“They’re cruel. Mistreated Mor and her siblings. Those two weren’t parents. They were … owners. They treated their kids like toys they could play with. Poke at. Hurt, if they found it interesting. And now that Ame and her brothers are mated with other mythics, the Shellys got their eyes on any grandchildren.” I grimace at the thought. “More fodder for their experiments.”
Sev goes preternaturally still.
“Experiments?” He whispers the word, and I swear the syllables drip with venom.
I can’t read the eerie note in his voice, but I really hope it’s not interest. Sev tends to have the deadly air of a cat that enjoys batting around their prey.
“That’s what they did. Tested different magics on their children. Leeched power from them.”
Sev stares out the window toward the dark lake. Silent. Contemplating.
And I wait, holding tight to my patience so I don’t ruin this chance.
“I will make them leave and never want to return,” Sev announces at last. “In exchange, you will be in debt to me for the rest of your life. I can call on you for whatever I wish.”
“Done.”
He turns, brow raised. “Just like that?”
“Just like that.”
“You hesitated the first time. With your siren.”
“She isn’t mine. Never was.” And thank the gods for that.
I was a fool, infatuated with a selfish woman. Now I know what love truly is.
“What about the witch?” He studies me. “Is she yours?”
“I am hers.”
Sev sighs. “Your candor chafes. Don’t you know how to keep some secrets?”
“When they count.”
He tilts his head, a sharp smirk cutting across his lips. “Does your witch know you are here?”
That has my back molars grinding. “She would if I could speak about you to her.”
“Ah, yes. The binding. I think I’ll keep that in place. I, for one, know that secrets are power.”
“So we have a deal then?”
“Yes, Bosephus. We have a deal.”
44
Bo
“What do you mean,they’re gone?” Mor stares at me from where she sits on the edge of her bed.
When she woke up, I told her the good news immediately.
But I guess I didn’t think through exactly what I should say.
“I mean, gone. They packed up and hit the road.” I rest my hands on Mor’s shoulders, holding her eyes so she can see the truth in mine. Hoping she reads the relief and hope and honesty in my aura. And I am confident they’re gone for good.
I went with Sev to make sure of it.
