Her head tilted slightly.“You can do that?”
The air grew heavy, and he nodded, unwilling to admit what he’d done.
“It could make them a social pariah,” she admonished. “I can’t do that to someone.”
“I will do anything to make them happy once they return.” He was desperate. AMunincould do this. And then it hit him. “Max.”
“Who is Max?” she asked him.
Caius rubbed a hand down his face. Max wouldn’t remember Rory, but their souls would know one another. It was the soul that changed in Vincula; their souls remembered, even if their minds didn’t. “He was an inmate, and you two were close. He’s aMuninwho lives in the compound with his wife. His contract ended a little before you left. He won’t remember you, but I would bet anything he will help you.”
“If we were friends, then I really won’t do that to him,” she replied. “I’ve hurt my friends enough.”
He had to convince her.“You have to. This isn’t just about saving your life anymore.”Yes, it was.“Gedeon is neglecting the people.”
Not a lie. He knew his next words were a low blow because she’d think of her mother, but he needed her to regain her memories for her own safety. “Brynne was arrested for stealing food.She cares for herSibylbrother, and they faced hardships. The funding for theassistance programs was cut by order of The Crown, and no one knows why. She couldn’t even afford food.”
Rory’seyes became slits. “Who is Brynne?”
He recognized the hint of jealousy in her tone and fought a smile. “An inmate. You’d like her.”
Rory sniffed and looked away. “Are you two close?”
Grabbing her chin, he turned her face to his, descending on her for another kiss.
“No. We spoke once.” He cupped her cheek and implored her to believe him. “I am yours, Aurora Raven. Every part of me belongs to you. Another woman couldn’t hold my attention if they tried.”
“Have they tried?” was her only response, and he fought another smile.
“After what you did to the last woman who wanted me as her own, they wouldn’t dare.”
“You did that on purpose,” she accused, removing his hand from her face. “Using the greater good of the realms was a shitty thing to do, and now I can’t say no.”
He tried and failed to hide his triumphant grin, earning him a glare. “Find Max Story. His wife’s name is Tammy, and they live in theMunincompound.”
“I’ll make Lauren take me tomorrow,” she reluctantly promised. “If he is caught and arrested, you send him back immediately, or Iwillcut your heart from your body.”
His smile faded. “You already hold my heart in your hands, Aurora Raven. One day you’ll believe me, whether you remember me or not.”
Her misty eyes made him want to reach for her, but the blaring alarm sounded through the room, and Caius cursed Sam for demanding they meet early. Rory looked around in confusion, and Caius sighed. “Time to wake up.”
26
ERDIKOA
Rory sat up. “Max Story,”she said repeatedly as she jumped up and ran to the bathroom, afraid she would forget.
Once dressed, she ran downstairs, calling Lauren’s name, only to find her sitting with Patrick in the living room, drinking coffee.
“You’ve been waking up early,” Lauren commented as Rory leaned over to kiss her father on the cheek.
“Caius’ alarm went off in the soulscape last night,” she told her.
Patrick looked between the two women. “Do I even want to know?”
“It’s a story for another time,” Lauren replied with a shake of her head.
“How was work last night?” Rory yelled as she padded to the kitchen for coffee.
