Chapter 10: I Don’t Want Her Dead
Draven:
The scent of parchment, wax, and burning wood filled my nostrils as I stepped into River’s study. The heavy mahogany doors closed behind me with a dull thud, sealing Oscar and me inside with our eldest brother.
River was sitting behind his massive oak desk, his fingers lazily flipping through a thick ledger. The room was dimly lit, and the glow from the fireplace was casting long shadows across the bookshelves that lined the walls. He didn’t look up when we entered.
What I didn’t expect was to find Kieran here. He was lounging in a chair by the fireplace, one leg draped over the armrest. He looked relaxed, but I knew better. Kieran never sat still unless he was deep in thought.
"You are both frowning," River finally said, breaking the silence. "I assume this is about the girl."
Oscar let out a sharp exhale and dropped into the chair opposite River’s desk. "Of course, it’s about her. Why the hell is she still here?"
River glanced up then, his gaze shifting between us before settling on me. "And you feel the same, Draven?"
I clenched my jaw before replying, "Her presence is... unnecessary."
Unnecessary.
That was the safest way to put it.
The girl, Evaline Greystone, was the daughter of our greatest enemy. She was the constant reminder of everything we had lost, a reminder of the blood spilled at her father’s hands.