Page 6 of Of Masks and Fury

Were people finally figuring out that this was murder, not mercy?

“An ally suggested I contain them,” he added.

“What ally?”

His gaze clouded for such a brief moment, I might’ve missed it if I was looking away. “Don’t bother yourself about such things.”

My magic jerked away from my leash, and the torch flames closest to us swayed.

Father frowned at the sconces. “It’s drafty in here. A window must be cracked open.”

I forced myself to breathe, to keep my expression bland and agreeable. Inside, I screamed. Twenty-three people, and I wasexpected to stand on that platform dressed in a robe and white mask and watch them die.

Unless I could save Addie and find a way to free them.

I had two weeks.

“Is your army nearly ready to march?” I pushed to sound frightened.

He turned to look at me, his eyes searching my face again for something I was terrified he’d find. “That’s not your concern, Amarissa. Military matters are beyond your understanding.” His hand landed on my shoulder again. “As the Lady of Mercy, it’s your duty to show our people that we haven’t forgotten our principles even in the face of war.”

He meant the mask I’d worn for sixteen years. The role that had slowly crushed me until I’d forgotten who Amarissa was beneath it.

“You must be exhausted from your journey.” His voice turned gentle. He pulled me into an embrace, his arms wrapping around me like chains disguised as comfort. “We’ll speak more in the morning. For now, rest. Recover your strength.”

Easing back, he kissed my forehead.

My skin crawled.

Every place he touched felt cold.

I wanted to shove him away, run back to Syllavar, and never look back.

Instead, I smiled and played the role he’d expect of me. “Thank you, Father. It’s good to be home.”

He released me and waved toward a guard I’d never seen before, a tall man with cold eyes and a scar bisecting his left cheek. “This is Victor. Given the rebel threats and your own impulsive behavior recently, I think a bodyguard is necessary.”

Victor strode forward, his gaze fixed on me. I found no deference in his eyes, only a chilling, flat assessment. His face took on a satisfied slant that had nothing to do with duty. This man was someone who liked having power over people, and my father had just given him control over me.

Pherin’s tail lashed against my nape, her warning clear.

Something dark and final settled in my chest like a stone hitting the bottom of a well. This wasn’t security. It was a leash. Victor would follow me into every corner. He’d study my every breath and do all he could to expose my thoughts. The castle walls weren’t my prison.Hewas.

My careful plan shattered. How could I search the castle for Addie with this man shadowing my every step, reporting my actions to my father?

Kill now?Pherin asked.

If you shift, they’ll not only kill you, but they’ll also kill me.

Not kill us. I destroy them all!

We can’t act yet. Please.

She grumbled again.

My father’s hand landed on my arm. “Victor will watch over you now.”

I forced myself to meet his gaze.