“Any particular reason?”
“They entombed me.”
Noah nodded slowly. “Okay, seems fair. Have you told Cally?”
Antoine cocked his head to the side. “Why would I tell Cally?”
“First day back, been awake less than an hour, and you’re plotting revenge. Why aren’t we in the living room, Antoine? Where’s Cally?”
“She’s indisposed.”
Noah rubbed his jaw. “Do you remember what you said to me when you were entombed?”
Not really.“Which part?”
“The bit for Cally. Where you were sorry. Where you loved her.”
Antoine held still, fingertips pressed together as he regarded Noah over them. “Some things change.”
“Sure, but some things don’t.” Noah leaned back in his chair, regarding him, the light of the single lamp casting half his face in shadow. “Of all the people around you, I know you best of all, don’t I?”
“You know what I want you to know.”
Noah shook his head. “I know what you don’t tell me. I feel your emotions when you give me commands. I told Cally that, by the way. She knows too.” He paused. “Just now, you summoned me. Do you know you’ve never done that before?”
“You’re my thrall.”
“Yes,” Noah replied slowly, “but before it was, ‘would you mind if’ or ‘can I borrow you for a moment?’ not a blank, emotionless summons.” He swallowed, like there was a hint of fear, even if it wasn’t reflected in his tone. “I don’t wish to say anything out of place, Antoine, but you’ve been awake an hour. Maybe just give yourself a little time?”
“Time is all I’ve had these past weeks. Time to think, to plan, to… remember.”
“Look, I can’t relate. I’ve never been drowned alive for weeks at a time, and I can only imagine the hell you went through. But I knowyou, and moreover, I know what Cally means to you. As your friend—if I am your friend—I would urge you to remember some of that, too.”
“I haven’t forgotten,” Antoine said coldly.
“Great. Sure. Good to hear.” Noah scratched one cheek. “Where’s Cally?”
“In the living room.”
“Shall I call her?”
“No.”
“Oh? What’s she doing?”
Regaining consciousness. Hopefully.“Why are you so interested, Noah?”
“Have you also forgotten you told me that she’s a witch? That you’re bonded—both of you—to each other?”
Antoine stilled. “Of course I haven’t forgotten.” Hehadforgotten—that he’d told Noah, at least. Not the trip to the Curia.Not Belle, sitting on the sofa, explaining it all. Cally’s apartment. Feeding on her. Nor their bond.Fatum Coniunctum,a shared fate.
All he’d wanted was her company. Maybe some of her blood, but to take so much? Their bond was too precious. How had he let himself go so far?
Noah watched him, saying nothing. The silence built.
“I may have drawn too heavily from her,” Antoine admitted.
“Is she all right?” Noah asked cautiously, his concern carefully hidden.
