I gripped the edges of the chair, facing him. Thats what Telly wanted. He wanted me to strike him back. Then hed have my ass on a golden platter.
Telly smiled.
I returned the gesture, ignoring the stinging in my cheek. Thank you.
Anger flared deep in his eyes. You think youre tough, dont you?
I shrugged. I guess you could say that.
There are ways of breaking you, dear girl. His smile increased, but it never reached his eyes. I know you killed a pure-blood. And I know someoneanother pure or the Firstcovered for you.
A shiver ran down my spine, like icy fingers of panic and terror. I shoved it down, sure to revisit it later if there was a later. I arched a brow. I have no idea what youre talking about. Ive already told you what happened.
And what youve told me is a lie! He shot forward, gripping the arms of the chair. His fingers were inches from mine, lips pulled back, face red with fury. Now tell me the truth or so help me
I refused to pull away like I wanted to. I have told
you.
A vein popped on his temple. You are treading on dangerous ground, dear.
You must not have any proof, I said softly, meeting his enraged stare. If you did, Id already be dead. Then again, if I were just a half-blood you wouldnt need much proof. But to take me out, you need the Councils permission. You know, being the precious Apollyon and all.
Telly pushed back from the chair, turning his back to me.
I knew I needed to shut up. Taunting him was probably the stupidest thing I could do, but I couldnt stop. Anger and fear were never a good mix for me. What I dont understand is how youre so certain that I killed a pure-blood. There were obviously no witnesses to his death. No one is pointing a finger at me. I paused, enjoying the way the muscles in his back tensed under the thin tunic. Why would you?
He turned around, face impressively blank. Why would I what, Alexandria?
My stomach churned as realization set in. My suspicions had been correct. I stared at his elegant hands. How can you be so certain unless you ordered someonea Guardto attack me? Then I guess youd be fairly certain if that Guard did turn up dead, but you wouldnt have done that. Because Im sure the Council would be pretty pissed. You might even lose your position.
So busy gloating, I didnt even see him move.
His hand caught the same cheek. The burst of red-hot pain stunned me. It was no pansy hit. The chair went up on two legs before settling back down. Tears stung my eyes.
You you cant do this, I said, voice hoarse.
Telly grasped my wrist. I can do as I please. Telly hauled me to my feet, his fingers bruising my arms as he dragged me across my uncles office. He shoved me toward the window overlooking the quad. Tell me, what do you see out there?
I blinked back tears, biting down on the fury threatening to boil over. Statues and sand, and beyond that, the ocean rolled and tumbled with rough waves. People were scattered across the campus.
What do you see, Alexandra? His grip tightened.
I winced, hating my moment of weakness. I dont know. I see people and freaking sand. And the ocean. I see lots of water.
See the servants? He gestured toward the atrium, where a cluster of them stood waiting for orders from their Master. I own them. I own all of them.
The muscles in my body locked up. I couldnt pull my gaze from them.
Telly leaned in, his breath hot in my ear. Let me tell you a little secret about the true nature of your other halfs trip to the Catskills. Hes been brought in to deal with any servant who is off the elixir and is refusing to submit. Did you know that?
Deal with them?
Take some of that cleverness from your mouth and apply it. Im sure you can figure it out.
I could figure it out, but I couldnt believe it. There was a difference between those two things. Because I understood that Telly was claiming that Seth would take down any half-blood who was causing problems, but Seth wouldnt actually agree to something like that. And I also knew that Telly was telling me this to rattle me.
It was working.
I have something else I want to tell you, Telly said. I do have a favorite of all the servants, you see. One I personally requested many years ago. Did you know I knew your mother and father?
I closed my eyes.
What, Alexandria? Has someone already let that little bird out of the cage? He let go of my wrist, chuckling. To think your beautiful mother had tainted herself in that way, to mix with a half-blood. Did they really think theyd get away with it? And do you really think Lucian has forgotten the disgrace she placed upon his head?
Dad. Daddy. Father. All titles which hadnt really meant anything until I read Laadans letter. But now they meant everything.
I know he must mean nothing to you, Telly continued. Youve never known him, but I do know that whoever covered up what you did must mean a lot to you. And what do they say? Like father, like daughter?
Desperation washed away any relief I felt. Telly wasnt going to use my father against me. He was just going to use Aiden.