My desecrated rune taunts me from the wall behind him. I ignore it. If I embrace my fury, he’ll know. Predators always smell blood before it hits the ground. Like the cramped hole in the wall, I’ve gotten used to seeing his trophy.
“That will be all.” S’lach calls for Lyklan. The door opens, and my adrenaline spikes for successfully misdirecting him. I’m almost out the door when he raps on his desk. “What do you think she would think of this?”
My stomach rolls. I know exactly who he means, but I refuse to admit it.
“Who?” I need to buy myself time. If he says anything hateful about Celine, I might forget everything I’m working toward and try to snap his neck.
“Don’t be stupid, boy,” he booms. “You and I both know your obsession with my daughter has no limits.”
He sounds bitter. I wonder if there’s any part of him that misses having visitors who want to be there. It’s been a long time since anyone came to this estate without being coerced, but there was a time when Valenara’s parties were the talk of thetier. Her wit and charm were legend. It took S’lach time to dull her charisma.
“Celine won’t think of me,” I say, forcing my voice to remain flat. “She has others to occupy her thoughts and time. Soon, I’ll be nothing but a memory.”
“Bleak,” he scoffs. “I’ll call for you again when I need you.”
I leave without another word.
Lyklan knows to stay silent, and I chew on the inside of my cheek to give myself an outlet. This is S’lach’s domain. I can’t let my guard down, not even for one second. I’m in too deep. His continued obsession with Celine is a problem, though. Bile coats my mouth, and the cold sweat I thought I’d mastered returns with a vengeance.
I can’t keep up this act if I’m worried she’ll return and fall into one of her father’s traps.
I need a guarantee.
“Lock her out,” I whisper.
“What?” Lyklan’s voice is barely audible.
I grip his arm and meet his eyes. “Lock. Her. Out.” I hold his stare ruthlessly. “If Celine returns to the celestial realm, I’ll never forgive you.”
“It will take time,” he hisses. “Each gateway will have to be reprogrammed, and I’ll have to be covert about it.”
“As a top-tier guardian, you have the security clearance.” I sneer. “So do it.”
Lyklan shakes my hand off and slams the door in my face.
I sink down on the small cot and put my head between my knees.
I saw him scowl. But I also saw him nod.
We can do this. We just need time.
EIGHTEEN
Unspoken Rule of the Fringes #84:
Determination can’t be taught, but grit must be learned.
CELINE
I’m almost jogging when I enter the hotel lobby. It’s all I can do to keep my wings tucked and avoid accidentally outing the supernatural community to the human staff member perched behind the desk.
Riven trails along beside me, somehow managing to match my pace without looking like he’s hurrying.
Ignoring the receptionist, I glance at the numbers stamped on the wall and head for the elevator bank. After I’ve smacked the up arrow three times, Riven grabs my hand and whistles tunelessly. “You’re drawing attention, darling.”
I release the air from my lungs with a frustrated puff. “I’m excited,” I admit.
Riven snorts. “I had no idea.”
