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As I left him, heading toward the tribute quarters, my mind shifted to the task ahead. I was looking forward to hearing Eliza lie, planning to lock her in the dungeon afterward and treat her with the harshest measures. I’d already contacted Delta Garth to prepare for Eliza’s interrogation. He’d been eager to help, his hatred for traitors as strong as mine.
Nia and Remy would face my wrath too. I wasn’t planning to see Isabelle yet, I’d save her for last. After everything that had happened, I doubted she would lie to me again.
I also doubted Matthew would give her a chance, but that wasn’t my business anymore. Isabelle had lost her opportunity when she didn’t trust Matthew enough to tell him the truth. When she’d chosen to keep her father’s schemes secret, she’d
sealed her fate.
With that thought, I squared my shoulders and continued toward the tribute quarters.
I made my way toward Eliza’s quarters. My mind was already set on what needed to be done, though I maintained a neutral expression. The betrayal stung, not because we were particularly close, but because I’d extended trust.
When I reached her door, I knocked firmly before entering. Inside, I found Eliza lying on her bed, looking altogether too comfortable for someone who was supposed to be gathering intelligence. Her roommate, another tribute, glanced up at my entrance and immediately scurried out, giving us privacy without me having to ask. Smart girl.
“Luna,” Eliza said, sitting up quickly. Her face showed surprise.
“Eliza,” I replied pleasantly, as if I was just stopping by for a friendly chat. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything important.”
“Of course not,” she said, attempting a smile. “What can I do for you?”
I pulled a chair close to her bed and sat down, maintaining eye contact. “I was wondering why you’re not at the Goldenvale arena today. I thought you were supposed to be gathering information about Qiana.”
Her eyes widened slightly before she composed herself. “Oh, Qiana won’t be at the arena today. That’s why I stayed in.”
“Is that so?” I tilted my head, studying her. “And how exactly do you know her schedule?”
She shifted uncomfortably. “I… heard it from one of the other tributes who works in communications.”
I leaned forward, dropping the pretense of friendliness. “Tell me, Eliza, do you know what that seal we gave you was used
for?”
Her throat bobbed as she swallowed. “I told you what I knew.”
“Hmm.” I tapped my fingers against my knee. “And what other useful information have you gathered for me lately? Anything of substance?”
“I’ve been trying, but they’re very careful,” she protested, her voice rising slightly. “They don’t share much with someone in my position.”
“You seem to be forgetting our arrangement,” I said coolly. “Your life and freedom in exchange for information. So far, I’ve
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kept my end of the bargain. You, however, have given me practically nothing of value.”
Eliza’s eyes darted toward the door, as if calculating her chances of escape. I’ve told you everything I know! They’re suspicious of me now. They think I might have turned. There’s talk about you arresting people yesterday-
I raised an eyebrow. So that’s what this was about. She was fishing for information about our raids while pretending to be helpful. The arrest operations had clearly spooked her, and now she was trying to figure out what we knew and who we’d caught.
“I see,” I said, making my decision. Garth, please come to Eliza’s room. It’s time to bring her in.
On my way, Luna, came his immediate response through our link.
Eliza must have sensed something in my expression because her face drained of color. “What is it? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing’s wrong,” I said, sitting back in my chair. “I’m just disappointed that you haven’t been more helpful.”
The door opened, and Garth stepped in, his imposing figure filling the doorframe. Eliza’s eyes widened in fear, and tears immediately welled up.
“No,” she whispered, shaking her head frantically. “You promised! You said if I helped, you wouldn’t-
“I said if you helped,” I cut her off. “You haven’t. You’ve been stringing me along, pretending to be on my side while actually working against me.”
“Please,” she sobbed as Garth approached with silver handcuffs. “I’ve been trying! I told you about Qiana and Mira, didn’t I? I’ve been cooperating!”
“Not enough,” I said, rising from my chair as Garth secured the cuffs around her wrists. The silver made her wince, suppressing her wolf strength. “You haven’t paid your dues, Eliza.”
“You promised!” Eliza continued to cry as Garth dragged her through the hallway toward the dungeons. I followed behind, unmoved by her tears. “You said you wouldn’t harm me if I helped you!”
“And you promised to be useful,” I retorted.
“I was doing my best!” she insisted, her voice breaking.
“You were supposed to be out gathering information, not lying in bed claiming you were doing your best. You ungrateful piece of work,” I snapped, my patience wearing thin. “I gave you a chance at redemption, and this is how you repay me?”
Garth clamped his hand over her mouth to silence her screams until we reached the dungeon corridor where only other prisoners could hear.
Scarlett, Freya, I need you to prepare the interrogation room for Eliza. Juice, sandwiches, and our special tonic, I linked to my
friends.
On it, came Scarlett’s reply, a hint of anticipation in her mental voice.
Garth removed his hand from Eliza’s mouth once we were deep enough in the dungeon corridors. Her eyes were wild with fear, tears streaming down her face.
“You’re evil,” she spat, her voice trembling. “You’re a monster!”
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And you’re a liar,” I replied calmly.
“Augustin will see through you eventually,” she hissed, trying a new tactic. “I know things about him. He’s been with so many women before you. Did he tell you you’re not the first he proposed to?”
I felt a cold smile form on my lips. “I think we’re not talking about the same person. And even if we were, I don’t care.”
Her face fell as her attempt to rattle me failed.
The interrogation room was ready when we arrived. Garth pushed Eliza inside, and I followed, shutting the door behind us.
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