Lifeblood (Everlife #2)(40)

I never want people to judge me for the person I used to be, so I shouldn’t judge Killian for the person he used to be.

Troikan rule one: love everyone, even yourself.

Troikan rule two: forgive everyone, even yourself.

I get it now. Though there are many other laws, number one is the be all and end all. The reason for the other rules. Number two helps us do the first.

I’m not dealing with Past Killian anymore. I’m dealing with Present Killian. He’s searching for Dior right now, and he won’t stop until he finds her. It’s his job. Chances are, we’re going to fight. And fight hard, just as he warned.

No matter what, I will do what needs doing. I’ll do what’s right, and I won’t quit.

Victor, Clay and Elizabeth beat me to the Veil of Wings. Elizabeth won’t meet my gaze. Meredith’s description of her life rings in my head, and I begin to melt.

I destroyed her in the worst possible way.

Everyone is in a brand-new Shell, dressed in a plain T-shirts and a pair of jeans. The Shells look as if they were made with wax, making it obvious they are, in fact, Shells. But then, we aren’t supposed to blend in with humans today. We are supposed to stand out.

I stop beside Clay, who clasps my hand and squeezes.

“How does this work?” he asks. This is his first mission, too.

“Madame Meredith has a lock on our Shells,” Victor says. “As soon as we step through the Veil, she’ll send us on a beam of Light to a specific location in the Land of the Harvest. Clay and I will stand guard outside the safe house, along with a hundred or so Laborers we probably won’t be able to see. They’re already in place, and Reed is among them.”

“You, Numbers.” Elizabeth snaps her fingers without glancing my way. “You will observe Dior inside the safe house. The goal is to learn the feel of your Shell in the Land of the Harvest and communicate with your teammates without alerting humans you’re doing so.” Finally her gaze meets mine. Her eyelids narrow to tiny slits, her lashes nearly fusing together. “Remain calm at all times. Fear draws Myriadians like flies.”

This girl is hurting. She’s lost everything. She needs compassion rather than censure. I nod. “I’ll do my best.”

“No. You’ll do, plain and simple. And,” she continues, “before you start thinking you’ll scare Dior to draw out Killian, expecting him to help you with your job—”

“I would never,” I interject, bristling.

“Don’t,” she finishes. “The last time he helped you, he still had a chance to win your soul. He doesn’t anymore. Which means he’s going to betray you faster than you can say, Please, Killian, no.”

“You don’t know him,” I say softly. I’ll probably have to repeat the words to everyone in Troika at some point or another.

“Oh, but I do. I’ve seen how he works firsthand. He’s seduced a lot of girls. What makes you think you’re special to him?”

“What makes you think I’m not?”

Her nostrils flare as she huffs and puffs. “I’ve gone against him. I’ve watched my friends die at his hand. I watched Claus die.” Her rage is replaced by grief. “Killian uses, lies and tricks. The only thing you’re going to get from him...is heartache.”





MYRIAD



* * *



From: Z_C_4/23.43.2

To: K_F_5/23.53.6

Subject: The fruit of our efforts!

My spy inside Troika informs me Tenley Lockwood will be in the Land of the Harvest today. She’ll be visiting a human you signed. Miss Dior Nichols. The two will be inside a Troikan safe house. The coordinates are attached.

I’m excited about your next move. Is there anything I can do to help you, Mr. Flynn?

Might Equals Right!

Sir Zhi Chen





MYRIAD



* * *



From: K_F_5/23.53.6

To: Z_C_4/23.43.2

Subject: I’ve got this I know exactly what to do to win over Miss Lockwood.

But there is something you can do to help me. Miss Lockwood might seem as tough as nails, but she’s actually a bleeding heart. After she meets with Miss Nichols, she’ll be desperate to ease the girl’s pain and suffering. She’ll want Gingerbread returned—not just a little slice but the full loaf. If you’ll release the dog, I can show my “affection” by offering the little mutt as a gift. I can use this to my advantage.

Might Equals Right!

ML, Killian Flynn





MYRIAD



* * *



From: Z_C_4/23.43.2

To: K_F_5/23.53.6

Subject: Good thinking!

I will ensure Gingerbread is released into your care.

Also, as you know, our precious General Oriana died three days ago in an ambush. Before her death, she mentioned your desire to know the name of the human Fused with your mother and her promise to blaze through red tape after we’ve won Miss Lockwood’s loyalty. (Shhh, just between us, I’m doing my own digging on your behalf.) Oh! I’d like Miss Aubuchon to accompany you on today’s mission. I suspect Miss Lockwood has yet to embrace the Troikan concept of forgiveness. Why should she? Miss Aubuchon killed her. If you can, subtly encourage Miss Lockwood to seek revenge. Help her discover the satisfaction of getting even.