What I really wanted to say wasincredible, impressive. But it sounded too much like a compliment.
“We’re here. If you enjoy reading, you might like this.”
The room had a grand, probably three-metre-high arched window on one wall. Shelves filled with books stretched from floor to ceiling, overflowing and crowding every available space.
My eyes widened as I took in the endless rows of tomes. A long ladder was positioned against the wall, allowing access to the tallest shelves. A fireplace was lit in a corner, making the room pleasantly warm. Plush, dark blue sofas stood in front of the window, a cherrywood desk with books piled on it was at the centre, and bright spotlights dotted the ceiling. Outside, the snow-capped mountains guarded the city resting at their feet.
“Is this a library?” I asked, still marvelling at the stunning space.
“It’s a study where we usually do research and keep important papers locked away. Hence why the room is hidden. But the books—” He cut off as he reached my side, staring at me.
I hadn’t realised I was gawking, even smiling, until I saw the utter bewilderment on his face. It threw him off, it seemed.
“That’s a beautiful room,” I said.
He gave me a quick once-over. “It looks like you don’t hate it,” he said in mild disbelief. “You can use this space whenever you want. Might as well take some books too. Maybe that will convince you that staying here is not so bad.”
I’d halted after a few steps, spinning to face Reagan, who wore a satisfied grin. Pleased with himself.
“Is that what this is about? Do you want to keep me entertained so I won’t try to escape again?”
He settled his hands into his pockets, shrugging. “It’s entertainment. That’s all.”
He resented my presence and was more concerned about me endangering the mages if I tried to escape again. A far more plausible reason to keep me distracted.
Does it matter?I asked myself. It shouldn’t. I should just be glad about this.
Yet, I found myself saying, “Isn’t it easier to just give me a draught too? To keep me from running?”
He flattened his mouth and turned sideways, raking a hand through his dark chestnut hair.
“Maybe it would be easier,” he said, voice tight with frustration. “Perhaps your little human mind is too limited to recognise when someone is showing manners. Or maybe you’ve already decided I cannot be trusted. Right? Based on the insightful assessments I’m sure you’re making. Which is it?”
I snorted, partly amused by how easily the mask had slipped. “Ironic, coming from someone who threatened me and forced me to send a draught to manipulate my family.”
A gentle wind skimmed my neck, my pulse. All windows closed.
“And stopthat.”
His gaze narrowed, hard, his tone eerily calm, but the wind retreated.
“Well, I’m not manipulating you, am I? That should tell you that we don’t wield our power recklessly, without regard for its consequences. We don’t influence someone’s mind without consideration. Without understanding the violation of doing that. We act only when there’s a genuine need. If you bothered to ask.”
His tone was pointed, cold yet seething.
I looked away the second his words hit their mark. Iwasassuming the worst.
They were trying to be...accommodating? They couldn’t change my situation any more than I could. Yet he offered to help. Offered this room. A peace offering.
I let out a breath. “Fine,” I muttered, noticing the way he lifted his chin. “You’re not manipulating me. But it’s not like I don’t have a reason to be concerned. You did threaten me.”
Reagan nodded. I was surprised he didn’t dismiss it this time, like he’d done when Cerridwen had asked.
“I understand what I said before.” His voice was lower, softer, as he took cautious steps toward me. “But you have my word that I will protect you, not harm you. Nor will anyone in Mountheim Hall.”
I stood in place, letting him approach until he was a scant step from me.
“It would help if you didn’t flash your teeth and claws at me again,” I said coolly, trying to be civil about this.
