in avoiding unsavoury characters. Lucky for me, the manor is quieter tonight than it has been since my arrival, and I reach Kade's room without hindrance. I knock on the door, then open it and ease inside. A fire rages in the corner, crackling loudly, casting a bright, orange glow around the room, filling it with a warmth that wraps around me. It's heavy against my skin, igniting little lightning bolts along my flesh. I have no business being in his room at this hour, but I can't sleep. I can't sleep until today's problems are put to rest. A heavy sigh draws my attention to his desk across the room. Swivelling in his oversized, wing-back chair, Kaden Sario is slumped, his head back, his white shirt unbuttoned, and an odd thrill zips the length of my spine. I reach behind me and lock the door. The click of the locking mechanism ale
The Unfortunate Trilogy Chapter 24: The Private Moment, Part 2
Kade retreats and pulls the blanket up to my chin, tucking me in. Disappointment is a bitter taste in the back of my throat. He moves away from the bed, taking his warmth with him. I strain my ears to listen to his shoes tapping as he crosses the room. I roll onto my side and open my eyes as he flicks on the bathroom light and saunters inside. He yanks on the door, which swings but doesn't shut, leaving a small light to spill through. I stare at it, as wide awake as ever until the sound of water crashing against tiles fills my ears. I listen to it. It's not as peaceful as rain, but it still stirs a sense of comfort. I imagine the hot streams beating against my back and rolling down my spine. It was Kade who allowed me my first hot shower. He didn't have to. It was only juice on my skin, something I could've cleaned off with a damp towel. I thought about it while slouched on my cot, resigned to my quarters until further notice, like a punished youth.I doze off to the sounds of Kade w
The Unfortunate Trilogy Chapter 25: The Lake
NINEDays have passed since the night Kade and I slept on the couch, wrapped in his comforting embrace. The night we shared plagues me. Every second thought I have is how warm he was, how tight he held me, how safe I felt. I've become fixated on the gentle blow of his breath through my hair, the tiny dancers that pirouetted down my spine in its wake. I've obsessed over the fact he didn't leave me to sleep on the hard floor...and I'm terrified of the buds of affection that have bloomed in my chest since. Sighing, I push the blankets to my hips and roll onto my back. I stare at the piqued ceiling, the golden morning sun bringing out the ochre hues in the wood. I've memorised every line, every nook, every cranny. When I close my eyes at night, it's all I see, driving me crazy. I'm forbidden to walk around the manor without Kade's supervision. I didn't mind it at first, preferring to stay as far from another living, breathing Fortunate as I can, but day and night are blending, and Kade a
The Unfortunate Trilogy Chapter 26: Education, Part 1
I shift my weight, and leaves crunch under the soles of my feet. My heart is heavy, and my stomach is twisted and sick. I knew this was coming, of course. I just didn't expect to be paired up with Albert Knowle. How old is he anyway? Much too old to be desiring an eighteen-year-old. He was much too married with children to desire anyone other than his wife."It makes you happy? Sharing me with others?" It's a question I didn't intend to ask, but it flies from my lips anyway. Kade stares at me, his jaw suddenly tight. "It does not make me happy, no, but it's a sacrifice we both must make, a hardship we must endure." He clears his throat. "We have time to build your confidence, to make you comfortable and ready."I don't think all the time in the world will make me comfortable with what he's asking of me. I swipe at my forehead, clearing a sticky spiderweb from brushing the bridge of my nose. "How long?""A few weeks. I'm awaiting a report from our mine, then the sale needs to be finali
The Unfortunate Trilogy Chapter 27: Education, Part 2
I hate the way my heart races, the way my skin prickles. I hate how good his lips look and how bad I want to kiss them. An eternity of Unfortunates have suffered at the unwanted hands of Fortunates, and here I sit, on the lap of one, enticed by one. Do you like this? he asks a silent question. I nod, barely a movement, and he tightens his hold, pulling me against him. I go with it, turning my head into his neck. The tip of my nose kisses the hard ridge of his jaw as his lips graze my hair-covered nape. He smells of a fresh shower, of soap and cotton. I hold my breath, not wanting my short pants to blow across his flesh and expose me. I drop my shoulder and tilt my head, offering myself up. I remember liking the way he kissed me, the feel of his lips. It's a vivid memory of the night of his birthday. I was swept up in the passion he stirred in me, and I would've given him everything then and there if he asked. "It's unlikely Albert Knowle will kiss you," he murmurs, teasing me with
The Unfortunate Trilogy Chapter 28: The Walk Back
KADEHe walked behind her, cringing every time leaves crunched and twigs cracked underneath her bare feet. It sounded painful, but she soldiered on without a flinch. He guessed her body was used to the harshness of the Earth, just like her soul tolerated the people who inhabited it. He heard stories about the Unfortunate camps but never gathered the courage to see it for himself as an adult. The images the stories conjured in his head were enough to quell his curiosity. He flicked his attention down the length of her long, auburn hair and admired how her thin ends bounced and tangled together at her waist. Dense shrubbery surrounded them, and the green tones were never-ending. Nine insisted on leading, and Kade didn't correct her when she made a wrong turn. Instead, he waited for her to realise her mistake or ask for help. She didn't. It annoyed Kade that he was currently hiking in his finest fabrics. His irritation grew with every drop of sweat his collar caught. The path they were
The Unfortunate Trilogy Chapter 29: The Fountain, Part 1
KADEAs the sun set below the horizon, the Sario courtyard came to life. It sparkled and dazzled, and Fortunates complimented him on the decor—something he had no part in. He thanked them anyway, then turned away, finding solace in his glass of whiskey, but no matter how hard he tried to ignore her, he couldn't. The hair on the back of his neck remained raised, and the tiny dancers on his skin continued to pirouette. He glanced at her as he tipped the remnants of his drink down his throat. She stood a step behind him, a pillar of grace with her fingers threaded behind her back, draped in a long, deep navy tunic that matched his three-piece suit. It was her first time wearing a First Unfortunate tunic. It signalled that she had settled into the role and was ready for whatever duties he requested of her. She was clean, her skin glowing under the warm twinkle of lights, her long auburn hair draping down her chest. His stomach pulled tight, and he choked on his whiskey as flashes of her b
The Unfortunate Trilogy Chapter 30: The Fountain, Part 2
Kade stuffed his hands into his pockets and closed the distance. Neither one of them noticed his approach. Albert was lost in her face, his eyes locked on hers, and although Nine kept her hands in her lap, their knees touched. That bothered Kade. It bothered him more than he would ever admit. With a gentle sweep of his hand, Albert tucked a lock of her auburn hair behind her ear, and the movement caused a sharp shard of betrayal to slice through him. He stepped in front of them and then cleared his throat. Albert sat up straight, no longer leaning into Nine's face like a dotting lover. Kade knew he should've found comfort in the fact he appeared to be treating the Unfortunate with kindness, but he didn't. Kade was the only one who could treat her with such tenderness and civility. It was the cornerstone of her loyalty. Albert stood and pinched the lapels of his coat, his fingers digging into the charcoal-coloured fabric, and brought it together at the front to fasten the button. "Ka
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The Unfortunate Trilogy Chapter 72:
KADEHer tears stopped flowing and her chest relaxed as he carried her up the stairs toward his bedroom. When they were inside, he locked the door and carried her to the bathroom. Kade didn’t say anything as he placed her, feet first, on the white tiles, and she released his neck to pull his jacket tighter around her. He looked over his shoulder at her before bending down to turn on the tap. Dark circles surrounded her swollen, red eyes. Her cheeks were hollow, her lips cracked. He wished he could heal her instantly, but it wasn’t possible. The healing she needed would take time, and although he knew he wasn’t the patient type, he had to be… for her.Hot water splashed against the pristine porcelain as he reached to the other edge of the bath and retrieved the plug. When he plugged it into the drain, the water filled the tub. Steam rose, getting thicker and thicker the longer the tap ran. Afraid to burn her already sensitive skin, he adjusted the cold tap until the billowing steam beca
The Unfortunate Trilogy Chapter 71: Carried Away
KADEA deafening bang cracked through the air, vibrating the wood underneath his feet, and a shrill squeal pierced his ears. His stomach cramped, tightening itself into a painful knot. His first reaction was to shoot forward and as he slid the palms of his hands over her body, he expected blood. Her body shook as if she was in pain, but there was no evidence she was shot. Her shrill scream chilled his blood. The icy vessels cut through his veins and carved their way through his heart, making it twist in his chest. Nine sobbed uncontrollably as Soyer unchained her from the post, and she fell forward into Kade’s arms. He pulled her into him, wrapping his arms around her breakable frame, and held on for dear life.Odd threads of guilt swirled inside of him as happiness manifested in his core. A dead body laid in a crumpled slouch beside him, but it was because of that dead body he now had everything he ever wanted. The sound of chains being cut clicked over the sound of the excited crow
The Unfortunate Trilogy Chapter 70: The Execution, Part 2
NINEHis smell is bliss. It’s all the things I’ve grown to like about this world rolled into one. In some nonsensical way, it reminds me of lush green grass, clear blue skies, and fluffy white clouds. His smell is happiness—something I’ve only felt when I’m with him. I told him I loved him not so long ago. It was a declaration I made out of desperation—like he has done just now. His three words roll off my skin, failing to absorb and hit me where they should. What did he say to me when I told him I loved him? ‘I can’t love you, Nine.’ It’s funny how things turn out. I blink, pulling myself from my thoughts, and focus on his concerned gaze. He has beautiful black eyes. When light hits them at the right angle, they sparkle like the sky at night. I wonder if he knows that. “You should go,” I croak, pulling against my chain. I wince as sharp bits of metal cut the sensitive flesh of my wrists. “People are staring.”“You think I care how they see me?”He takes his fingers from my face, an
The Unfortunate Trilogy Chapter 69: The Execution, Part 1
KADEHe felt sick.As he sat at the table in the front row, his stomach twisted and clenched, threatening to expel the slice of toast he had for breakfast. It’s a miracle he kept the buttered carb down as long as he had. Since Nine was taken and locked up, he hadn’t been able to swallow a single thing besides water.He was exhausted. Every day he fought for her freedom, but it wasn’t enough. The harder he pushed, the more Vince and the council resisted. They didn’t want to see an Unfortunate rise from the ashes. They didn’t want an Unfortunate to become one of them. They were intimidated by her and what she stood for. Or at least most of them were. Kade knew Vince only wanted to see him suffer, but he’d do more than that. Without Nine, he would die.Kade understood that the best thing for her was to sentence her to death. Only in death was she safe from them. Safe from him.Trumpets sounded off in the distance, and Kade clenched the armrests of his chair. He knew this wasn’t a dream, b
The Unfortunate Trilogy Chapter 68: The Fortunates
I flinch as a rogue drop of cold, stagnant rainwater falls from a crack in the stone ceiling and splashes on the tip of my nose. It sobers me, and I blink away the fog. I'm still alive. Still locked up. Still a pending Fortunate. I grant my cheeks reprieve from the iron bars that hold me captive and pull away from them. Kade hasn’t visited me, and I don’t know if I’m relieved or disappointed. Both emotions wage war inside me. I expect his priorities have shifted by now, and he's impartial to what’s happening in my life. He killed his father. He got what he wanted. Why would he stay? I’m just a girl who caused him more trouble than I'm worth. Even so, my lovesick heart twists painfully in my chest, and I grit my teeth. God. I miss him. I miss his face, his smell, his eyes, and the firm press of his hand on the small of my back when he holds me close. I even miss the way he purses his lips when he’s displeased. I hate that I miss it. I hate that I miss him…after everything he’s done
The Unfortunate Trilogy Chapter 67: His Heart
KADEHe stared at Kathryn. His heart raced, and his pulse pounded like crazy in his neck. Nine, a Fortunate, could it be? Vince threw his tantrum, but it was white noise to the thrum of Kade's soul as it vibrated within him. The more he stared at Kathryn, the more he absorbed her features, the more he saw Nine in her. The violet irises. The auburn hair. The heart-shaped face. "Bullshit," Vince boomed. "Do you think I'm stupid? That I'm dumb enough to believe that she is of the same blood as me?""Believe what you want. She is my daughter, and you can test my blood to prove it."Kade flicked his attention over the council members. They looked disgusted. They looked embellished in scandal. Within the hour, the whole of Freeport would know about this. "How did this happen, Kathryn?" Rita asked, sitting forward."I was very, very young when I fell pregnant, barely completed my education." Choking, Kathryn dropped her head and took a breath. Her husband placed his hand on her shoulder and
The Unfortunate Trilogy Chapter 66: The Twist
NINEThe 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
The Unfortunate Trilogy Chapter 65: The Chase
KADEHe chased her. His heart pounded a million miles a minute, and his lungs burned, but he kept pushing. The sun bounced off her auburn hair like a beacon. He had to catch her before someone saw her running, but damn, she was fast. Nine sprinted through the bush and manoeuvred around the debris like she'd done this run a million times. Sticks stabbed his ribs and cut at his face, his neck, but he didn't slow. He couldn't slow. In a few minutes, he entered a clearing, and ahead of them was a wide lake. Nine ran toward it like she knew how to swim. She didn't. Freeport was surrounded by lakes. Unfortunates weren't taught how to swim for that very reason. Even so, her feet sank into the mud that lined the lake's edge. She fell into it and kept going, dragging her feet behind her, digging through the sludge like she had a chance. He shouted her name as he closed in on her, but she kept pushing. His shoes sunk into the mud, and he had no intention of going further into the sludge. "A
The Unfortunate Trilogy Chapter 64: The Chambers, Part 2
I don't want to believe it, but deep down I know it to be true. I gaze at the whip in his hand. It looks nothing like the whips I saw in the unfortunate camp. It lacks metal accents and has no pieces of bone strapped to its delicate tips. Still, it looks like it can do a fair bit of damage. Kade brandishes the whip, lifting it above his shoulder, and brings it down with more power than I imagined him capable of. It snaps against her skin with a crack so loud it hurts my ears. It takes her a second to feel it. Her shrill scream comes a heartbeat later. It gets louder and louder until she catches her lips between her teeth and swallows as much of it as she can.Thirteen. She's supposed to endure thirteen of these lashings? I choke down my own pain in fear of making it worse for her. Selfishly, in fear of making it worse for myself. I look at Kade. If it's something he doesn't want to do, I can't tell by looking at him. The expression on his face gives no indication of how he might be f
