The energy in the room shifted. The air thickened, and breathing was more difficult than ever.
Brynleigh’s heart pounded, and the Chancellor bristled. Embers crackled at the fae’s fingertips.
Long moments passed as the rebel and the Chancellor stared at each other before the fire fae shook her head.
“No,” she said calmly. “Release them, and this will go easier on you.”
The rebel laughed as if this was all a joke.
“Easier? Nothing is ever easy for those of us who aren’t born into power.”
“You—”
“No. Your reign of terror has gone on long enough.” Hecanted his head, a dangerous glint in his eye. “Perhaps you need some additional motivation.”
Brynleigh forced herself to breathe and analyze the situation despite the horror coursing through her veins.
The rebels couldn’t be that far away—she’d spoken to Ryker only a few hours ago. Some of the men wore suits and ties, so they must’ve been taken on their way to the Reunion. How had the rebels pulled this off without the women realizing their husbands were missing?
Her fingers dug into the back of the couch, and she stared behind the rebel.
The dark room appeared windowless, and the walls and floors were made of cement. Maybe they were underground?
The Chancellor strode with authority to the TV. “I’m ordering you to let them go.”
The man on the screen laughed. As if this was a joke to him. As if he knew something no one else did.
“That’s funny, Chancellor. You still believe you’re in charge. However, that is not the case.” He gestured to one of his armed companions. “Pick one of them and bring them to me.”
A cry of alarm erupted from the women on stage.
Even Valentina hissed, “Mother, put a stop to this.”
But the Chancellor did not respond to any of them. Not even her daughter.
One of the masked gunmen strode into the group of captives.
The rebel in charge looked back to the camera.
“You see, Ignatia, this is not a negotiation. You will do as we say, or Representative blood will spill.”
The one with the gun made a show of looking around the group. He bent, but a hand covered the camera before anyone could see who he’d picked.
They could still hear, though.
“That one.”
A grunt. The sound of flesh against flesh. A moan.
It was the worst soundtrack Brynleighhad ever heard.
Someone on the stage was crying.
The shock in the Hall of Choice was palpable, and horror was a bitter tang in the air. Even the Chancellor’s guards didn’t seem to know what to do.
Suddenly, the camera was uncovered, and visibility was restored.
Now, the rebels were in a smaller space. A light dangled from the ceiling, casting dark shadows on the room. Kneeling between two masked men, hoodless, bound, gagged, and struggling against their iron grip was….