Page 12 of Cursebreaker

My cheeks warm, but I note the challenge in Rook’s stare as I step forward and grasp his hand, my grip firm. I study the edges of his frame, searching for any sign of the shadows that seem to leak out of a host’s skin whenever a Sylk chooses to inhabit their body.

“He’s not possessed,” I say slowly.

“I could be,” Rook purrs, “if you fancy that sort of thing.”

I let go of his hand, an involuntary smile tugging at my lips, and move toward Diana.

“Sorry about the…” I jerk my chin at her head, where a bruise peeks out from beneath her curly blond hair.

“I attacked you,” she says with a shrug, her voice low and smoky. She hops down off the barrel, extending her hand to me. “The compulsion broke the moment Selene died,” she adds as we grasp hands. “I think Gabriel just likes the idea of seeing Rook locked up.”

I throw a look at Gabriel over my shoulder, and I think I see the hint of a grin playing at the edges of his hard mouth.

“One can never be too careful,” he says.

I quirk a brow at him. “They’re free to go,” I say. But as Gabriel unlocks the cell and Rook waltzes through the open door, I point my finger at his chest. “I’ll be keeping an eye on you both.”

Rook captures my hand, pressing a quick kiss to my knuckles. “Promise?”

Diana shoves him forward, breaking his hold, and I wipe my hand on the front of my shirt. But the moment Rook crosses in front of Titus’s cell, his playful demeanor turns sullen, his steps stuttering. Still, Titus doesn’t open his eyes—doesn’t acknowledge their presence. Rook opens his mouth as if to say something, his mouth working, but Diana places a hand on his shoulder, guiding him up the steps.

I meet Henry’s gaze, his expression wary as he watches them go. I cut my eyes at the steps, where Diana’s boots have just disappeared, and he gives a quick nod before stalking after them.

For the first time since that night at Castle Grim, I’m alone with Titus, Will, and Gabriel. The latter folds his arms over his broad chest, brows raised just slightly in a knowing expression that reminds me, for the briefest moment, of one of my brothers. And suddenly, I feel unsure of myself—second-guessing why I made Henry bring me here in the first place. I shuffle forward, as if to follow Henry, and Gabriel’s brows lift even higher as I start past him up the companionway.

“Aster, wait.” Will’s small voice gives me pause, my boot hovering over the first tread.

I turn to find him standing, his knuckles white as he grips the iron bars of his cell.

My heart races as I meet his stare, the familiar green flecked with gold sparks of light. A faint flush of pink tinges his cheeks, as if the Manan from the blood he consumed had invigorated him in a way Henry’s cooking could never have done.

“How sweet of you to check on the monster that almost tore your head from your neck.” I glance over my shoulder to see Titus peeking at me through one narrowed eye, his lips curved in a mischievous grin. He lets out a low whistle as he gets to his feet. “He’ll do it again, you know—now that he’s had a taste.”

I turn to face Will once more, but he’s no longer looking at me.

Will glares at Titus, his lip curled in a snarl.

Titus smirks. “Let me guess,” he says as he dusts off his black cloak. “You’ve come to tell him you forgive him. Come on, love,” he whispers, leaning against the bars. “You’re better than that.”

I grit my teeth. “It was an accident,” I say, attempting to keep my voice level, but it cracks on the last word. I clear my throat, and Will’s gaze snaps to mine once more, his eyes softening. “I know you didn’t want to hurt me,” I add gently.

Titus snorts. “Of course he did,” he drawls. “Look at him! He’s practically drooling.”

I whirl to face Titus head-on, my face hot. “It’s not his fault!” I hiss. “He would never have attacked me if it weren’t for the curse.”

I don’t know why I even bother to argue with him. He’s compelled, I remind myself. He’s just trying to get in my head, to make me doubt myself, to make me doubt Will.

“If you’re certain…” Titus says smoothly, resting his forehead on the iron bars.

“I am.”

He blinks up at me through gossamer eyelashes. “Really?”

I clench my fists. “Really.”

He flashes a roguish grin, his eyes sparkling. “If that’s so, why keep him chained up?” His grin turns vicious. “Why not let the monster out of his cage?”

“He’s the one who insists on staying down here,” I say, frustrated tears welling in my throat. “And he’s not a monster.”