I could not see his expression, but I imagined a scowl on Argon's mysterious face. "This isn't the first time this has happened. I never thought it would happen again..."
I felt a stab of irritation. There he went, speaking in self-deprecating riddles. Why could he not answer a question properly? Why did he hide everything, even from his own creation?
"What happened, Argon?" I demanded. "Where did Florian's friend go?"
Argon's yellow eyes glinted as he flashed me a look. "I saw the bill of sale. Pascal was sold."
"What?"
"I didn't know if it was the same person who sold him. That's why I sent Florian to check."
I ground my teeth. It would have been disgusting no matter who was involved, but knowing it was Florian's good friend made it all worse.
The gallop of hooves on cobblestone drew our attention. Florian rode in on Argon's black horse. The moment I saw his face, my stomach dropped. He was pale and afraid. When our eyes met, Florian choked out a cry.
"Devereaux!"
When I helped him off the horse, Florian clung to me in tears.
"He's gone," Florian murmured. "Pascal's gone! He and Noel are both gone!"
Florian's words dissolved into crying. Sympathy stabbed my heart. I hated seeing him so upset. I held him close to my chest and stroked him soothingly as he let his feelings out.
I recalled the ferocity burning in my chest when I reached for Pascal in the carriage only to be cut down. It blazed hotter now. My instincts were correct. I only wished I had succeeded.
"Shit," Argon swore. "I hate being right sometimes..."
I did not let go of Florian as he wept against me. I would hold him like this as long as he needed. It hurt my heart to hear him in such pain, but I remained strong for his sake. When he stopped gasping enough to breathe, I tilted his head up.
"We will find Pascal," I promised Florian. "He cannot be too far."
Trust flashed across Florian's soft gaze. "Okay," he said in a small but determined voice. "Are there any leads?"
"I know where the carriage is going," Argon said. "If you move fast, you can intercept them."
"Me?" Florian asked, glancing at the two of us. "Why does it sound like you're not coming?"
Argon hesitated. "I can't."
Florian faced me. "What about you? Devereaux, please come with me."
My heart clenched. How could I ever say no to him, especially when he was begging for my companionship and protection?
That heavy feeling beneath my skin surged again. I still did not know what it meant.
"Of course I will," I promised, lacing my fingers with his. "There is nothing I want more than to be by your side, always."
Affection lit up Florian's face like the sun.
"Devereaux," he murmured with a sweet smile. "I'd like that, too."
But once again, our tender moment was interrupted as Argon stumbled towards me.
"You're going to leave the grounds?" he demanded, fear chilling his voice.
"Yes," I said firmly. "If that is what Florian wants, I shall do it."
"But you're—we're—"
