“Not really in my repertoire.”
“They tried to kill you once.”
“Aww, Dozan, is this sentiment?”
His amber eyes gleamed. “You know how I feel about protecting my investments.”
She rolled her eyes. “I can take care of myself.”
She snatched her hand away and hurried after Clover and Fordham. He was no more than two steps ahead of her, waiting.
“What did he want?”
“Nothing. He’s just Dozan.”
“Why do you put up with him?” he asked.
“I don’t really believe you’re in a position to judge my actions or associates.”
“That’s not what I mean.”
Kerrigan whirled on him. She’d wanted today to be celebratory. For her and Fordham to reconcile. To even sneak that kiss in, but now, it was clear that wasn’t happening. No matter how jealous and defensive he acted around Dozan, it didn’t change anything.
“Then what do you mean? Because last I checked, you made your stance perfectly clear.”
He froze at her words. “You’re right. I did.”
“Good. Then, if I want to associate with Dozan,” she said, letting the insinuation in the words linger, “you have no right to say anything.”
His thunderstorm eyes swirled at the words. As if the thought sent him reeling. Like he’d expected her to wait and pine for him. Which she was—not that she’d admit it. But let him get a taste of how she was feeling all this time.
“He’s not good enough for you,” Fordham couldn’t keep from saying.
Kerrigan took a step forward and poked him in the chest. “Then man the fuck up.”
She didn’t wait for his response, just jogged up to Clover and Hadrian.
“Everything all right?” Hadrian asked.
He’d known Kerrigan for so long that he could judge her moods by a glance. She missed him so much sometimes.
“Fine,” she lied. “Let’s go.”
They fell into step with the rest of the march. A swell of protestors chanting and yelling out for others to join them. Fordham was a step behind them. Near enough that he wouldn’t lose them but far enough back that he was giving her space. She hated it. Hated the position they were in. Hated getting her hopes up that he’d change his mind, only to be reminded that he wouldn’t.
She threw herself into the march. They were with so many people that no one even pointed her out in the crowd. She wasn’t the only redhead in the bunch, and with the sheer numbers taking over the streets, she felt safe enough to go as herself and not hide.
“Rights for all!” Kerrigan cheered along with the crowd.
It felt good. Right.
Five years ago, the streets had filled with Red Masks. They’d killed people and destroyed property to protest their hate of a human winning the tournament. Now, those humans and half-Fae were banding together to fight for what they believed in. The Red Masks were the past. This was the future.
As the sun set on the horizon, the crowds only grew. Society Guards were posted at many of the alleys they passed. Their hands on the elemental weapons on their belts. Their eyes uninterested in what was happening, only judging each person as they passed, as if they were waiting for someone to slip up. They should have been cheering the crowds on. Not looking at them like they were the enemy.
Kerrigan had never gotten a bad vibe from the Guard. Most of them knew who she was since she’d grown up in the mountain. But here, it was as if they were altogether different Fae.
“Keep moving,” one barked at her.
She narrowed her eyes at him. “We have the right to be here.”
“Are you talking back to us?” the guard asked, stepping forward threateningly.
Clover put her hand on Kerrigan’s shoulder. “Don’t provoke them. They don’t need a reason.”
Kerrigan frowned and backed down. What the hell was with the power trip? It was so unnecessary. She let Clover drag her away. She wished that she’d gotten his name. It would have been good to report him to his superior, Mistress Corinna. There was no reason for that response.
“What are they doing?” Clover asked, standing on her tiptoes to look ahead. “That isn’t the approved path. We’re supposed to turn right here and head toward the Artisan Village.”
Fordham came closer. “It looks like the Guard are herding them in the opposite direction. Using some kind of magic to force them left. What’s left?”
“Row Park,” Kerrigan said. “We’d never get permission to walk through the Row.”
“Then why are they directing us there?” Clover asked.
None of them had an answer, and as they turned the corner, guards blocked off their retreat. Kerrigan looked back in confusion as barriers were put in place behind them. Suddenly, the march stalled, leaving the huge crowd stopped in the middle of the road, almost to Row Park.
“What are they doing?” Clover asked.
Fordham shook his head. “It’s too far ahead. I can’t tell.”
A chill ran down Kerrigan’s back. “Something’s wrong.”