by Dylan Steel
Mr. Gaztok’s attention never left her as he cracked open the door to one of the adjoining rooms and addressed someone inside, “Please, come in now.”
Sage’s eyes widened when Dred walked through the door. She recovered quickly, but the satisfied expression on Mr. Gaztok’s face told her he hadn’t missed the fact that she’d recognized the leader of the Rogues.
“Dred here had some very interesting things to say about—”
“Are we supposed to know who this is?” Weston interrupted, impatience in his tone.
Mr. Gaztok tilted his head. “Forgive my rudeness for not introducing you. It’s my understanding that you’ve all already met—a fact which Dred, a representative of the Rogue faction, has already confirmed for me. In fact, Mr. Bennick, you in particular might find what he had to say quite interesting.”
Dred kept his mouth closed, refusing to look at either Sage or Weston.
“Apparently,” Mr. Gaztok said, “his people recently received a threat from the Lawless faction: cooperate with them or be wiped out. But cooperation meant a destruction of Eprah’s property that was far too great a cost to us all, so rather than blindly bowing to their demands, Dred approached me about a different sort of arrangement—one which, interestingly enough, involves giving them a portion of your lands, Mr. Bennick.”
Sage’s attention snapped to Dred, her stomach twisting in knots. She’d pushed too hard, and he’d betrayed them for next to nothing. Even the entire Bennick estate was far less than the Rogues were meant to receive based on their agreement with the Lawless—and after his conversation with Sage, Dred had settled for only a fraction of it.
Mr. Gaztok’s lips stretched into a sick smile. “It would seem that, for once, the Rogues are on the same side as Eprah.”
Weston stared ahead blankly, refusing to react. “Other than the insult of forcibly relieving me of my land, you haven’t told me what this has to do with me.”
“Really, Mr. Bennick? Still pretending to have nothing to do with the Lawless?” Mr. Gaztok arched a brow. “According to this young man, the order to destroy half a dozen buildings in this city came from you.”
“I can assure you, it did not,” Weston said, gritting his teeth.
Mr. Gaztok nodded thoughtfully. “You know, I may in fact believe you this time.” His gaze wandered deliberately to Sage. “But the order must have come from somewhere, mustn’t it, Ms. Indarra? It would be very foolish indeed for a Rogue to approach Eprah’s Quorum on the basis of a lie.” He turned to Dred. “You did say it was an order by proxy, did you not?”
Dred nodded stiffly, only making the briefest eye contact with Sage before returning his attention to Mr. Gaztok.
“I must admit, at first I was a bit perturbed by his boldness in coming to me directly. After all, the Rogues are well-known enemies of Eprah and all we stand for. Barely a step above the Lawless, really. But then, I realized it was an unprecedented opportunity to work together. So I agreed.”
Dred flinched as Mr. Gaztok clapped a hand on his shoulder. “The Rogues would appear to do their part—to play their role in this abhorrent Lawless scheme—but the targets would be carefully chosen by myself rather than the Lawless. Our officers have not been running around in confusion as you’d no doubt hoped but are instead in strategically placed increments to protect our city from you—the real threat,” he said pointedly, glaring at Sage and Weston.
Sage’s eyes narrowed. “We’re not—” Kai’s grip tightened around her arm as she started speaking, inadvertently serving as a reminder not to give Mr. Gaztok anything more to use against them. She clamped her mouth shut, oddly grateful for Kai’s unintended interference.
“The Rogues understand what’s at stake, Ms. Indarra. And they understand who will triumph at the end of the day. They’re smart enough to choose the winning side—one that can actually benefit them.”
“What kind of leader allows his own city to be destroyed simply to capture two people?” Weston asked in a low voice.
“An odd time to show your concern.” Mr. Gaztok let out a dry laugh. “But allow me to reassure you: most of the buildings were empty and overdue to be torn down anyways, Mr. Bennick. It is far from a complete loss.
“But the final building—the one that is set to be destroyed in little more than an hour? It’s a residence in the middle of the city. It won’t be empty, and neither will the surrounding buildings. I estimate no less than four others will fall from secondary impact—and at least one of those is considered home to illegal squatters. When I give the order, thousands will die.”
Mr. Gaztok’s mouth twitched. “And the blame for this horrific attack will land squarely on the Lawless. The people will be more convinced than ever that Eprah is their protector, and the Lawless are merely terrorists and subversives seeking to destroy our peaceful way of life.” He tapped his fingers along the table thoughtfully. “It’s ironic, really, considering how many of them and their known sympathizers we’ve managed to assign to that building.”
Sage tried unsuccessfully to suck in air as the room started spinning around her. “You’re a monster. All those people…”
“That wasn’t part of our deal,” Dred snapped, his lips curling in disgust as he took a step toward Mr. Gaztok. “Casualties were never—”
“Lawless subversives forfeited their rights in Eprah long ago.” Mr. Gaztok rolled his eyes. “You’ll forgive me if I don’t shed any tears over the finer details of our arrangement.”
“Unacceptable. Some of my men could be counted among the casualties.”
“An unfortunate but necessary sacrifice,” Mr. Gaztok countered icily.
“For you. But the Rogues answer to me, not you. I will not give an order to kill thousands—and certainly none of my own.”
“You will if you want to live—and if you want the rest of your people to live.” Mr. Gaztok clucked his tongue, leaning forward. “Foolish child. Did you really think any of your people would ever be safe inside our city walls without my blessing?”
Clenching his fists, Dred lunged for Mr. Gaztok. But before he could make contact with the final Quorum member, his cheek was wedged against the table, his arm extended at an unnatural angle behind his back. Mr. Gaztok stood over him calmly, his breathing perfectly even as he torqued Dred’s arm higher, eliciting a strangled grunt from the Rogue.
Sage’s heart pounded against her ribs as her eyes flicked back and forth between the two men. She’d never seen anyone move so fast. Even Kai hadn’t had a chance to react before Dred had already been subdued.
“That was a mistake you will not repeat,” Mr. Gaztok whispered in his ear, barely loud enough to be heard by the others. He raised his voice. “Guards!”
The door opened quickly, four officers piling through it nearly instantaneously.
“Please escort Dred here to a cell. I’ll deal with him later.”
Dred gritted his teeth. “You can’t—”
“Oh, I can do exactly that and more, stupid boy.” He nodded to the guards. They quickly flanked the Rogue leader, grabbing him by each arm. “They need only hear your voice to follow your orders. And you’ve said enough in the last five minutes alone to parse together a simple order, especially one they’re already expecting.”
Mr. Gaztok straightened his jacket, pulling at the end of his sleeves. “Perhaps primitives such as yourself do not possess the technology to do so, but it is a small matter for Eprah.” He flicked his hand in dismissal. “Take him.”
14. POWER STRUGGLE
“You should be more careful who you choose to do business with, Ms. Indarra. Or perhaps simply take more care when choosing to threaten the few allies you have.”
Sage’s eyes narrowed to slits. “I suppose you would know all about threatening your allies, wouldn’t you?”
Kai’s hand clamped harder around her arm. A warning. She ignored him, pulling against him to risk a step closer to Mr. Gaztok.
“After all, the other Quorum members were your allies, but y
ou had no problem eliminating them, did you? And then blaming Weston for your own treason like the worthless tra—”
“Sage.” Weston’s voice rumbled low beside her, urging caution.
“If what you say is true—” Mr. Gaztok began, an intrigued amusement scrawled across his face, “—that I had the other members of the Quorum eliminated—what makes you think that someone as insignificant as you could stand a chance against someone as powerful as me? Why even bother trying to win a fight you’re sure to lose?”
She opened her mouth to say more but was interrupted by a knock on the exterior door. Mr. Gaztok’s mouth stretched into a slow smile, sending a torrent of chills tumbling down Sage’s spine.
“Ah, yes. Our next guest has arrived.” He nodded to Kai. “If you would, Mr. Abeldra.”
Pushing Sage farther into the room, Kai released her and double-checked that Weston was also secure, then made his way to the door.
Her heart thumped louder in her ears when she saw Edward Grayson step over the threshold. As Kai returned to her side again, digging his fingers into her arm, she swallowed down the feeling of hope that swelled in her chest, knowing it might be misplaced. This wasn’t exactly the scenario they’d discussed, but if he decided to make a move against Mr. Gaztok right now, they might actually get out of this room alive.
On the other hand, Grayson had been clinging to self-preservation. With Sage and Weston still cuffed in a room with Mr. Gaztok and Kai at his right hand, this situation was nowhere near the advantageous one they’d planned for. Grayson’s shortsightedness could cost them all their lives should he choose to delay the inevitable.
“Come in, Mr. Grayson. So glad you were able to join us.”
“Venerable Gaztok.” Grayson pursed his lips, surveying the room for a moment before his attention returned to the final member of the Quorum. “This wasn’t what I had in mind when I requested this meeting.”
“Today’s circumstances are less than ideal, I would agree. Please.” Mr. Gaztok picked up the pitcher sitting between them and poured two glasses of water, sliding one across the table to Grayson. “But we must embrace change as it is presented to us, always making the most of circumstances we are unable to change. Wouldn’t you agree?”
“Of course,” Grayson said, taking a small sip. “Though I admit I’m surprised you would entertain the company of a known and convicted traitor so soon before his execution.”
“There are a great many surprising things in this world. But you need not worry. If you’ll notice, my enemies are well controlled within the confines of this room, and my guards are well prepared, standing by to assist me if it becomes necessary.”
“Indeed.” Grayson’s gaze slid over to Sage, unchecked lust filling his eyes. “And I see you’ve counted Mr. Bennick’s pair among your enemies—cuffed even. She hardly seems a threat. What are your plans for this one?”
Sage’s cheeks burned under his stare. She lifted her chin, forcing herself to meet his eyes despite the growing unease in her belly. This wasn’t at all how she’d expected this conversation to go.
“The greatest threats are very rarely obvious.” Mr. Gaztok sounded mildly entertained by the benefactor’s obvious desire. “Does she interest you, Edward?”
“It would seem a shame to waste the life of such a… capable young woman.”
“Perhaps we should see how she behaves without being so confined? Is that what you would like?”
An eager smile spread over Grayson’s face. Mr. Gaztok nodded to Kai, who reluctantly removed Sage’s cuffs. She rubbed her wrists but didn’t make any other motion—Kai’s iron grip around her upper arm still held her firmly in place, making any attempt at escape foolish.
Weston’s jaw twitched—a subtle motion that didn’t go unnoticed by Mr. Gaztok as he turned back to Grayson. “Is it merely because you enjoy what is not yours? Or perhaps because you like flirting with danger?”
Grayson shrugged, casually taking another sip as he moved around the table. It took every ounce of willpower that Sage possessed to school her features, to not appear hopeful as the distance between the two men shortened.
“With Mr. Bennick leaving the equation so soon, I don’t see why she couldn’t be mine.” He tipped his head slightly. “It’s always been a simple matter for the Quorum to approve new pairings and assignments.”
“Ordinarily, yes, I would agree with you,” Mr. Gaztok said slowly. He swirled the water in his own glass, staring at it thoughtfully. “However, the Quorum does not typically transfer a pairing from one benefactor to another.”
“I was under the impression that Mr. Bennick was no longer a benefactor.”
“True.” Mr. Gaztok’s eyes flicked up from his glass. “But his standing has little to do with the girl’s own treason.”
“Ah. I understand.” Grayson shot another heated look at Sage. His fingers slipped back and forth across his glass eagerly. “That is truly unfortunate. Perhaps I might have a private word with her before she’s sentenced? It may not be sufficient to show mercy, but she might at least show true remorse for her indiscretions.”
“Surely you did not request an audience with me today of all days to discuss your carnal needs.” Mr. Gaztok set down his glass as he changed the subject, refusing to further indulge Grayson’s fantasies. He cocked his head curiously. “What did you want to discuss?”
Grayson’s lips tightened. “It would be a better discussion without an audience.”
“Even an audience that will take your words to their graves shortly?” Mr. Gaztok clucked his tongue. “Or perhaps it is Mr. Abeldra who makes you uneasy? I assure you, he is more than capable of maintaining our secrets here today.”
Sage winced as Kai’s grip around her arm tightened.
“What I have to say is for your ears only,” Grayson said firmly. “Perhaps it is unnecessary paranoia, but I’m sure someone in your position can understand why I would want to take precautions.”
A wave of relief crashed over Sage. She shifted her weight, stealing a tentative glance between the two men. Grayson might be a twisted trazk, but at least now it looked like he was actually going to try to unseat Mr. Gaztok. He must’ve realized that Sage had been right—he had little to lose since he was already living on borrowed time.
“As understanding as I may be, I need to consider similar precautions at such a tumultuous time.” Mr. Gaztok rapped his fist on the table, meeting Grayson’s gaze with a coldness in his eyes. “If you require an audience, I’m afraid this is the most intimate one you will receive.”
Grayson flexed his jaw. “And is your young protégé aware of our arrangement?”
“I’m afraid I don’t follow.” Mr. Gaztok tilted his head, giving nothing away.
“After everything I did to get you to where you are…” He shook his head in disgust. “You swore—”
“Oh, calm down, Edward.” Mr. Gaztok picked up his glass again, taking a deliberate drink. “Too much stress will do nothing for your health.”
“You don’t want me as an enemy,” Grayson snarled, knuckles turning white as he gripped his own glass.
“Tell me,” Mr. Gaztok began slowly, “how hard do you really think it will be to convince the people that you and Mr. Bennick were working together to overthrow the Quorum?”
“You know that isn’t true. And no one will believe it.”
The corners of Mr. Gaztok’s lips curled upward. “The people have spent years listening to me. Trusting me. Of course, they will believe me. They will believe whatever I tell them.”
“You’re insane if you think I haven’t taken precau—” Grayson hesitated. His hand started trembling—slowly at first, then more violently, spilling water over the sides of the glass. Panic filled his eyes as he looked from the glass to Mr. Gaztok. “What did you do?”
“There is no room on my advisory council for betrayal, Edward,” Mr. Gaztok said coolly. “And I will certainly not allow myself to be replaced by someone so self-serving. Today of all days, it w
as very foolish of you to come here with ill-intent.”
“I don’t know what you’re—”
“Do not presume to insult me on top of your disloyalty.”
Grayson stared hard at the final Quorum member, eyes bulging in pain. “We had a deal.”
“And now, we don’t.”
The two men exploded off their heels, forfeiting their calm stances as limbs went flying in every direction. It was impossible to tell which one made the first move, but it was clear enough that they were evenly matched, and neither was going down without a fight. Without thinking, Sage wrenched herself free from Kai’s grasp, jumping to Grayson’s aid.
A rustle of movement sounded behind her, and for a moment she thought Kai was going to try to stop her—but then, out of the corner of her eye, she saw Kai lunging for Weston instead. His reaction surprised her, distracting her for a split second in the middle of her attempt to join the fight.
And that split second was costly.
Before she even realized what was happening, a thunderous crack echoed in her ears, followed quickly by a splitting headache. Her arms burned and her vision blurred for a few moments, but when it cleared, she saw the world from a different perspective—lower, tilted.
Just a couple feet away, Edward Grayson lay limp on the floor, blood pooling out beneath his body. His eyes were open, glazed over and unblinking.
As the dizziness dissipated enough to let the pounding in her head settle in deeper, Sage realized Mr. Gaztok was standing over her, easily pinning her between himself and the table. That was why her arms felt like they were on fire—why the room had been reoriented.
Nausea churned wildly in her stomach, rising steadily higher as she pieced together what had just happened. It had only taken a matter of seconds to destroy the last bit of hope she’d been clinging to. The Rogues, Edward Grayson—her lifelines had been dismantled one by one. And Clarette had already made it clear that she wasn’t going to risk her life for Weston any more than she already had, especially not after reuniting with her sister and promising her safe passage out of the city.