Cal walked back with his cup of coffee and joined the doctor. He took a sip, then made a face. “It’s artificial.”
Grimm shrugged. “Everything in this place is. Even this conversation.”
Cal cocked an eyebrow. “Meaning?”
Grimm sighed. “Don’t you ever get tired of pretending? Of living a lie?”
“I’m afraid I don’t know what you mean.” The conversation was going off the rails faster than expected.
“Cut the shit. You’re not here to get treatment for your brother. Sure, he has an anger problem, but then, what assassin doesn’t?”
Cal almost choked on his coffee. “Excuse me?”
“And you? You’re the spymaster for an entire planet. You’ve probably spent more of your life in disguise than you have out of it. Tell me I’m wrong.”
“I’m not sure where you’re getting your information, but I assure you—”
“Let me just stop you there,” Grimm said, holding up a hand. “Your name is Calabez Vartik, member of the royal family of the planet Vartik and resident head of planetary intelligence. Your people are known for their miraculous powers and healing blood. They were thought to be extinct until very recently.”
Cal’s eyes narrowed. “You’re a Seeker.”
Grimm shrugged. “I’ve been called worse.”
“Why are you revealing yourself now?” Cal couldn’t understand the sudden dropping of pretenses.
“Because I’m tired,” Grimm said. “Do you know how long I’ve been doing this? You don’t. No one does, except me. My memory goes all the way back, cycle upon cycle. And I’m sick to fucking death of this shit.”
“Aren’t you worried about revealing yourself to me?”
Grimm laughed. “Why should I be? I’ll just blank your memory again. No harm, no foul. The effort is worth it, just to be able to tell the truth for once. For however short a time it lasts.”
“Again?”
“Sure. Although I’m not sure if it’s strictly necessary, since we’re not planning to let you leave RPS alive.”
“Thanks for the heads-up,” Cal grumbled. “And I suppose you know what’s become of my powers?”
“Beyha has them,” Grimm stated. “Her ability is to siphon off other beings’ powers. It’s mainly for use on the Guardians, but it works on other creatures too.”
“How nice for her,” Cal said nonchalantly, putting a cap on his boiling rage. Although he might be able to physically overpower the Seeker, he wouldn’t get far against four of them, especially without his powers.
“I envy you,” the doctor said. “I know you Vartik are long-lived bastards, but at some point, that life comes to an end. Not like mine. I’ve been around for eons, always doing the same thing, working toward the same end. My memory is almost infinite, and you have no idea what a fucking mindfuck that is.”
Cal might not know firsthand, but he could imagine. Still, it didn’t explain this sudden divulging of confidential details. Why would the enemy be showing his hand? Unless he thought there was no danger. Unless Grimm figured Cal and Juston were no match for him, so it was safe to reveal all of his villainous plans.
Cal hoped the Seeker’s assessment wasn’t accurate.
“Let me just say this before I erase your memory again. If you find a woman to fall in love with, cherish her and don’t ever let her go. People, things, circumstances will try to keep you apart, but if she’s worth loving, then she’s worth fighting for. Don’t give up.”
Cal wondered where the sentiment was coming from. It was clear the creature was hung up on a female. “I appreciate the advice, but if I may be so bold, is there a reason you’re sharing this now?”
Grimm shook his head wearily. “You have the opportunity and the ability to seize love and hold on to it with both hands. You’re not cursed to repeat a never-ending cycle of destruction and loss. Now, as much as I’d love to continue this little bonding session, I’m afraid it’s time to say bye bye to your memory of it.”
But before Grimm could get out another word, the air was rent by a bloodcurdling scream.
