Page 67 of Glutton for Punishment

Maddox’s jaw tightens.

“So we need allies too,” I cut in.

Both of them look at me.

Valentine’s expression shifts first. Approval? Or maybe I’m letting the first compliment go to my head.

She inclines her head. “That’d be wise, Arwen. Allies of your own in the family would make Riven and Amaya and whoever else they’ve amassed think twice.”

“We’ll go to Duval,” Maddox says. “He’ll align with us.”

“That’s likely,” Valentine agrees. “But there’s no certainty. And time is of the essence. My recommendation would be to approach someone who is likely to align with them, but hasn’t committed yet. Someone whose window of influence for their decision is closing.”

“Who?” I ask, dreading the response.

“Please don’t say Teeth. I think I would pummel him in the first 15 minutes,” I grumble.

Valentine smiles without restraint, and I feel like I’ve won some sort of major battle earning her amusement.

“Teeth would not be a particularly powerful ally,” she says.

“I think you should go to Kael first.”

The room stills as I recall his face from the dinner table.

“Kael?” Maddox’s voice goes flat. He huffs sarcastically. “You want me to take Arwen into Kael’s territory.”

“You cannot keep her removed from this, Maddox.” Valentine’s tone sharpens, just enough to cut. “Keeping her confined to this room is not a solution. It is a delay.”

My gaze flicks to Maddox to weigh the response of her truth.

“Father will continue to apply pressure,” she continues. “Amaya and Riven will move. And when they do, they will not do so cautiously. She is your bonded. Do you truly believe the Universe would bind you to someone unprepared for what that means?”

“And it’s not just your decision,” I add before I can overthink it.

Maddox looks at me in surprise.

“I will not sit in this room while everything around you burns,” I continue, holding his gaze. “And I will not be the reason your position weakens. Let’s go see Kael.”

“Arwen—” His voice drops.

“That’s my cue to leave,” Valentine says, stepping away. She moves toward the door, then pauses in front of me.

“Good luck, Arwen. And… welcome to the family.”

The words don’t feel like a welcome. They feel like a warning.

Chapter 20

Arwen

We leave the next morning for Plethora, Kael’s territory.

Maddox concedes after an entire night of discussion and a battle of our stubborn wills.

Councilor West is almost giddy when we tell him. A slow, smug smile spreads across his face, the look of a man whose patience has finally paid off. The secret project he needed Maddox so desperately for can wait.

He doesn’t even try to hide it, and it’s obvious… he’s just happy we’re making a move on the chessboard.