“Good. Well done.”
He nodded.
I went to the vials of blood and slides Lee Dae-hyun had made.
“Is that your blood?” Sever demanded.
“Yes. He was going to study it.” I held out a hand to destroy the samples.
“Wait, babe!” Killian said. “Let me and the Twins get a look at everything before you blast it.”
“Oh. Sure.” I stepped back. As Killian, Alex, and Alexis went for the table, I looked at Star and Sever. “He couldn't get anything from looking at me. That's why he took me. That's why he took pictures of me too.”
“He couldn't get anything from you?” Star asked. “So, everyone else was an open book?”
“I think so. He knows you're the King of Hell.” I paused. “Wait. He didn't know about our bond until you guys found me. I think he must get general information until he looks with more intent. He knew you were an Angel, Sever. But he didn't mention that you were once the King of Heaven.”
“Interesting,” Star murmured.
“What the fuck was that barrier?” Extinguisher Connor Teagan asked.
“A blend of Water Magic and electricity,” I said. “He's experimenting with combining magic and science.”
Killian looked over to ask, “Like Dylan does at Gentry?”
“Yeah. But he's the most curious about me. I didn't give him anything, of course. Not even my name. But he thinks I'm the key to gaining immortality.”
“Why would he think that?” Star asked.
I shrugged. “Because I'm the only mystery? I don't know. He's smart, but not smart enough to be scared. Even when you showed up, he was confident. He knew you'd get through the barrier eventually. He just didn't expect it to be so fast.” I grimaced. “And it's a good thing you were. He was trying to wheel me into the passage.” I paused, then asked Sever and Star. “Why didn't you come directly to me?”
“That barrier stopped us,” Sever said. “There had to be more to it than water and electricity.”
“Not necessarily,” Star said. “The combination may have created something we can't penetrate, even by laleking.”
“I hope he doesn't know that,” I muttered. “But I have a feeling that was the whole point.”
“This man is learning far too much,” Sever said.
“It's fine. He won't live much longer.” Star smoothed his black-on-black suit—impeccable as always. He had traded his tactical gear for suits after the first day. Honestly, he blended in better in the gear.
“We have to find him first,” Sever said.
“Maybe we could if you all would shut the fuck up,” Killian growled. “Go talk somewhere else.”
“Sorry, babe,” I said and drew the men away.
We went through the doorway, skirting the door on the floor, and down a hallway to another room. It was stocked with supplies and a bunch of hunters were riffling through the shelves. I backed out, and we settled for the hallway.
“His theory about you may be based on a lack of evidence, but it may also be correct,” Star said. “With your . . . unique composition, you could be what he needs to gain immortality.”
“Do you really think immortality is something that can be gained?” I asked. Then I winced because I knew it could be. My fairy blood had been dormant, so technically I was always immortal. But Killian was human until the Goddess changed him. So I amended my question with, “I mean, besides divine intervention.”
“Anything is possible with the World Strider,” Star said.
“We need to get you home, Seren,” Sever concluded.
I made a face at my husband.
