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More importantly, what am I getting myself into if I agree to let him help me?
“This world contains a dark magic that permeates everything and everyone in it. Whatever power or gifts we brought with us, the realm took those gifts and infused them with its own nature.”
“What nature is that?”
“One filled with shadows. In those shadows, we are brought closer to the spaces between life and death. We are made stronger by these shadow spaces. Or we are ruled by them.”
“What happens if you’re ruled by the shadows?”
“Madness.”
I swallow hard, fairly sure I should be frightened by that answer. “How do you keep from letting that happen?”
“There are several factors,” he says, watching me closely. “The most powerful of all is the primal hunt ceremony.”
“What’s that?”
“A celebration where a mated couple is officially announced in front of everyone.”
“Chaya told me about that. It’s like a wedding, right?”
“Sort of.”
I try to decipher his expression with a growing sense of unease. “Why do I sense that it’s actually nothing like a wedding?”
“As part of the ceremony, one mate hunts the other. When they’re caught, the mating is consummated.”
My mouth falls open. “In front of everyone?”
“The hunt usually takes place in the woods, but yes.”
My mind reels back, searching for a safer topic, but there really isn’t one. Not in this line of questioning. “And if you don’t claim your mate or complete the primal hunt or whatever… you go mad?”
“I am stronger than the shadows, little assassin. Immortal and unkillable. It will take much more than a dark nature to bring me down.”
I shudder, despite his reassurances, caught up in the twisted picture he’s painting. It feels like a lot of pressure, suddenly, to help keep him sane.
“Okay,” I whisper. “I’ll let you help me.”
“In that case…” He leans closer, and for a wild moment, I think he’s going to kiss me. But then he pulls back, easing away from me.
I feel cold at the sudden loss of his presence and wrap my arms around myself to keep from shivering.
“Get some sleep, assassin. Tomorrow will be a busy day.”
Chapter 21
Legion
Aknock at my bedroom door has me hurrying to answer it. The hour is late, but I’m already bracing for another crisis. Chaya stands on the other side. The moment she sees me, her sharp gaze sweeps me, assessing. I don’t bother to answer the only question she came here to ask. If I’d claimed Tori, she’d scent it. And I certainly wouldn’t be in bed alone if I had.
“Is everything all right?” I ask.
She lifts a brow. “Why do you always assume something’s wrong?”
“Habit.” I hesitate and then add, “But is it?”
“Everything’s fine. I just wanted you to know everyone’s safe and accounted for.” She studies me. “How did everything go here?”
