I swallow hard. “I know what demon we’re facing. His name is Tharuzel the Soul Thresher.”
Sebastian goes completely still. “And how do you know that?”
Man, my throat feels tight. “At Arcana… right after my second session removing the block on my powers… the world shifted. I fainted, and when I woke up, I was in this... hellscape. He pulled me there. Tharuzel the Soul Thresher.”
Sebastian’s jaw tightens. “He summoned you to him?”
“Yeah.” My voice cracks. “He said that because of the mark on our bloodline, he owns us. He said I had to bend the knee, and if I didn’t, he’d go after my sisters.”
Sebastian drags a hand through his black hair. “Shit. How did you leave things?”
“He pinned me against a wall, slashed my arm with his claw, and let my blood drip onto a contract.” I wrap my arms around myself, suddenly cold despite the warmth of the room. “I don’t even know what I agreed to. He didn’t let me read it. Just cut me and said it was a binding blood contract.”
The horror in Sebastian’s gaze squeezes my heart. “Oh, Poppy…”
“I know.” Tears burn behind my eyes. “I know it’s bad, but he threatened Violet and Lily. I didn’t know what to do.”
Sebastian’s anger doesn’t land on me. It radiates outward, crackling in the space between us. “You had no choice. Demons specialize in coercion. They corner you, threaten what you love most, and force your hand.”
“He said he sent a copy of the contract to my lawyer. So, Vale might be able to help me.”
Sebastian looks like he’s desperately trying to think of what to say. “Arcane solicitors keep records of all magical contracts, including demonic ones. If the contract is binding, your lawyer will have documentation.”
“Does that mean it mightnotbe binding?”
Sebastian shrugs. “I can’t say, Poppy. I’m sorry.”
“I hate this.” The admission tumbles out before I can stop it. “I don’t know what he wants from me or what happens if I can’t deliver.”
Sebastian steps closer, his bright blue eyes locked on mine. “Listen to me. You did the right thing in telling me this. Now I know who we’re up against, and I can research what we’re dealing with. Tharuzel isn’t just trying to escape. He’s got his claws in you, which means he intends to use you in some way in his plans.”
“And I made things worse.”
“No.” His voice is firm. “It was an impossible situation, and we came out of it knowing more than we did before. I’ll research his tactics. His weaknesses. We’ll use this to our advantage.”
I wipe my eyes. “You’re not mad?”
“At you? No. At him? Absolutely. Do the others know?”
I shake my head. “No. I couldn’t… When Mom came to me, she said I was the heir to the Hallowind legacy and to make them proud. All I could think about was how I’ve already failed and ruined everything.”
“Nothing is ruined. You told me, and we’ll deal with it. We’re in this together now, you and I.” His expression softens, and he opens his arms.
I step into his hug, and the tears flow freely. I’ve been so scared for so long about this and it’s such a relief to tell someone who understands. “Thanks. I honestly didn’t know who to trust.”
He squeezes tighter. “You can trust me. Always. Good or bad, I’ve got your back.”
The relief I feel hearing those words means more to me than I can express. And when I come in from the porch and close the door, I’m ready to put it behind me and focus on what I can control in the moment.
Until I see the look on Asher’s face. “Okay, baby girl. It’s just you and me now. What the hell is going on?”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
The brass bell above the door jingles as Asher pushes into Biscuits and Banter. After an afternoon of catching up and spilling all my deepest secrets to my bestie, Asher has convinced me I’m still me and whatever comes, we’ll fix it.
Now, with my heart healed and my tears dried, I’m ready for some of Tanner’s pulled pork and a massive slice of coconut cream pie.
“The food was good at Arcana, but nothing like?—”
