Defy the Sun (Beware the Night #2) - Jessika Fleck Page 0,31

to stay strong, play the part. There’s a much bigger end game here.

Now Raevald leans forward, elbows resting on his knees, each movement, each word calculated, as if rehearsed. “The girl’s currently under lock and key. Bellonians will determine her fate. She’ll either be Offered or executed.” He eyes me. “Sooner than later.”

On the inside, I die. My instinct is to double over, to quell the aching in my chest by marching out the door and turning this palace upside down to find Veda.

But I can’t do that, can I?

I’ve got an insurmountable task ahead of me. How will I find her, much less get her to the Lower? But I cannot give any of this away. I squeeze my toes inside my boots as hard as I can for the smallest release of anger.

I will find her … I will find her … I try to convince myself of this.

Raevald, brow at attention, scrutinizing even my breathing, waits for a reaction.

“Oh?” is all I say. Steady. Strong. You’re stone, Nico. Right now, your heart is as brittle and callous as the man’s before you.

He nods, acting as if he’s completely uninterested. I’d wager a guess we’re both doing a bit of acting. “I’m betting on an Offering, but we’ll see. Votes will be counted in two days’ time.”

“And she’s under lock and key, you say? I hope she’s also surrounded by solid iron bars as well.” I throw a look of disgust across my face.

“The girl’s as good as dead and in the most secure location in Bellona.”

“The Coliseum,” I say confidently because I assumed as much.

A wide grin stretches across his face, and I can tell he can’t even help but gloat. “No … no, but it’s a good guess. She’s actually…” He pauses for effect, and it works because I am about to jump out of my skin with anticipation. Burst into pieces from having to restrain it all so coolly. “Not in a prison at all. Well, not one commonly known anyway.”

I sense a morbid game he’s trying to play: Guess where the prisoner is. It’s an impossible game. One I’m sure to lose. I know this by the look of pure satisfaction already showing in his eyes.

Still, I try my best to indulge him.

“Really? Not in a prison at all?”

He folds his arms over his chest. Nods.

“A secret location … Perhaps for high-level prisoners…” I genuinely attempt to think of a place where a prison could be hidden, but knowing Raevald, she could be anywhere on the island. “And it would have to be secure…”

Raevald watches me, his eyes narrowed, yet I can tell he’s amused by my floundering. The fact that he’s stumping me. “In the market?” I ask.

He shakes his head.

“A cave? Maybe near the fishing grounds?”

“No.” He’s practically rolling his eyes at how far off I am. And, truly, I have no idea.

“The…” But I’m out of ideas. “The…”

He leans in. Motions I lean in too. “Think closer. Grander.”

Grander. The grandest place on the island is this palace. Surely not. Still … I have nothing to lose at this point. It’s not intentional, but I glance around the room as if I’m imagining if it’s possible.

“Yes…?” he asks.

Of course it’s possible. Imperi Palace is humongous. The largest structure for miles save the Coliseum.

“Here?” I finally say. “Inside the palace?”

“Precisely. I learned a long time ago to keep my enemies near.” His smile broadens. “However, very few people know how to find the secret prison, much less get in.” He’s sure to add that last part, and I believe it’s strictly for me.

I take a moment to be absolutely sure I’m not going to react in any way to this news I can barely believe despite the words that just came out of my own mouth. “Well.” I nod, genuinely impressed at his candor. His confidence. “This palace is a fortress. Arguably more so than the great Coliseum itself.”

He nods. “She’ll never be found here. And soon she’ll be dead and no longer a thorn in my side.”

I try my best to convey an expression of respect and awe. Then I lean back, settle deeper into the overly stuffed chair. Force my muscles to relax as if I’m at ease. As if every nerve in my body isn’t on edge.

“It’ll be for the best.” He cocks an eyebrow. “The Night can barely function without her.”

“Is that so?”

I nod. “It’s eating up all their time and energy. They’re spending resources they don’t have searching