Page 42 of Facade

He contemplated a moment before answering me.

“Yes, I know who and what she is.” Another swig. “I also know why the captain is so eager to… claim her. Does that answer your question?”

I took a steadying breath. And opened my mouth to speak, but Ryker cut in.

“And you didn’t try to help her?” he demanded. “You have power. You could have broken the curse binding her. Got her away from—”

“And why would I do those things? What would I gain from interfering? Hmm?” Thaddeus shifted, crossing an ankle over his knee as what looked to be amusement flashed across his tanned face.

Ryker tensed, and I laid my hand on his. His sharp gaze flicked to me, his mouth set. Don’t, I conveyed with my eyes. He turned his focus back to our host.

“Is she okay?” he asked, the words strained.

Thaddeus let out a low laugh.

“Didn’t you assess her yourself?”

A low, menacing growl rumbled through Ryker’s chest. This time, I squeezed his hand, urging him to stay calm.

“Thaddeus, I’d like to think we can trust you. She isn’t safe. You know what will happen if they take her to Castle Lawryn. We want to get her back, restore her memories, and get her far away from here. And to do that, I need your help. My magic…” I trailed off, trying to find the words.

“I know the majority of your magic is locked away. I could sense it when you walked through the door.” My gaze snapped to his. “My wards warn me against any other magic wielders that cross my threshold.” He gave a pointed glance at Ryker, who knocked back the drink in his hand, nearly slamming the glass down on the table in front of him with a clank.

“Yes. Well, because of that, I’m having difficulties with larger spells. I need your assistance,” I said, my fingers painfully woven together in my lap.

“And what would you give me in return?” he asked slowly. Tauntingly.

“What is it you desire from us?” Ryker countered. He hadn’t liked this part of the plan. I knew Thaddeus would demand some sort of trade as payment.

“Ah, seeing as it is Aniah needing the favor, it is she who will owe me,” he mused. “I’ve lost everyone and everything I love. I have no need nor desire for anything in this wretched world.” Another pour from the decanter. Ryker sat rigidly, his hand resting where one of his daggers should have been.

“It would seem you hint the only thing left for you is death. Should you wish it, I’m sure I can accommodate you in that regard.” The warrior in Ryker was out in full display. His eyes shone bright with that splash of silver, every muscle taut and ready. It was his voice, though, that had my eyes widening—death incarnate.

“Ryker,” I hissed in warning.

“It is unwise to mock or taunt an Elemental, young Ryker,” Thaddeus said, his voice dropping dangerously low. He knocked back his drink, eyes locked on Ryker.

“I would say it’s equally unwise to provoke me,” Ryker countered, voice edged in steel. Dark clouds rolled in, blotting out the sun. The two males stared one another down, the whole house becoming deathly quiet—primal power thickened in the air, raising the hair on my arms.

I jumped up.

“Enough! Thaddeus, I came here for help, and I’m prepared to make a bargain. Will you or will you not assist me?”

He dragged his gaze from Ryker.

“Because I’m intrigued by how this venture the two of you are on could reshape our future, then yes. I’ll make a bargain with you.” He set his empty glass down and leaned forward, placing his elbows on his knees, steepling his fingers. “I will not only give you aid with the memory spell, but will also guarantee that when you need my help at Castle Lawryn, which you assuredly will, my allies will aid you. In return, once you save your companion, you will accompany me across the seas on a trip I’ve had planned for some time now. And you’ll stay with me for one year. No questions asked. Do we have an agreement?” He reached out a long, slender hand.

Ryker shot up from the couch.

“Dammit, Aniah— you can’t seriously be considering this? We can find another way. We can—”

“No, Ryker. We can’t.”

I quickly clasped Thaddeus’ hand, gasping as the sting of magic shot up my arm—an invisible thread snapping into place between the two of us, linking us, until our bargain was complete. If I strayed from it, the repercussion would be death.

12

Evanee