'This one will be stronger. It will last longer.’
His fingers move at his side. ‘It's done. No matter what Circle you're taken to, we will be able to find you. I promise.'
I shiver a little at the thought of being hauled off the street and back into the Dark.
'Thank you,' I say. 'Shall we?'
Jak takes me into a tight hug, kissing my lips hard.
'This will be over soon,' he promises. 'And then we'll go back to Halsford, and all will be well, and we can do whatever you wish.'
I'm drawn out of Jak's arms and into Morgan's. He picks me up, and I squeal as he wraps me into a great bear hug and kisses me just as soundly.
When I'm put down, Locke simply stands there, and I frown at him. After yesterday, I didn't think he'd be so shy, so I go tohim and wrap my arms around his middle. He looks stunned, and then belatedly embraces me in return.
'We will be near the entire time,' he whispers. 'And as soon as they have you, I will be searching for you. You will not be at Fiana's court for long.'
I nod and look into his eyes.
'I trust you,' I say, and I hope to the Gods it’s not misplaced.
MORGAN
'Fucking Underhill,'I mutter to Jak as we sit outside the tap house in the middle of the square. The festival is in full swing. They've been at it all day, and their revelries will go well into the night.
'I hate this,' Jak snarls low, not looking at me as he scans the crowds. 'No one was even at the safe house when Locke knocked early this morning. There’s always someone stationed there, but it was empty. Whatever’s happening is big if they’ve been called back.'
I let out a noise of discontent. ‘A coup seems likely, doesn’t it? When we get back to the village, we should find Dane. If Lia isn't there, perhaps he knows what's going on.'
‘I think we need to accept the possibility that we won’t be welcomed back in Halsford, Morgan.'
I meet his eyes. ‘I thought the same. We need another plan, a place we can go.’
Jak nods. ‘I asked Vie this morning. She said she’d look into it, a way for us to remain in the Light and be hidden. I also hunted the Library’s books for references to the Kismet.’
‘And?’
‘It was a quick search. The Library has a conjure so that you can find subjects quickly, but there was only a small section and there was less about the Fate Touched there than in Locke’s tomes.’
I snort at the mention of our friend.
We're trying to get along with him for Bryn, but we're still angry. When will he get it through his thick skull that we are his friends, that he needs to trust us, that we also know what's best, that we aren't foolish boys who don't know what's what? But I don't say any of that in case Bryn, who's dancing close by, seemingly without a care in the world, a great smile on her face and flowers in her hair, overhears.
I smile in spite of myself as I watch her because I know that, while it's supposed to be an act, she is actually enjoying herself despite her fears of going back to the Dark Realms.
'Gods, I just want this to be over,' I mutter. ‘Get Bryn out from under this ridiculous deal. Make all the villagers like her. Punish those little fae cunts from the Underhill, and those men for daring to lay a hand on what's mine.’
I glance at Jak.
‘Ours,’ I amend.
Jak’s eyes narrow. ‘I was thinking of giving a spot of dysentery to Voss’ students as a preliminary punishment.’
I let out a laugh into my cup. 'A little suffering would do those jumped up little fae youngsters good, even if they had no idea what they were leading our female to.'
‘Aye.’
I look up at him in all seriousness. ‘The men who beat her are dead, though. Don't try and stop me.'
