“I want her safe,” Barron whispered. “But I—I want her safewith me.”
I patted his arm gently. “We’ll get her back. But first, we have to stop ourselves from fading.”
He inhaled shakily. “Do you think what we’ve been told about Heaven is true?”
I tilted my head. “Which part?”
“You forget everyone.”
“I’m not sure,” I admitted.
He closed his eyes. “Maybe it’s for the best. Not for me, but for her.”
As another tear slid toward his ear, my chest tightened.
He didn’t need to say more. I understood. If we faded…if we became nothing…it would be easier for her not to remember him at all.
“We need you, Barron.” I squeezed his arm and stood. “We can’t save Gwen until we save ourselves.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Kara
Sure enough, as if I were Cinderella and the clock had struck twelve, the bracelet warmed against my wrist.
Luke summoned me.
Sighing, I slipped away from my family and faded back into the Devil’s room.
“Luke!” I called, glancing around the grand chamber. “I’m back. Did you miss me?”
I barely had to turn to find him sprawled lazily in the massive chair beside the fireplace, a book in his hand. The fire crackled softly, casting long shadows across the floor. The two hellhounds curled at his feet, ears twitching. One lifted its head at the sound of my voice; the other groaned and flopped over like I’d interrupted its dream.
Luke didn’t acknowledge me. His eyes were glued to the page he flipped, too casual.
I placed my hands on my hips and smirked. I’d almost believed his indifference if his tail hadn’t betrayed him—slapping against the floor once in a sharp, excited thump.
“Mm-hm,” I hummed. “Trying to act aloof?”
I took a slow step forward.
The hounds rose, growling, hackles lifting.
“Oh, don’t be dramatic. Do you two even know how many head rubs I’m capable of?”
One hound tilted its head. The other looked to Luke like it was asking permission.
I waited.
Then…red eyes flicked up from the book.
I couldn’t resist saying, “I think you missed me.”
“I don’t think you understand that you’re a captive.”
A captive who got more and more freedom. I didn’t dare remind him.
“As a captive… what if I said I rather like your ‘punishments’?”
