Maven frowns as if she also recognizes the name, and then she picks up the sharp dagger and presses it against the side of the changeling's neck. "Final question before I send you to the Beyond. Answer without a fight, and I'll make it fast. Where is the petite blonde asscaster you were mimicking?"
The changeling snorts. "I took her appearance and clothes and left her passed out in a courtyard. She wasn't worth killing—she's so weak, she's practically ahuman. Her memories would have been too bland to enjoy. Someone probably found her unconscious and finished the job, or maybe they decided to use her naked body while she was?—"
Maven's eyes flash with revulsion, and that's the only warning before she expertly slits the monster's throat so that it dies in a matter of seconds. As soon as it stops gurgling and convulsing, its appearance ripples once again like thousands of minuscule scales flipping over, until suddenly we're staring down at a hideous creature with ghastly white skin protruding with dozens of spikes, no eyes or nose, holes for ears, and a gaping mouth full of dozens of tiny, pointed teeth.
"No wonder it wanted to look like anyone but itself," I huff. Then I glance at Maven, and the lingering horror and nausea from the emotional roller coaster starts to calm inside of me. "You know, Mayflower…you're kind of a softie."
"I suppose you're right. Slitting its throat was far too kind."
"No, I mean because you're worried sick over Kenzie, and you asked about that other girl. You care a lot more about others than you're willing to show. But I see what you're really like, baby. You're so fucking adorable."
She looks appalled. "I am not. Take it back."
Damn, I want to kiss her. Is that allowed with this exposure therapy thing? Cautiously, I lean down and press my lips against her temple instead. She ducks her head and clears her throat, and I can't help melting a little bit on the inside because my mate is obviously flustered.
So. Fucking. Adorable.
Silas studies the dead changeling. "I should harvest its spikes before we go."
So. Fucking.Weird.
"You're messed up," I inform him.
To my surprise, that makes Maven fight back a laugh, her dark eyes sparkling with humor as she glances up at me. "Actually, changeling spikes make a great spell ingredient. I'll help."
Why did I have to end up withtwocasters in my quintet? Or at least one caster and…whatever Maven is now. She implied that she's no longer human, but I don't know what that means.
I also know that I don't care.
Whatever she is, she's mine. Getting used to knowing about her gods-awful past will take time, and I'm not sure I can handle learning what she swore to do with a blood oath. But whatever it is, she's going to have to get over the idea of being atemporarykeeper to us.
There's nothing temporary about this, and I'm going to prove it to her.
17
MAVEN
I wakeand stare at the ceiling for several dazed minutes. Gods, it is remarkably difficult to shake off deep, quality sleep. Who knew?
The totem under my pillow worked. I can't remember ever going a night without nightmares, and it's bizarre to wake up without my pulse pounding and terror-induced sweat drying on my forehead. Finally, I yawn and rub my face, rolling over.
A gentle knock sounds on the door of the big bedroom that is now officially mine. "Mayflower? I made breakfast if you want some, but we should go soon."
Right. Classes.
The Immortal Quintet is breathing down all students' necks to ensure there's no playing hooky so they can keep a close eye on us. The universe was merciful last night, so we weren't discovered sneaking back after curfew by the Immortal Quintet or their lackeys, but I know that missing class would result in some kind of severe punishment.
But this bed is so damn soft, it might just be worth it.
Have beds always been like this? I have only ever slept out of necessity before, but now I want to pull the covers over my head and return to that sweet, relaxing nothingness.
Then again…today is the day to see if I can break out of the wards and rescue Kenzie. Stasis spells are finicky, and I can't be sure if the changeling's spell will last past its death. And after I get Kenzie back, I need to prepare to take out another member of the Immortal Quintet.
Because if I take too long, Amadeus will begin threatening Lillian again.
With a sigh, I pull myself out of heaven and open the door to peer up at Baelfire.
His face breaks into a blinding smile at my sleep-rumpled appearance. "Awe. Good morning, Sleepyhead. You're so fucking cute."
