Page 180

Idril

It’s clear that Cage is quite pleased with himself, but Vae and Silas give nothing away, which makes it impossible to tell what they think. Neither push back against his insane idea to barter food for answers, though.

And I’m far too hungry to waste energy refusing to play his stupid game.

“Alright,” I murmur, fingers tightening around my water.

Maybe this will work in my favor. If they think they’re winning some game, then there’s a chance they’ll be more open to hearing my side of things.

Besides, what choice do I have? It’s clear this is a joke to them. I might as well be a trained dog, performing tricks for scraps.

I hate them for it. For making me feel so small and desperate.

The flame in my chest flickers defiantly.

Once I agree, Silas doesn’t waste any time.

As if I actually had a choice.

“What were you doing when Caelan got to your house?”

“I was in my room.”

Silas looks at me expectantly. “And then…” he rolls his hand in a ‘get on with it’ gesture. I want to point out that I answered a question. According to their own rules, I should be given some food.

But I already know they won’t play fair.

I take another sip of water. “Then, I felt him in the house.”

“You felt him in the house,” Silas echoes dryly, running a hand through his mohawk. “Felt who? Caelan or your father?”

“Caelan.” I square my shoulders, a poor attempt at pretending to be brave.

Like I’m not being stared down by three huge Alphas who hate me. Like, I don’t already know this game is rigged.

“I felt him in the house and then heard someone pull up outside⁠—”

Cage snorts. The only one not looking at me like this is nothing but a joke is Vae, so I turn to him.

“It was my Father.”

My voice is steady, despite my racing heart and sweaty palms.

“How did you know it was him?”

Cage’s tone drips with condescension.

I hold Vae’s gaze, waiting for him to stop the interruptions. Waiting to see if he’s going to actually listen to me. When his eyes dart toward Silas, and his lips tip in a cruel smirk, I know he won’t extend any mercy my way.

My eyelashes flutter shut. My shoulders sag in defeat.

Just like I thought. These Alphas have already made up their mind about me. They don’t actually care what answers I give. This is a joke to them.

I have to keep trying, though. I can’t just give up.

I take a fortifying breath and give them my answer.

“No one else ever comes to our home. My father left an hour or so before, so I knew it must be him coming back.”