Zayn considered the question for a moment. “Kind of the opposite, really. It’s more like I’ve been suddenly flooded with all the things I lost during the time he had a hold over me. The heaviness of an entire lost life, hitting all at once, and now I’m trying to learn how to carry it all again.”
Hollow, heavy…I didn’t know which was a worse sign.
All I knew was that both felt like a threat to the very ground beneath our feet, and I didn’t know how to fixeitherof them.
“Speaking of heavy things we carry…” Zayn’s gaze fell to my wrist, to the mark Lorien had left. “What, pray tell, isthatabout?”
Running my hand over the mark, I lowered my voice and more fully explained the deal Lorien and I had made.
I was hoping he would have some insight into the curse, and all the cryptic words accompanying it. When I’d finished speaking, though, Zayn only stared at me, shaking his head in disbelief. “You willingly chose to strike a deal with him.”
“I didn’t have much of achoice.”
“Right. Of course. And this was obviously the best path to take.”
I arched a brow.
“Yes, I’d say there’s no way it could end poorly.” He coughed. It sounded like he was trying to cover up a laugh.
“It isn’t funny,” I said.
“Not in ahahakind of way, no. But in anoh wow, we are so fuckedkind of way, it is.”
“We’ll be fine,” I insisted, stubbornly.
“Your optimism is admirable. Stupid, but admirable.”
“I think I liked you better when you were unconscious,” I mumbled.
“Honestly, so did I,” he said, yawning.
“I was joking.”
“I wasn’t. Do you know how easy it was, being in a coma?”
“I’ll admit, it’s tempting to try it myself.”
“But you won’t.”
“Won’t I?”
“No. Because you have a foolish, valiant streak in you. Aleks does too. Yet another reason you morons are perfect for one another.”
I wasn’t sure whether to take his words as an insult or a compliment. Either way, they reminded me of the Zayn I wanted back, so my tone was a bit warmer as I said, “You should go talk to him. He’ll be glad to know you’re safe and recovering.”
He stiffened. It was barely noticeable, but I still picked up on it. The silence that followed was thick enough to suffocate.
I cleared my throat. “…It won’t be an easy conversation, I’m guessing.”
His reply was perfectly deadpanned. “Though likely easier than the one you need to have with your brother regarding the cursed, immortal demon that’s bound himself to you.”
I grimaced. “Thanks for reminding me.”
His grin returned, wider than earlier. “Shall we place bets on which one of us finds the courage to speak first?”
I cut him a sideways glance. “What are we wagering?”
He pretended to be deep in thought for a moment. “Loser dances naked through the main courtyard of the palace.”
