There was a faint ringing in my ears.
“Elias was never their target,” he continued softly. “He died protecting the one they were really after. A baby boy he loved more than life itself.”
“What?” I felt like I’d been sucker punched right in the gut. “They were trying to kill me? Why? I was just a baby.”
“Capture you. Not kill.” Tension made the skin around his eyes taut. “One of the mages in Nocturne can track life forces. It’s why Cynthia came to me. Simply hiding you wasn’t enough. Only by removing you from this realm entirely would you be safe.”
“So Briar was right. He suspects that’s how all of this started. When I returned to Bremloc, whoever’s after me sensed me again.”
Lupin nodded. “And when Briar gave you the protection stone, it blocked you from them once more. Even without knowing the danger you faced, he saved you.”
Warmth gathered in my chest. “You said each of my men played a role in my destiny. Was that his purpose?”
“Yes. Without that protection stone, you would’ve been found much sooner, opening up new life paths and permanently closing others.” He glanced at the corner again, his expression hovering between caution and curiosity. “Your relationship with Rowan would be much different, lacking the deep trust you have now. And you would’ve never fallen in love with Callum.”
“Yeah, I don’t like the sound of that.” A sharp twinge pierced my sternum. “I have a question though.”
“Only one?” he asked, his lips going askew.
“Or five. As many as I want. Deal with it.”
His amusement grew. “Go on. Ask me your question.”
“Okay.” I took a breath, trying to sort my thoughts. “If Briar’s protection stone was enough to block me from Nocturne, why did I have to be sent away? Why couldn’t you have just given my mom the same type of stone?”
The humor slipped from his face. “Because I saw the future that awaited you if I chose that option. They would’ve found you within three years, resulting in many deaths along the way. Sending you to the mundane world at least gave you a chance.”
“Then, you helped me come back here.” Antsy, I laced my fingers together. “Which seems…”
“Precarious, considering the danger you face? I suppose you’re right.” Lupin exhaled an unsteady breath. “Yet, it’s the bargain I struck with the council of mages. Interfering with your fate the first time nearly cost me everything. My husband. My magic. Only by agreeing to bring you back upon your twenty-third birthday would all be forgiven.”
“What’s so special about my twenty-third birthday?”
“Many believe that number holds power,” he responded. “A representation of fate and destiny. And it’s true.”
Yep. That familiar headache was building in my temples. A result of talking to him. The cryptic, frustrating man.
“I have another question.” I pointed at him just as he started to say something. “No smart-ass remarks. I’m allowed to ask as many as I want.”
“Very well.” He cleared his throat.
“If you were ordered to bring me back to this world, why did you give me the option to leave after I first got here? You said you’d use the power of the summer solstice to reverse the wish.”
“Ah, yes,” he said, smile tight. “I regret to inform you that was… a lie.”
“What?” I snapped.
“I used the condition of the solstice to buy more time. I hoped after being here for a while, you’d realize it’s where you really do belong. Luckily, that’s what happened.”
“What if I had decided to go back?” I asked, appalled. “Would you have let me?”
Lupin pressed his lips together. An answer without saying a word.
Several moments passed where I could only stare at him. Part of me was pissed that he’d lied. But another part was thankful for it. Because I’d never been happier—rare, mysterious gift and murderous mercenaries aside.
“Wow.” I crossed my arms Maddox-style. “What else did you lie about? When I found your shop, was that by chance, like you said, or did you set it up as part of your evil master plan to trick me?”
“I assure you there was nothing evil at play. I only wished to help.”
