Changed by Fire (Phoenix Rising #6) - Harper Wylde Page 0,92
is terrified of Councilman Williams, and by extension, Joshua?”
“Huh?” I blinked at her as my Puca froze in shock.
“One of Maldonado’s greatest strengths is his speed. Williams’ power is strong enough to freeze him in place and prevent him from reaching his prey, even in his alter form. For years, he’s been afraid that Williams would turn on them. He told Stepanov that Williams should be killed while his son was still very young in the hopes that Joshua could be brought up fully under their control. Stepanov only refused because he believed it would weaken the Council and, I think, because he enjoyed Maldonado’s fear.”
“Okay.” The word was slow and drawn out as I watched her. Her eyes were vacant as they stared into space. “Well, that’s interesting.”
She scowled, a little heat filling her gaze. “It’s not interesting, it’s useful. When you go up against Maldonado, he’s going to avoid Joshua. He may have advanced forces focus there because he’s afraid of what will happen if he doesn’t.” Damn. She was right. “Ishida’s always been unstable. He hid it well for a long time, but he’s never been completely right. Personally, I think it’s too much inbreeding, but it could be anything. You’ll want to watch him. He’s not thinking clearly, and he has it out for all of you.”
“Look, I appreciate the tips, especially about Maldonado. I’ll make sure to warn Joshua.”
“You never know what information will help. I’ve been racking my brain to think of what you could use against them, and I’m trying to find a way to help your mate, really, I am. I just don’t know if me returning her memory will help or hurt her. The island was… unpleasant. She’s remembered enough and from what I understand, she has an idea of what happened to her. I don’t know if she’d want to see the gritty details too.”
“I think that’s her call to make.”
“It is. And I’ll speak to her about it in the future. I just… I wanted to tell you I was sorry. For everything.”
“You said it before,” I reminded her, shrugging slightly.
“But you still don’t forgive me,” she pointed out.
I grunted. Did I forgive her? She’d been doing what she had to in order to survive, which was something I understood. And like so many of us, she’d been forced to perform at the hand of the Council. But she’d put so many at risk, ruined so many lives. “I think the part of me that’s human forgives you,” I replied slowly, considering it. “My Puca, on the other hand…”
“It’s understandable. I don’t really forgive myself either, so how could I expect him to?” The words were so low, they seemed to be meant for her rather than me. She squared her shoulders and met my eyes briefly before she glanced away. “I’m going to keep thinking, Killian. I don’t have much more time left. I’ll be talking to Nix about everything soon too. I can’t fight them, not in a physical sense, but hopefully I can make my death mean what my life couldn’t—even if that just means that without my interference, you’re able to see something that could help.” A small, sad smile curved her lips. “I truly am glad you’ve found your mate.” Her eyes lingered before she turned away. My Puca hissed again as she left, though he made no move to swipe at her.
“Well, well, well, that was interesting,” Ciarán commented beside me, making me swear. I hadn’t heard him approach. Or mist into being, or whatever.
“Fuck, Ciar!” I growled at him, and Ciarán shook his head.
“You really thought we were done training?”
“What else are we going to do?” My nerves were stretched as tight as a wire, and I was grateful that Gaspard seemed to have disappeared inside. If Ciar and I were going to have it out, we might as well just get to it. “You’ve spent the last few weeks showing me just how unprepared I am! That all the training I’ve put myself through means absolutely nothing!” My response started as a roar, but trailed off as I shook my head.
“I’ve tried to show you, to tell you, that you need to think differently!” Ciarán threw his hands into the air and paced around me. “You insist on doing the exact same thing over and over again, and you’ve yet to let your Puca out. Why the hell would you think it would change?”