“I will,” she promised, clutching the bottle with both hands against her. “Thank you, Hunter.”
“You’re welcome.” I walked over toward my desk, gesturing to the sofa as I took my seat. “Why don’t you lay down for a moment, and we can talk?”
She ambled over and sank into the sofa with the bottle tightly flushed to her body.
Fates, I wanted nothing more than to wrap her in my arms and shield her from the world. But all I could do was talk her through what she would let me.
One day, though, I would hold her again.
Bringing the bottle up, she took another long drink of water. Her mouth popped off the top with an audible inhale. “I can’t thank you enough, Hunter.”
“It’s a water bottle.” I shrugged, embarrassment swirling through me. “I wanted you to be more comfortable drinking water.”
Her lips curved into a breathtaking smile asshe placed the lid back on and set the bottle on her lap. “The first time I had cold water was when Daryl offered it to me after I woke up.”
My amusement faded as I tilted my head. “You’ve only drank…”
“Warm water,” she finished for me. “Well, hot water most days, actually. Whatever Mother could spare that week.”
Anger filled me again.
I didn’t understand how anyone could treat another demon so fucking terribly—I mean, I knew it happened. I saw the worst sides of demons and supernaturals alike from working with my dad. I’d heard travesties from my students. But seeing what that bitch Bones did to Pandora caused a maelstrom of pure anger to rage through me like I’ve never felt before.
Vengeance magic danced along my skin, begging to be let out on a dead woman.
“You’ll never have to go through that again, starlight.” My magic thrummed in agreement.
She nodded with a small frown. “I know my voice isn’t normal. Dreadful keeps making fun of it, and so did Voidfire and a few other nobles. I can’t help the way I sound.”
“Your voice is adorable,” I blurted before heat rose up my neck. “Shit, that was unprofessional.”
A small snort of laughter burst from her. “You’re the only one to ever call my voiceadorable.”
My jaw went slack as I watched the twinkle of amusement in her eyes, but it faded just as quickly as it came.
She had the prettiest smile.
“You don’t have to lie, you know?”
“I don’t lie,” I stated smoothly. “Lying doesn’t bode well for anyone. I’ve seen that proven over and over again.” Besides, ldidlove her voice. It was raspy and soft, and it sent my nerve endings alight with desire.
“I’ve always hated my voice, ever since…” she trailed off, and a haunted expression took over.
"You're strong.” My throat tightened as I watched her lean over and lie fully on the sofa. “You've been through so much, yet you continue to go on. I don’t know anybody who could attend an academy so soon after what you’ve been through. I wish you could see yourself the way your father and I do."
She looked at me with tears glistening in her eyes, and the water bottle was still clutched to her chest. “You’re being so nice to me.”
I sucked in a deep breath, steeling myself against the fury brewing beneath the surface again. "You don't need to worry about what others think or say. You're worthy of anything youdesire. It's time to prioritize yourself and your well-being above all else. Who cares if someone doesn’t like your voice? I’ve had people tell me they don’t like my face.”
Her expression softened, and her eyelids fluttered shut again. “I like your face.”
My heart almost beat out of my Fates-damned chest as I sputtered on a breath.
She said she liked my face.
Her chest rose and fell softly, and she was fast asleep in my office without another word.
Like an absolute creep, I stayed put in my chair and watched her sleep. My mind churned with thoughts of vengeance for her. Dreadful would pay for making fun of her, and so would Voidfire.
