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“Neither will I,” said Lilith. “As long as she agrees not to share it with others, of course.”
The rest of the Ancients made similar comments . . . other than Ishtar, who remained silent, grinding her teeth. Eventually, she huffed and said, “You might as well tell her. Just be braced for her to walk away.”
Sensing that the woman truly believed Wynter would do exactly that, Cain suspected it was the very reason why Ishtar wasn’t objecting to Cain revealing all to Wynter. There was no denying that most women would find the truth far too difficult to bear. But most women were nothing at all like his consort.
There was a slight groan, and Lilith turned toward the cell with a smile. “He’s regaining consciousness.”
Cain and the other Ancients moved closer to the cell as Saul weakly lifted his head and blinked several times. He glanced around, taking in his surroundings, but it seemed to take a few moments for reality to sink into his brain. When it did, the Aeon went stiff as a board.
Azazel grinned. “Welcome to your new accommodations.”
The bravado Saul had shown earlier was now nowhere to be seen. The blood began to leave his face, and a glint of something close to fear flamed to life in his eyes. The sight pleased Cain’s creature immensely.
“The place could do with a few refurbishments, I know,” said Azazel. “But look on the bright side. At least now you have somewhere to live. When Aeon falls, a lot of people will be homeless.”
Saul shook his head. “It cannot afford to fall.”
“Why not?” asked Dantalion. “It’s just a city. People can relocate. A change of scenery would surely be nice for most.”
“Aeon is special,” said Saul.
“It’s beautiful,” conceded Inanna. “That does not make it special. The two are not one and the same.”
Saul swallowed. “It cannot fall.”
Ishtar’s eyes narrowed. “Why?”
“You should have ostracized the witch long before now,” replied Saul, apparently choosing to ignore the question. “You should have sent her to Aeon so she could lift the curse. She is a danger to us all. Something abnormal.”
“And you like to destroy anything that you don’t feel falls under the category of ‘normal,’ yes, we know,” said Seth, his tone dry.
“You have not seen the results of the curse she laid upon Aeon.” Saul curled his fingers into his palms. “You have heard about it. But hearing of it and seeing it for yourself are two very different things. If you had gotten so much as a glimpse of the state of the land, you would not be so comfortable having her here. In fact, if you were not so blinded by hatred for my people and a need for revenge, you would see the situation clearly and be happy to make her someone else’s problem.”
Azazel scratched his temple with his index finger. “I really don’t think you’re in a position to judge those consumed by anger and a need for revenge.”
Disregarding that comment, Saul’s gaze slid to Cain. “You certainly would not have made her your consort if you knew exactly what she was capable of. But I suppose like calls to like. Or unnatural calls to unnatural, as it were.”
Cain shrugged off the insult. “I’ve been called worse.”
“I have some questions for you, Saul,” Azazel declared. “Questions about Abel and Adam’s plans. Questions about why Aeon apparently cannot afford to fall. Questions about Rima, Noah, and Eve. Ah, I see you’re thinking that you won’t tell me anything. You’re wrong. By the time I’m done with you, you’ll tell me anything I want to know.”
Saul jutted out his chin. “Never.”
Lilith rolled her eyes. “We’ll leave you to it, Azazel. Don’t hesitate to call if you would like to take a break. I will happily take over.”
With that, all the Ancients other than Azazel began to exit the dungeon. Cain would have liked to stay to observe the interrogation, but it would be counterproductive. Saul’s hatred for Cain would make him all the more determined to hold out against any torture. The Aeon didn’t have a personal vendetta against Azazel, though.
Cain made his way to his Keep and up to his bedchamber. Something inside him settled when he found Wynter curled up on a chair reading a paperback. She’d come to him, just as she’d said she would.
Lifting her head, she smiled at him. “Hey.” So casual. Like she hadn’t met his monster for the first time mere minutes ago.
Cain crossed to her. “You will be pleased to know that Saul is now tucked away in Azazel’s dungeon, where he will be subjected to a boatload of pain.”
“That does please me.” Wynter set her book on the armrest. “So he’s alive, then? I wasn’t sure if he was dead or unconscious when Dantalion took him away.”
“Just unconscious.”
“So that’s what your monster’s venom does to people? Knocks them clean out?”
