Page 85 of Glutton for Punishment

“You think proximity to power will protect you?” She steps closer, but I refuse to move.

“Tell me, Arwen…” Her voice lowers. “How useful are you, truly?”

I swallow. Don’t let her get into your head, Arwen.

“Your ambitions are hard to read,” she murmurs.

“What are you talking about?” My hackles rise.

Her smile returns. “It’s my power.” She taps her temple. “Needs. Desires. Insecurity. It all tastes different. That’s how I know my brother cares for you. Deeply.”

Confusion flickers across my face.

“He tries to hide it, but I know how to sort and dig. And you…” Her eyes drag over me, like she’s reading small print.

“Your desires taste like friendship… belonging. Pathetic, really.”

My blood runs cold. I’m still not sure what her power is, but it seems like she can get in my head.

Cleo steps forward to grab my hand in support, but Amaya moves faster than I can process.

One second she’s in front of me.

The next—

She has Cleo yanked against her, one arm locked around her shoulders, a knife pressed to her throat.

“Cleo!” I reach out to grab her, but Amaya backs away from me, holding Cleo tightly. Her eyes widen in fear and desperation.

“I figured,” Amaya says, almost delighted. “Your ridiculous priorities make your friends the best pawns. Don’t you think?”

My heart pounds so hard it hurts.

“I can feel it,” she says. “The way it unravels you.”

The knife presses closer. A thin line of red appears on Cleo’s throat.

“You care for this one very much.”

“Let her go.” My voice shakes.

Amaya ignores me.

“So here is what will happen.” Her tone turns cold. “You will convince Maddox to stop this foolishness. He will cease pursuing alliances. He will stand down.”

Her smile is merciless.

“Or I will have to use my leverage. I’ll be keeping your friend. And I’m happy to continue collecting more. I hear you have a spare upstairs in your room?”

Cleo goes rigid as Amaya backs away, dragging her along.

“No. Don’t do this. Maddox will come for her. You’ll start unnecessary violence. It doesn’t have to be this way.”

Amaya laughs.

“Oh, darling.” She tilts her head. “You don’t understand my brother at all. Maddox may have collected you as a stray,” she says, “but he will not burn this family down over one insignificant Gluttony citizen.”

Cleo’s eyes meet mine. And I see the tears threatening to slip down her face.