Time worked differently in the different realms. “What time is that?” I asked.
“The sun in their realm currently goes down at two a.m. our time.”
I frowned. Evie nodded at me. “I know. But we do this properly. I assume you’re coming with us?” she asked Vas.
He nodded silently. Daimonion striking so close to me had done a number on him.
“Okay,” Evie said. “Get ready, ’cause tonight, we’re going to kick some fae ass.”
* * *
Vassago
I blinked open my eyes, displeased to find Mere no longer in her bed. I knew exactly how little sleep she’d had lately, and I’d convinced her to take a brief nap. She’d only given in when I’d mentioned how the long nights were taking a toll on me.
I was a demon, and I could spend weeks awake if necessary, but Mere needed the rest. I’d spent most of the morning lying awake, creating and discarding plans to lure Daimonion closer.
He wouldn’t rest until he’d taken everyone from me. Until I had no one left.
I hated being on the defensive. Daimonion had the upper hand right now, with the ability to strike and disappear. As long as Mere was here, I was here too, and he knew exactly where to find us both.
And if I suggested she take a little visit to the underground and hang out with Danica until this was all over, she’d just laugh at me.
My heart tripped in my chest, and I hauled myself out of bed, pulled on my jeans, and headed straight out the door. I needed to talk to Mere about waking me up if she was leaving her apartment. I glanced at my watch. I’d only been asleep for about half an hour.
Voices sounded from the bar as I headed downstairs, and I frowned. Mere hadn’t told me she had a meeting.
I continued down, then paused at the sound of Mere’s laugh, high and thready.
“You’ve got to be kidding,” she said.
“As mentioned in ournumerousletters to you, the High Coven has been paying attention to your powers. To what you’ve achieved so far. We could use someone like you. Though you are young, we believe you will mature under our guidance.”
Mere was quiet for a long moment. When she spoke, her voice was…empty. “My mother used to talk about how she had one day dreamed of joining the High Coven. She applied when we were still in Ireland. And you rejected her.”
“She didn’t have your powers.”
“And what’s the catch?”
“Excuse me?”
“What exactly do I have to do in order to be part of your little club?”
“Rein in your natural impertinence, for starters,” the voice snapped, and I continued walking down the stairs. But I froze at her next sentence. “And cease your relationship with the demon. Cease contact with all of them.”
“Never.”
“You are young. And yet you have been through many…trials.”
I could practically feel Mere’s fear. Somehow, the High Coven had figured out her secret.
“So what?”
“End your interactions with the demons, agree to join us, and your past will remain your business.”
“Go fuck yourself.”
I blinked at Mere’s savage tone.
