So much was at stake—for all involved. I wanted Bowen free of his drive for revenge and the ability for his past to harm any part of his future. But also, if Argus needed the Grimm’s blade to save his sister, I couldn’t help but feel a certain level of understanding. There were no true villains here, only people caught inside forces beyond their control.
There wasn’t much time. I had to get Vivian out of here before someone else came to retrieve the blade.
“So much for the guard dog. Brutus, come here.” I held out my hand as Brutus whirled and trotted toward me. He sank beside me and licked my palm.
Vivian looked startled, not only by being discovered but at the loss of her furry companion. “Who are you?” she asked.
It was a strange question for an intruder to ask, and it made me laugh. “Don’t you think I should be asking you that, considering you’re in my home?”
Her stunned expression turned into wide-eyed horror. “You live here? With Bowen the Beast?”
Ireallyhated that nickname.
“I do. For the time being. I’m Liana Archer. My father ran into a bit of legal trouble with Bowen, and I ended up taking his place. Of course, that explains why I’m here, but not why you’re here, Vivian.”
“I didn’t give you my name.” Wariness lurked in her tone, and she took a cautious step back.
“No, you didn’t. But you didn’t have to. I’ve known for a while you’d come for the Grimm’s blade. It was all part of his plan. Though, trap might be a more appropriate term. He really doesn’t like your friend.”
“Trap? You mean, Bowen planned this?” Her features tightened, and her gaze darted back the way she’d come.
“Relax. I don’t approve of what he’s done.” I walked past her and lifted the glass surrounding the Grimm’s blade. The familiar dagger’s gemstones winked in the candlelight. “Take it. You’ll need a direct hit to the heart—nothing else will do.”
“How do you know that?”
My lips thinned as I recalled the original reason I crafted the blade. A few years ago, I was hired to help save a village overrun with vicious beasts. They’d needed a Grimm’s blade made of enchanted steel and had sought out my services. The village was successful in defeating the beasts, and since the magic source used to create the dagger was so rare, whenever there was a need for the blade, Thomas acted as the intermediary to broker the transfer of the weapon. Who could have ever imagined it would end up here, a pawn in a long-standing feud?
“I have some experience with weapons like this. The monsters you seek are drawn to the blade. They’ll stop at nothing to reclaim it and secure their bloodline.”
“I don’t understand. Why are you helping me? What if Bowen finds out?”
I drew in a deep breath, fully aware of the risk I was taking. The risk of the consequences to this moment, and the risk to my heart.
“I have my reasons.”
Vivian shook her head and waved her arm through the air. “If Bowen is keeping you here, let us help you. Come with us.”
A soft smile formed on my lips. “I can’t leave. I made a promise, and I won’t go back on my word. But he’s not all bad. He’s been kind.”Kinder than I ever imagined he could be.“Sometimes, I look at him and catch glimpses of the man he used to be, and I have hope.”
Vivian reached out and clasped my hand. A strange emotion filtered across her features, and I almost think she understood the feeling. We were both quiet for a moment until footsteps came thundering down the stairs. Brutus whined and nudged his nose into my skirt.
We were too late!
“Quick! Someone’s coming.” I tugged on her arm, but she reached inside a satchel hanging from her shoulder. My lips parted as she withdrew a blade almost identical to the one sitting on the pedestal. She quickly swapped them out, then she hurried with me into the shadows behind a cabinet of wooden spears.
I recognized Gavin as he slowed near the glass case. His gaze darted around the room. I shifted slightly out of the shadows, and his eyes found mine. When I gave him a subtle nod, he wasted no time collecting the decoy before turning on his heel and heading back up the stairs.
“That was close,” I whispered. “You’d better hurry. If he sent someone to get the blade, it means he’s found your friend. He’ll be keeping him in his workshop. I’ll show you the way and distract Bowen so you two have enough time to get out.”
“Thank you, Liana. I don’t know what to say except I hope one day, we’ll be able to meet again. Under more pleasant circumstances.”
A hysterical laugh bubbled in my throat. “You mean, when we’re not in a cavern full of weapons while the master of the house holds your friend hostage?”
She grinned. “Exactly.”
We followed the darkened corridors leading toward the forge. Before we parted ways, Vivian placed her hand on my arm.
“I owe you, and if you ever need anything, I’ll repay the favor. For the time being, you can get word to me through the magic shop.”
