Page 114 of Demon Touched

“You too, dear,” she replies. “Although I have to say those bandages aren’t doing anything for you.”

“You used the pin for our location?” he asks.

She nods, holding up a lapel pin I recognize as one Syrus wore back in Infernum—the one that could summon Viz by touching it.

Evie is already in the kitchen, clattering coffee pots and teacups. Jeremy drifts over to help, all while keeping a firm eye on the three of us—soon to be four, as Syrus descends the stairs, looking mostly human once again.

“I see we’re not done imposing on Leah’s family with visitors,” he comments as he strides over to clasp Aster on the shoulder affectionately. “I was worried about you,” he admits. “How did you know not to return to Aradis?”

I swallow down my guilt. It hadn’t even occurred to me that Aster had been due back at the Seraph Seat, potentially walking right into a building full of vengeful ephilium.

“I didn’t, as it so happens,” Aster says wryly.

Viz pulls himself up so he’s sitting with his back against the couch arm while Syrus releases Aster’s shoulder in surprise. She perches lightly on the end of the couch, arranging the fabric of her pants daintily. “It was an unsettling visit, I can tell you,” she states nonchalantly.

“But you escaped?” I prompt. “You weren’t seen?”

“No. Someone warned me as soon as I came through the rift. They told me what happened, and I turned around and went right back to Infernum.”

“Someone?” Viz asks, skeptical.

“Yes,” she smooths a hand over her hair. “It turns out those nights I spent winning over the seraphim’s security had its benefits.” She gives Viz a pointed look. “Not every ephilium believes we were involved in the coup.”

Syrus folds his arms. “And you’re not going to tell us who helped you?” he asks.

She shakes her head. “They stuck their neck out for me, darling, and if it got back to the seraphim…Well, let’s just agree it’s not my secret to tell.”

I watch Syrus, wondering if he’ll press her, but he gives Aster a swift nod.

Evie and Jeremy arrive then with a tray of hot drinks, fruit, and toast. Viz gratefully snatches up a bread slice and starts to nibble on it.

Aster takes a minute to drain a cup of black coffee, then places it down with purpose.

“So we have a big problem,” she says, and the abruptness of her tone is so uncharacteristic that it churns my stomach.

“Yes?” Syrus asks.

“The lords know about our trip to Aradis.”

Viz nearly chokes on his toast, and Syrus goes still.

“You didn’t think to lead with that?” he asks.

“I thought we all needed something to fortify us first,” Aster says and smiles at Evie and Jeremy. “And very fortifying it was too, my dears. Thank you.”

But her smile is strained, and I throw a worried glance at my sister and brother-in-law. “Is this maybe something we should be discussing in private?” I ask.

Aster looks over at Evie and Jeremy. “It depends how much you want to be able to claim ignorance.”

Jeremy clears his throat. “A lot,” he says, relieved. “When it comes to winger affairs, we’re very invested in being as ignorant as possible. You’re welcome to our food and beds, but I don’t think Evie and I need to get involved in your personal affairs, yes?” He looks over at my sister, who meets my eye, seeming conflicted.

“I agree,” I say quickly. “There’s no need for you to get into this with us. The less you know, the better.”

Evie presses her lips together. “If you’re sure.”

“I am. Jeremy?” I look at him, and he gives me a grateful nod. He takes Evie by the shoulders and starts steering her upstairs.

“We’ll give you some space,” he assures me.