“When does Charlie’s trial start?” she asked as they started walking again, this time the nearness of Jai’s body keeping her nervous jitters at bay.
“Tomorrow,” Red responded sharply. “Gleaming will lead it, but because of your involvement, Azazil will oversee it. Tomorrow is a dangerous day for you too, Ari. Charlie may or may not be sentenced for his crime, but you,” he shot her a concerned look, “you will be laid bare for all to see. Azazil has forbidden the Gleaming King from mentioning your true importance. With this trial, you are merely the White King’s hybrid, and Dalí sought to use your blood to power his talismans. It’s something some sorcerers do with virgin blood.”
She blushed at that.
“But there have always been rumors and speculation about the legend of a daughter born to Sala the lilif and the White King. Some will seek to discover the truth. You’re leaving yourself open to more enemies just by being here.”
Fear was desperate to take control of her, so Ari concentrated on the thought of Charlie and where he was right now and what was happening to him. The fear suddenly dissipated as that knot within her chest pulsed and tightened, separating itself from her, pushing her out, taking control. The emotions from it flooded her and Ari fought to brush it off. She took a deep breath, feeling Jai’s hand pressed deeper into her lower back. In control again, Ari still felt tendrils of the darkness the knot had tried to pollute her with — the fury and disgust that anyone would try to push her around. Ari braced her shoulders, eyes blazing with more determination than she knew she had.
“Lilif herself could come back from the dead to hunt me down, and it still wouldn’t stop me from saving Charlie.”
The Red King stiffened at the mention of his mother and he eyed Ari carefully, warily even. Finally, he nodded. “Then so be it.”