“Her energy is clearly demonic. I doubt the cat’s original spirit is even present.” Lucian shot me a look. “You transmuted her, didn’t you?”
Without knowing his exact meaning, I nodded. He seemed impressed.
“I meant about Lena,” you said, irritated that we’d gotten off-topic, again.
“It doesn’t take a genius to know the signs of malnutrition,” Lucian said. “She tried to hide it from me, but I’ve caught glimpses of her true state. It’s not pretty.”
“It’s awful,” I agreed because I’d witnessed her deterioration as well. I thought about my own hunger and the way it consumed me after I’d only skipped a single bloodmeal. “Why would he do that to her?”
“Gods don’t need reasons, especially not the all-mighty Azrael.” Lucian frowned at you, and I wondered if he believed your loyalty to be absolute.
“And what are we to do about it?” you asked.
“I was hoping you could speak to your master on her behalf,” Lucian said. By now Spooky had climbed onto my lap and was rubbing her head underneath my chin. She always seemed to know when I needed her. Meanwhile, I tried to read your mood. I wanted you to agree to it on your own, but if you didn’t, I was determined to convince you. That was probably why Lucian sought me out in the first place.
“How old were you when you transmuted her?” Lucian asked, and it took me a moment to realize we were back on the subject of my cat.
“Six. Does that mean she’s immortal?” I asked hopefully.
“No, but you certainly extended her lifespan. What gave you the idea?”
“Mater said our blood is a cure-all. Spooky was dying. Or maybe she was already dead.”
“She seems very devoted to you.”
I nodded and stole a glance at you.
“What would you have me do?” you asked.
I faltered, surprised that you were asking for my input, but I recovered quickly enough. “I’d like you to talk to him. I know she’s hurt you, and you don’t trust her, but she’s always been good to me—in this life at least. I don’t want her to suffer.”
You nodded and stood as if it were settled.
“Allow me to escort you out,” you said to Lucian and motioned to the door.
“That’s it?” he asked. “I thought I’d need to make a more compelling case. Throw in some seduction or offer up my firstborn.”
“Or threaten my beloved?” you asked bitterly and threw a protective gaze my way.
Lucian’s face fell. “Bygones, Henri.” He attempted to pat your back, but you jerked away from his touch.
“Is there anything I can offer Azrael as proof Lena has repented?” you asked.
Lucian tilted his head thoughtfully. “Unfortunately, I don’t think there is.”
You frowned at that, but I appreciated Lucian’s honesty.
“I’m agreeing to this because of Vincent’s relationship with our mother, but if nothing changes, this is the end of our involvement. I won’t be drawn into another of her schemes or allow Vincent to fall prey to her machinations. For all we know, this is her attempt at liberation.”
“She would do this for you and much more,” Lucian said with a sneer that was not so charming.
“Would she?” you challenged.
“She already has.” He gestured toward me. “You owe her his life.”
“I owe hernothing,” you thundered and stepped to Lucian. I placed a hand on your chest, halting your advance. Realizing yourself, you stepped back and swung open the door.
Lucian smoothed his hair and adjusted his jacket as he turned back to me. “Not many beings are able to ruffle my feathers quite like our dear brother. Such a stubborn man. I’m sure you’re much more rational.”
