In this scene, Luc had rescued a little girl who'd been kidnapped. Only afterward did he discover that her going missing was part of a grand scheme for Pietas to control her scientist-parents. When Pietas shows up unannounced and acts as if nothing happened, Luc confronts him about the kidnapping. Pietas denies it.
With Pietas, the truth was often in what wasn't said as much as what was. "Then you hired some lackey to do it."
"A king has no need for lackeys." Pietas drew back a lock of silver hair and flipped it behind his shoulder. "I command soldiers. Or if needed, I ask a favor. Like I did you."
"You asked someone to kidnap this child for you, then you put her into the Guild and asked me to find her."
"I told you. I did not kidnap her."
"If you asked someone to do it, it's kidnapping!" He snapped the wineglass stem, stabbing his hand. He dropped the pieces and pressed a thumb against the cut. The blood staunched. The cut healed within seconds. "Don't skirt the truth. You thrust that child into danger to get what you wanted."
"Spare me the theatrics." Pietas flipped a hand. "The girl wasn't harmed."
"The Guild told her that her parents were dead. They isolated her! She's a Better. Are you aware what the Guild does to non-humans?"
"Betters are human."
"Not to the Guild."
"They are human." Pietas turned his back. "I should know. I designed them. Genetic manipulation is my role in this lifetime."
"As I said, not to the Guild. I rescued a HalfKin child today. They'd been locking him in a windowless room in the dark as punishment. They fed him from a bowl on the floor. He's three. Was that harmless?"
"That's barbaric." Pietas grimaced. "Why would the Guild do that?"
"Because he isn't human. Imagine what they'd do if they discovered what I am."
Antonello Brothers
Click covers for the buy link. Click text for the website page and excerpts.
#SciFi #Romance
Crystal Clear Truth is out April 25, 2022
Welcome to Book Hooks!
Book Hooks is a weekly cooperative meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog.
It's a chance each week for you to discover current works in progress or previously published books by possibly new-to-you authors.
Thank you for stopping by. Please say hello or leave a note in the comments.
You'll find these characters mentioned in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.
Download a printable book list or a list of trigger warnings for all books. Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter.
Immortal Reviews Rock & Rule • Join the Review Team
Copyright ©2025 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved.
Imperial Archive Notice
Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!
My characters may be found in multiple books within this story universe.
Pietas images courtesy of Nik Nitsvetov Pietas cosplays.
Transmission complete.
The Empire remembers.
Remain. Endure. Return.
I love how they spar with each other – drama enough!
Today’s posts have been shared on #PMInc’s Facebook Page Excerpts & Promotions, and the following author profiles.
Laura Tolomei
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLauraTolomei
https://twitter.com/LallaGatta
Lynn Chantale
https://www.facebook.com/LynnChantaleAuthor
https://twitter.com/lynnchantale
Dee
https://www.facebook.com/Excerpts.and.Promotions/
I should write a book about these two. Oh, wait. I did. ;p I wanted to show their simmering anger but also their love and friendship.
I enjoyed this book
Thank you, Janet 🙂