Which admittedly, was a low bar.
I hadn’t wanted to end up in the underworld. But a deal was a deal and I was looking forward to exploring this strange realm. I couldn’t wait to learn more about my people, to find ways to improve their lives.
Besides, I would never make Samael rule alone. Would never be parted from him again.
Not thathewould allow such a thing.
It was difficult, though, knowing that–with a single word–I’d given up any hope of a normal life.
Evie had been studying my face, and she was as astute as ever. “We’ll call you if we’re facing anything super dangerous,” she promised.
I knew my sister. Knew she didn’t want that at all. Knew she wanted to learn and grow and kick ass, without my shadow over her shoulder.
“No,” I said. “You want this business, you have it. Train with Edward, take Kyla with you for the scary stuff, and figure it out on your own.”
My words sounded harsh, and I almost took them back as Evie’s eyes filled with tears. But she threw her arms around me once more. “Thank you,” she sobbed. “I won’t let you down, Dani.”
I smiled. She knew she could come to me for advice, but this was the best thing for her. I opened my mouth, about to tell her, to warn her that Nathaniel was her mate. But my conversation with Nathaniel ran through my head.
“Tell me, Danica, how do you think your sister will react to learn that, even in this, her choices would be removed? That she would be destined to be mine?”
“She would run. And she’d never return.”
“Your sister is many things, but she’s not a witch. Or at least, not just a witch. She’s going to need to be protected, and yet, if she learns I am her mate, she will leave. She knows we’re watching over her right now, but if she wanted, she could take steps to end that. I have no doubt that if your sister put her mind to it, she could leave without a trace.”
I didn’t know if I was making the right choice. Didn’t know if Evie would ever forgive me for not telling her something so important. And yet, I hoped Nathaniel would play the long game. Would let Evie grow into herself and enjoy her freedom.
Even if that freedom included Liam.
I winced at the thought. The wolf had been seriously injured in the battle. That’s where Evie had been while we were freeing Kyla. She’d been by Liam’s side, helping the healer prevent his intestines from sliding out of his body.
Evie pulled away, her expression serious. “They came, Danica. Gemma and the coven. Samael managed to convince her to work with the other covens in Durham. History was made with this battle.”
“Screw history. How do you feel about it?”
“I don’t know how to feel. They left before I could thank them.”
I nodded. “Gemma didn’t want any fuss. She’s dying, Evie.”
“I know.” She sighed. “I need to get back. But I’ll visit in a couple of weeks, before I go to Edward. Deal?”
“Deal.”
She wandered away, and I turned as Selina approached, somehow looking like her usual put together self.
“Tell me you use some kind of spell to always look so good.”
Surprise flashed through her eyes, and she laughed. “Now that’s a nice compliment after a difficult few days.”
“I saw you fighting the hellhound. You know how to swing a sword.”
That was an understatement. She’d also been lightning fast, dodging poisonous claws with ease.
Selina smiled at me. “Now that is a long story.”
“I didn’t get a chance to talk to Aubrey before he left. I don’t understand why he did it. He’s always said he was loyal to his king. Now he’ll be a pariah.”
Selina frowned. “I asked him the same. He merely said life had become boring, and this would liven it up.”
