Jorrar rubbed more balm on Ava’s throat. “You said he looked different in the human world, Ava. That means he can obviously change his appearance.”
“Yes. And Valeria’s eyes looked so familiar to me,” Ava said quietly. “Because they reminded me of Andras.”
“But Deidamia had blue eyes too,” Quinn said.
“They weren’t the same. Similar, but not quite. Andras’ are that crisp icy blue. Almost white. Just like Valeria’s. Like the fae of Frosthaven.”
“Jorrar,” Quinn said. “What do you know about any of this? You’re old. You must know more than us.”
“Thank you.” He tipped his head at the jab. “I’ve heard the story of Lomos. But we were always taught it was a myth created to show how poorly the gods look upon craving too much power or control. Is that why Jareth went on a rampage? Because of his father’s involvement?”
Ava shook her head and told them the rest. The garden was silent as they pondered over what she revealed. Quinn plopped down in a chair, pity on her face.
“My father is worse than I could have imagined,” Casimir murmured.
Moaning came from Jareth. They fixed their attention on him, prepared to knock him out again should he attack.
“What’s going on?” Jareth murmured, struggling against the vines. “Why am I here?”
Quinn had a dagger at his throat within seconds. “You’re going to sit right there. Quietly. And calmly. We won’t let you leave until we’re sure you won’t kill anyone else.”
“Anyone else?” he asked, confused.
“What do you remember, Jareth?” Jorrar asked.
He scowled at Casimir. “Just this asshole punching me in the face.”
Casimir leaned forward a little too calmly. “Look at Ava’s throat.”
His eyes flicked to her wounds, widening. “Did I do that?”
“You don’t remember?” Ava asked gently.
He shook his head. “I don’t remember anything after we left the office.”
“You could have killed her. If you ever lay even one finger on her again, I?—”
“Cas,” Ava whispered, placing a hand on his thigh. He sat back and crossed his arms.
Jareth was silent, jaw clenched.
“You killed the two guards outside the office, Jareth. Then you said you were going to kill your father. I was trying to stop you.”
Jareth looked at her. “Did you tell them everything we saw?”
“I did.”
“Everything?” he emphasized.
Ava nodded.
“We’re sorry about what your father did,” Jorrar said gently.
“I don’t want your pity. And I won’t speak of it any further. I lost my temper momentarily. I’m fine now.”
“You lost control of your temper so badly you killed two innocent guards and almost killed me?” Ava asked.
“It happens sometimes.” He jerked his head at Casimir. “He has a temper too. Like father, like sons.”
