Infinity Reaper (Infinity Cycle #2) - Adam Silvera Page 0,29

always to the woman who gave her power when she felt defenseless in the world. “Drop the charade, darling Ness.”

I cross my arms as I revert back to myself.

“Family reunions are so beautiful,” Luna says. “Especially when someone returns from the dead.” She appears distracted for a beat, then pulls herself out of her reverie. “I must say, Senator, this welcome doesn’t feel very welcoming. First we’re greeted with spells, and now no one is even offering us a seat. Get your house in order.”

“Maybe if you’d given us some notice,” the Senator says. “If you’re here for the specter of yours who’s been detained in the Bounds, I cannot advise Bishop to release him under any circumstances. It won’t do well with our supporters.”

Luna waves him away. “I hold no present concerns for Stanton. He’s a soldier who understands the great sacrifices we must make.”

Stanton’s locked up? I don’t even have to know why right now. This is great news.

“Then why are you here?” the Senator asks.

“To discuss our futures. Is the living room this way?” Luna asks as she and dead-eyed June walk past us. “Beautiful dining room, by the way,” she calls over her shoulder, walking through the manor as if she owns it.

Footsteps on the stairs catch my attention. Dione glares at me, four of her arms retreating back into her sides; I clock her bloody fists before they vanish. Jax might be dead.

“Don’t you dare put on my face again,” Dione says to me as she catches up to Luna.

Great. I’ve pissed her off too.

We all gather in the living room, but Dione sends the acolytes to the kitchen. I lean against the fireplace’s mantel, wishing I could shift into a bird and fly out through the chimney. Luna takes a seat in the Senator’s armchair, forcing him to sit on the couch. Zenon seems shifty as he keeps watch on Dione and June.

“I held up my end of the deal, Luna,” the Senator says. “Do you want to explain to me why Eduardo is still alive?”

“If you wanted your son dead, you could’ve gotten your own hands bloody. You still can. By all means.” Luna relaxes into the chair with her hands folded over her knee. “I suspect he’s alive because you recognize the influence his power can have in securing you this election.”

I wave to them. “I’m standing right here. Maybe you can take this discussion about whether or not I should be alive or dead to another room.”

“You’ll be dismissed shortly,” Luna says. “I saved your life when your father sought to make you a martyr. I gave you power and security. Most importantly, I gave you my trust. You betrayed me by divulging my grandest design to the Spell Walkers, and ruined decades of work.” She stops and coughs blood, using the sleeve of her blouse to wipe it from her lips. It’s a beautiful sight; she isn’t unkillable. “I don’t intend to die alone, Ness. For your punishment, you’ll play a role in making sure all of the Spell Walkers go down with me.” She turns to the Senator. “I believe this goal will be of great interest to you as we approach Election Day.”

“I’m winning in the polls,” the Senator says. “What makes you think I need your help?”

“I’ve always admired your commitment to a plan, Senator, but do not forget who ultimately engineered everything,” Luna says. He blushes. “The knowledge I hold on how your son’s powers work will take us both very far in our shared agenda.”

I’m about to shout in her face when Dione dashes in front of me and holds me back with her muscular, tattooed arm. “I’m done working for you, Luna! Both of you!”

“Then innocent lives will be taken,” Luna says. She nods at June, who vanishes.

We’re all kept in suspense as Luna smiles on.

Zenon leans toward the Senator. “The girl is returning with two more people, sir. Both blindfolded.”

I’m expecting one of them to be Emil, but when June finishes reappearing, she’s holding on to the wrists of an older woman I immediately recognize as his mother and a young woman with brown skin and dark hair. June removes the latter’s blindfold. It’s Eva Nafisi, the Spell Walkers’ healer. She has a black eye and bruising across her wrists. She must’ve been forced to heal Luna from whatever wound someone inflicted on her; man, I hope it was Emil who attacked her. June removes Carolina’s blindfold. Carolina is absolutely petrified, as expected