Page 34 of Bound By the Sleeper’s Harp

My eyebrows drew together. “I’ll need more than that.”

“Fair enough. Let’s just say Aramis and I have a long-standing history of fucking with each other. He’s a pain in my ass and I like to return the favor. I haven’t seen him in a while. Last time, he got one up on me. I’d like to have the upper hand. Anyway, he’s called me in to help with something. Not sure what, but it must be important. Aramis doesn’t ask for help, especially not from me.” A dark grumble sounded in his chest. “I can’t wait to lord this over him.”

“Oh…kay? So, what does this have to do with me?”

Now I was definitely curious, a little intrigued, and even flattered. I crossed my arms, shifting. Teddy didn’t complain, just kept on snoozing.

“The less you know, the better. Look at it this way, we’re going to play a game. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it as we go along, but you’ll have to let me lead.”

“That seems like a big ask. Pretty one-sided. What do I get out of it?”

“You help me tonight, and I’ll help you put your apartment back together.”

My brows lowered. “What does that entail, exactly? Like, you’ll help me clean up?”

“Nah. I’ll just use my magic to fix all the broken shit. Should save you quite a bit of time and money.”

My jaw dropped. “You… You can do all that?”

The corner of his mouth twitched. Smug asshole. “It will take a lot of magic—trust me when I say, I’m offering you a very valuable service.”

I hummed. “Well, goblin, you certainly know how to entice a girl.” I pretended to contemplate his offer, but my mind was already made up. “I just have to…follow your lead?”

“There’ll be a bit more to it than that, but essentially, yes. I won’t ask you to do anything…illegal.”

“Uhhh…”

“How about this? At any point, if I ask you to do something that makes you uncomfortable, or something you’re not okay with, just use the code word ‘Teddy’ and I’ll recalibrate, no questions asked.”

“So… like an escape clause?” I leaned back against the couch. That did make me feel safer, especially since he wasn’t forthcoming.

“Sure, if that’s how you want to think about it.”

“Fine. Deal. Where are we going? What do I need to wear?”

A mischievous grin stretched over his lips, one that had eager chills racing down my spine and butterflies exploding in my belly. “Something sexy, sugar. Something you can dance in. I need you to play a part. I want you to attract attention, but still look classy as fuck doing it. High heels if you can dance in them…and I know you can.” His eyes heated, like he was remembering what I looked like at Vortex last night.

I leaned forward. “I can do that,” I said, ready to play along.

“Good. Because we’re going to The Vault.”

And then all my excitement slid right out of me and I reared back. “No.”

“Too bad. You already agreed.”

The Vault. I’d only ever heard rumors about it. “That was before you mentioned our destination.”

“You’ll be fine.” He stood, taking his empty glass with him. “Now, I have some dinner to cook. Let’s go, sugar. Clock’s ticking and we don’t want to be late.”

All I could do was gape after him as I processed what was in store for me and wondered what kind of mess he was about to get us in tonight.

13

Bastian found me in my room twenty minutes later. I’d relaxed some. Had time to process what he was asking of me. I wasn’t someone who reneged. But now I understood why he’d offered to fix my apartment.

The Vault. Just the name made my stomach clench with nerves. I'd heard whispers—stories about supernaturals who went in and never came out, about power plays and blood debts settled on the dance floor. Everyone knew humans weren't allowed in. Period. The few who'd tried... Well, those stories didn't have happy endings.

I assumed he had a plan.