Page 88 of Knotted By the Triad

“We found the forged authorizations,” I continued. “The illegal shipments. Enchanted contraband. Golems. Dragonblight.”

The Prime Minister's wife covered her mouth.

“Dragonblight?” she whispered.

One of his daughters stared at him. “Father, what is he talking about?”

Damn. His wife and other kids truly had no idea how despicable he was.

“Husband, tell me he’s lying,” his wife said. “Mei Lin, tell me this is a joke.”

“Enough.” The Prime Minister’s roar silenced her.

Mei Lin reached for me. “Kai, please let me explain.”

I shrugged her hand off. She stared at me as though I'd struck her.

“I didn't know about the Dragonblight,” she whispered. “I swear I didn't. I didn't know everything he was doing.”

“You betrayed us,” I told her.

Mei Lin began crying. “It wasn't my fault. Father made me do it.”

Her father stood. “Shut up.”

She stood too, tears running down her face. “No. He needs to know.”

“Mei Lin!” he roared.

She looked at me. “Kai, I didn't want to lie to you. I was young when it started. He told me to approach you. He told me what to do. He wanted access to the Triad,” she continued. “Even back then he knew you’d one day be the leader.”

Her father came around the table. “Be quiet.”

“He made me push you into the lake,” she continued.

For a moment, I couldn't speak. I remembered that day. The water. The rescue. Mei Lin getting sick afterward. Then her constantly following us. All the while, it was a setup.

Mei Lin stepped toward me. “I didn't want any of this to happen. I swear. I love you, Kai. I really love you. I love Daemin and Zian too. Sort of.”

“Shut up!” the Prime Minister roared.

His hand struck her face. Mei Lin stumbled into the table. Her stepmother screamed. I stood. Daemin and Zian rose with me.

The Prime Minister pointed toward the doors. “Guards!”

Five men rushed into the room. Each carried a sword. I looked at them. Then at him. I smiled.

“It's going to take more than that to stop the leaders of the Triad,” I snarled.

The Prime Minister smiled back. “I have more.”

Another door opened. Five more men entered. His wife screamed as the women scrambled away from the table. Two of the sisters pulled their mother toward the corner while the youngest began sobbing.

Daemin drew his sword. The sound of steel leaving its sheath filled the room. Zian drew his. I drew mine last. The Prime Minister looked at us as though ten men should have frightened us.

“Before you make an exceptionally stupid decision,” I said. “You should know why we're here.”

His smile faded.