“This was a great thing you did, Emory. Your parents would have been proud,” Memphis said, his stark blond hair tied back elegantly, his midnight blue loose shirt and freshly pressed black pants defining his edges.
“Thanks,” she said curtly.
“Look, Emory, about this morning...”
Cutting him off, Emory met his gaze, “Look, let’s forget about this morning for the time being and concentrate on what’s at hand.”
Sighing, he rubbed his neck. “Okay.”
“Also, have you seen Brokk? I need to talk to him.”
Memphis shook his head. “I haven’t seen him since Nyx left, a week ago.”
Dread pooled in her stomach. “That doesn’t worry you?”
“It isn’t the first time this has happened, and I can guarantee you it won’t be the last. Both Brokk and Nyx can safely handle themselves. Our plan moves forward to confront Adair tomorrow—with or without them.”
Heat crept up her cheeks, and she swallowed back her concerns. Nodding toward him as graciously as she could manage, she asked, “Memphis, before tonight, though, is there any way you can get this to work?”
The iPod gleamed in the palm of her hand, her tiny headphones wrapped around its silver body. Memphis picked it up curiously.
“I need it to project throughout the entire room,” Emory said.
“How does it work?
Showing him how to turn it on, they scrolled through her music, ranging from Fleetwood Mac to classical. Awe flooded his face as she chose a song, and the music played between them from the tiny speakers built into it. Stopping it, Emory raised her eyebrow in question.
“Leave it to me.” Memphis nodded, taking her iPod, and disappeared down the flooding hallways.
***
It was just before dusk, and Emory stared at herself in the broken mirror. Earlier, Bryd had dropped off something for her to wear to the dance, apologizing since it was all she had other than her training gear. Bryd had wanted her to have it and then explained that she had made something else for herself. The black sheer overlay fabric clutched her curves, the dress ending just below her knees. The cool air made her skin prickle against the backless scoop. It was stunning. It had belonged to Bryd’s mom before the dabarnes had destroyed their town. It was a work of art, how the fabric caught the light, shimmering and dancing.
Her hair was twisted into a low bun, and she slipped on comfortable black flats (again thanks to Bryd). Taking one last look, she turned to leave the bunker - she was ready for this.
Suddenly, the piercing alarm sounded in the hallway, and she heard footsteps thudding, running past her door. Poking her head out to see people running down the hallways in a blur, she saw a familiar face and shouted, “Jaxson!”
He turned around shouted back at her. “It’s Nyx! She’s back!”
Just Nyx?
Sprinting down the hall next to him, they stopped at the entrance. Memphis was already there. Nyx locked eyes with her, dirt and blood smudged on her cheeks, arms, and neck—where a gemmed silver crescent moon amulet sat. Her shirt was torn; her chest heaving like she just ran for miles.
“Where’s Brokk?” The question burst through her lips, and Nyx furrowed her brows.
“He’s not here? I haven’t seen him since I left. I went for a perimeter check to clear my head that night and ran into Adair’s scouts a lot closer to home than I would have liked. They captured me. It’s lucky I made it back here. I didn’t go down without a fight.” She smirked. “They weren’t so lucky.”
Memphis exhaled and closed his eyes, bringing her into his chest for a hug.
Emory’s heart gave a painful clench. “Did Brokk say anything to you before he left, Memphis? Was he upset?” Emory looked to Memphis and waited for him to answer. There was a hollowness to his eyes Emory had never seen before.
His lie was thick and heavy. “No, he was fine.”
Nyx swayed a little, and Memphis brought his attention back to her, his arms supporting her lower back.
Nyx took in their clothing and asked, icily, “Am I interrupting something?”
He whispered softly in her ear then asked Jaxson to help her to the infirmary to see Delane. He complied without question, and Emory had heard enough. It didn’t make sense, didn’t seem like Brokk. Not that she had allowed herself the chance yet to get to know him well.
The pit in her stomach grew; something didn’t add up about this situation. She noticed Memphis out the corner of her eye, silently walking beside her. Reaching the elevator door, she jabbed the button.
The elevator plummeted, as they rushed downward, the free-falling sensation making her heart feel like it was in her throat.
The doors opened, and Emory stepped into the dining hall, speechless. The lanterns were set low, softly bathing the room in a dim glow. The tables and benches had been cleared, and soft roped banners wrapped the walls. Black Dawn Rebellion greeted them quietly, dressed as formal as they could, looking to her.
She might be an heir built on lies, but she was the rightful queen, nonetheless. Emory didn’t hesitate. Without a backward glance, she walked to the middle of the room and spun around, coming face-to-face with Memphis, his eyes locking with hers in a fiery gaze. She held out her hand to his and nodded to her waist. His other hand wrapped too close, too low around her hip.
Breath hitching in her throat, she felt her body start to the music that erupted around them, leading Memphis into her well-learned steps. Her body was humming from how his hands felt on her skin. Her ability and thoughts rushed through her like fire, wanting to devour more. His thoughtful eyes held hers. She felt her heart drumming fiercely against her chest, and in that
