propped against the arm and his legs scrunched up against the opposite end. He looks up from the book he’s reading. “Kyra said to tell you to be at her parents’ home by nine tomorrow. I think she also said something about candles, but it was hard to hear with her lips locked on Maz’s.”
“She wants me to count the candles. For the ceremony. To make sure she has the appropriate amount,” I say softly. Tomorrow, Kyra and Maz will be bound. Their lives will change forever.
And in a few moments, I’m going to change Ryker’s life. Forever.
“Lucky you.” Ryker swings his legs off the side of the couch and sits up. “I told them I’d wait, to make sure you were okay. Are you?”
I rest my hand against the side of my face. How do I tell him?
“My mother is upset about Miss Tully.”
“Miss Tully?”
“The old woman from last night.” I speak softly. “Do you remember?”
He tugs on the collar of his shirt. “Malin didn’t wipe my memory.”
Just tell him. Get it over with.
I grimace. “Mother gave me my own house. Since I have staff.” At least I think that’s what she said. I’m actually not sure at this point.
“And?” He keeps his arms folded across his chest.
If we’re going to be bound, he needs to know everything. It’s the only way this will work. I nibble the inside of my cheek. “Are you loyal? Can you keep a secret to protect a friend?”
“Absolutely.” He pulls on his left ear, a gesture that means this conversation is just between us. He then slips off his wristlet and shoves it in his pocket. I do the same.
A lump sits in the back of my throat and I swallow hard.
“What is it, Lark?”
“Beck and I are already bound.” The words rush out of me. “But no one other than my mother, Kyra, and Annalise know. It’s important no one else finds out. The Light witches tried to kill me when they saw and I doubt the Dark witches would take it any better.”
Ryker’s face is a mask of calmness as if he already knows. “Why are you telling me?”
I glance at the floor and mumble, “You and I are going to be bound. After my birthday.”
Silence.
I lift my head slowly, expecting to find Ryker enraged or perhaps even in shock.
Instead, his shoulders hunch forward and he nods his head. “I wondered when Malin would tell you.”
Every muscle in my body tenses. “What?”
He recoils slightly. “Didn’t she tell you I knew?”
“No.” The overhead lights flicker. “You knew? And you didn’t tell me? “
I creep closer to Ryker with my fists balled. He takes a step back, but his body is rigid. Like he expects me to attack.
“When did she tell you?” I demand.
“The day they brought you home. Malin called me into her office and explained everything.” His palms are upturned, defensive, and his eyes are fixed on me.
“She knew I would pick you! There never was a choice, was there?” I’m saying this more for my benefit than Ryker’s. Anger swells in me and I rush at him. My fist strikes his chest. “Was it all a lie?”
Ryker catches my hand and yanks my arm over my head. A sharp pain pinches my neck and I wince. He doesn’t let go, even when I kick his shin.
He bends so that his mouth is inches from my ear. “I’m loyal, Lark. Never, ever forget that.”
14
What is loyalty? I’ve asked myself this a hundred times since yesterday. Is it a commitment to the State? Or to the people in my life? And what if being loyal to one group conflicts with being loyal to the other?
Would I choose Beck over our people? If I’m forced to decide, who would I protect?
Who am I loyal too?
And what about Ryker? He said he was loyal, but he’s hidden things from me. And there’s no doubt in my mind, he works for my mother. Which means he views Beck as an enemy, not a friend.
“Stop looking so deso. I’m being bound! It’s time to celebrate!” Kyra stands in front of the full-length mirror in just her bralet and slip. She spins around to face me. “For serious, Lark. Try to look happy.”
She’s right. Today is about her and Maz. Not me and my problems.
“Hold still, Kyra. This is going to take longer if you keep fidgeting,” her mother orders. She and the hair stylist have been brushing and tugging on Kyra’s curls for at least an