“He can’t kill his maker,” Lucien answers quickly. “Isn’t that right, Mr. Knight?”
Cyrus closes his eyes. “I would like to discuss this with my friends.”
Lucien bows. “Of course. Take all the time you need.” He motions toward the front and back of the home. “There are plenty of private areas outside.”
Cyrus wraps my arm through his, leading the four of us through the front door a second later. He moves us past the wrap-around front porch to the side of the house. We settle underneath a large Live Oak tree for several minutes before anyone speaks.
“This feels weird,” Stella says, breaking the silence.
“I say we let Callum find the boy,” Simon says.
Cyrus looks each of us in the eye. “I didn’t tell you everything about me.”
“Yeah, I think I can speak for all of us when I say, we noticed.” I cross my arms over my chest. “What happened to your face?”
He sighs, moving toward the wrought iron fence. “It’s something that happens to me when I’m angry.”
“Did it happen when you were human?” I ask.
“Not to the extent that it does now. I was always a bit different. Stronger than most, more graceful than others. When I got angry, my abilities would intensify. My strength became inhuman. It’s what drew her to me.”
“Aurora?” Simon asks.
“Yes. It’s why she’s used me for centuries. Why she made me her hitman.”
“You killed for her?” Stella asks.
“Among other things.” He runs a hand through his hair, something I’ve never seen Cyrus do before. “The spell keeps me from telling her no. She has complete control over me.” He looks at me. “Even now.”
“What does that mean, Cyrus. What are you saying?” I look around, half expecting to see Aurora looming in the background.
“It means if she were to show up right now and demand that I kill you, I’d have to do it.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Simon asks.
“Because it’s my burden to bear.”
“Cyrus?” I get his attention. “Have you been in contact with her?”
“No,” he answers quickly. “Your safety is my first priority, Violet.”
“You just said you can’t tell her no. How am I supposed to believe that?” I ask, fighting the urge to run.
“I can’t fight her, but I can hide my energy the same way Terrin does,” Cyrus announces.
“I can feel you,” I argue. “Your energy is rushing me right now.”
He sighs. “I choose who I hide from.”
“The only way to stop her from controlling you is through Lucien?” Stella asks.
“I think so. I’ve tried many things throughout theyears. Only a practitioner stronger than Aurora can reverse the spell she cast. Many have tried; all have failed.” He nods toward the house. “Lucien is the only one powerful enough…I hope.”
“What if he’s lying?” I ask.
“I can feel his power,” Cyrus answers. “I can’t explain it other than you have to trust me.”
“Sounds like you only have one option,” Simon adds. “You have to do what he wants.”
