Page 43 of Eternal Surrender

“I didn’t know how to tell you,” I admitted.

“Finding out from Sunaria, who’s meant to be long dead, didn’t help either.”

“The last time I saw her,” I said, “I was in no state to discuss this with her.”

“Back at the Mount?” He studied my face. “How does it feel?”

“Terrifying.”

Together we strolled out of the bar.

He shook his head in frustration. “Orpheus! You were always looking for that next rush, that next daring adventure.”

We made our way along the sweeping corridor and headed toward the executive quarters.

“Tell me you didn’t do this on purpose?” He opened a door.

I went through ahead of him. “Of course not.”

We’d arrived within Marcus’s private suite.

“Everything Sunaria told me about you is true.” His voice reeked of desperation.

“I take it you don’t approve.” I said, failing to inject humor.

“Don’t leave like that again.”

I gave a gesture of frustration. “I have two opinions in my head and they both sound right!”

“You messed up royally this time.”

I shook my head. “Wait. . . I’m wondering how you’re coping, Marcus. Does that sound like me?”

“You’re home now, where I can take care of you.” He stepped forward and embraced me.

I waited for his hug to end.

Marcus broke away. He had smudges of blood on his shirt, rubbed off from me, but he didn’t seem to care.

“That flash drive in the safe?” I said at last.

“What about it?”

“I need to check out the names on it.”

“Sure,” he said. “Why?”

“Apparently the Stone Masters have something that might help me reverse.”

“Now you’re really scaring me.”

“Just get it for me,” I said.

“I’m so relieved to have you back.”

“It’s good to be here.” I suppressed a frown, not sure if those words rang true.

Marcus didn’t catch it. “You have to talk to her.”