“I can understand why Zephyrus wanted you for himself.” He peers down the blade of his nose, a spot of blood crusted at the corner of his mouth. “Your old master did not recognize what a treasure you are, but what can you expect from an arrogant, self-serving god?” That sharp smile makes a reappearance. “His loss.”
Tears sting my eyes. Fear has dogged my heels for the last ten years, but I have learned to live with it. Iwillget through this. Once Mother Mabel learns I’m missing, she will come for me.
“Don’t be frightened, my dear.” The demon’s gaze, bright with greed, cuts to Zephyrus. “I care for what’s mine.” He trails one thin, elongated hand down my bare arm.
Over his shoulder, Ailith has emerged from a nearby hallway. She waves him over. “Yakim. A word, please.”
His expression tightens with obvious irritation, yet he turns and smiles prettily at the faun. “I’m a bit preoccupied at the moment.”
She cocks her hip. “I’m happy to discuss your financials in front of my patrons, if that is what you wish.”
Yakim snarls.
Ailith’s smile spreads with slow satisfaction. “Meet me in the Red Room,” she states, and flounces down the hall.
Yakim steps away, briefcase in hand. “A moment, Brielle. You are not to leave without my permission. Not that you would get far. You are bound to me now.” He dodges a nearby table and vanishes down the corridor. A few patrons observe his departure, and only when he’s out of sight do they visibly relax.
“Brielle.” The West Wind catches my hand. “Look at me.”
I lurch from his hold, collapsing into the opposite chair. The silk skirt billows in green clouds before sagging around my trembling legs. “How could you?” My gut churns with the horror of what he’s done to me. I should have known better. Why do I not learn?
“I need you to look at me—”
His voice bleeds into the hum of background noise: clinking dishware, thudding boots, the roar of the fireplace. At this point, I’m uncertain of my way forward. How is Mother Mabel to know where to find me? Would she risk her life, the lives of my peers, to bring me back to Thornbrook safely?
Slowly, I lift my head. “Why?” I thought I’d seen a change in Zephyrus. How deep does my naivete truly run?
“Come.” He glances over his shoulder. “We don’t have much time.”
“Did you not hear what he said?” I spit. “I can’t leave. You gave my name away!”
You must never speak your name aloud, Brielle. Ever. Should any of the fair folk hear your name, they will have power over you. More power than you can ever imagine. Keep it safe.
My fingers curl into the arms of the chair. If I could exchange nails for claws, I’d gouge out those green eyes without a second thought. “I trusted you.”
The West Wind studies me, completely unaffected by my hurt. “Can you move your limbs?”
“What does that have to do with anything?”
Deeper and deeper I spiral, down into a lightless pit. Where will the demon take me? What will he make me do now that he has control over me? I am afraid. But more so, I am sick with rage.
Spearing his fingers through his curls, Zephyrus glances down the hall where Yakim disappeared. “Will you just try? Please?” A few patrons look on. I’ve not forgotten the bounty on Zephyrus’ head. Neither have they.
“What are you not telling me?” I demand.
“Walk to the door.”
“But—”
“Please.” Another furtive peek toward the hallway.
I stay put. “Tell me why.” I’m tired of his secrets.
Zephyrus pivots, gaze stony, and strides to my chair. He leans over me and slips a finger beneath my neckline, pulling the trinity knot pendant free. “The Father shields you.”
The gold piece shines against his tanned hand. Lifting my eyes, I peer into the West Wind’s gold-flecked gaze.
It’s not real.
