“You have got to be kidding,” I said, gripping the banister tightly. “I’m sure this classifies as breaking and entering.”
“Do you plan to call the police?”
“I plan to tell Gray.”
“But he’s not here, is he? I sensed it.”
“You need to leave because I have nothing to say to you.”
“If I leave, I can’t give you my gift.”
“I don’t want anything from you, Archer. Why don’t you understand that?”
“Quentin?”
I looked past Archer to the bottom of the stairs. “Dionne? What are you doing here?”
Archer turned and leaned over the landing. “Apparently, she doesn’t want this visit.”
Ignoring him, I trotted down the stairs. When I reached the bottom, Dionne pulled me into a bone-crushing hug.
“You’re okay,” she breathed against my hair.
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
She released me and looked me over. “Bexley told me about what happened in the chamber and Archer said you allowed Gray to move back in with you. We’ve been worried about you.”
I glanced over my shoulder at Archer, who shrugged his shoulders. Then I realised what Dionne had said.
“We?” I asked, looking at her again.
Grabbing my hand, she pulled me into my living room where the space was full of minor Gods. They lounged on the sofa, perched on the coffee table, and stood by the bookcases.
“What are you all doing here?” I whispered, trying to decipher the strange overwhelming feeling that hampered my breathing. It wasn’t panic or anxiety, but something lighter and more hopeful.
“We heard what Hunter did and wanted to check on you,” Marcel told me. “You’ve recovered well.”
“I’m perfectly fine.” I stepped into the room properly.
Tobias rose from the arm of the sofa to offer me his seat, but I waved him off. I noticed his hand was healed and my brow furrowed. The skin looked perfect again, making me question if it had ever been injured in the first place.
“You’re all going to get in trouble for being down here,” I pointed out before turning to Archer. “I assume this is all unsanctioned.”
“Are you worried about us, Quentin?” he asked me.
I bit my tongue, not wanting to tell him the truth and give him the satisfaction. I felt safer with the minor Gods than I did with the elite. They welcomed me into the fold and didn’t hold the power to end my life.
“Is the other rumour true?” Andreas’ deep voice asked from the corner of the room. “That you’re bound to Grayson?”
My face flushed. How much had Bexley told them and how quick had the rumours spread?
“Is it?” Marcel pressed, looking at me curiously.
“Yes,” I confirmed. “We’re… he’s…”
Archer tensed beside me and deadpanned, “They’re bound.”
“How is that possible?” Tobias asked. “He’s part of the problem.”
