Page 30 of Tell Them That I’m Coming

From what I can see, his cut is already slowing. The blood is still gold, but there’s less of it now.

Right. Because’s he’s fae. He’s immortal.

He can be mine for eternity…

“Demons heal fast,” I blurt out, because I don’t know what else to do with the question that’s building behind my teeth. “I guess fae can, too.”

Thane tilts his head. “What kind of demoness are you, Alana?”

From the moment he saw my horns, he knew I was a demoness; he’s even called me that instead of my given name. But the way he asks that now… it’s almost like he knows that I’m not quite what I appear.

What kind of demoness am I? The answer is complicated unless you know Sombra’s history.

“I’m a halfling,” I admit at last. “Half human. Half Sombra demon.”

He studies me as if he can see the split down my bones. “And which half bleeds black?”

“Neither,” I mutter.

A laugh escapes him. It’s soft and genuine, but gone too quickly. “And your friend?” he asks, nodding to Binx.

“My soul-pet,” I correct automatically.

Thane’s brows rise. “Soul?” For a moment, his gaze lingers on Binx’s glowing eyes. Then his attention goes back to me, and his voice is careful again. “That’s right. You were just saying how demons bond. With… ungez, was it?”

Crud.

That’s not a question. That’s a trap.

I force myself to keep my face neutral. “We have mates.” I pause for a moment, remembering the word he used yesterday. “Lovers. They take part of our soul, then give us part of theirs, and it’s a bonded matrimony that can never be broken.”

Unless you appeal to Duke Haures, gather the ashbalm flower, and break it… but who would do that?

Thane stays quiet.

I can’t.

“Do fae?” I ask as casually as I can manage.

Binx’s tail flicks once against my collarbone, a warning to be careful. I know, bud. I know.

Thane’s mouth tightens, his gaze turning away from me. “No.”

“Not ever?” I press before I can stop myself.

His eyes cut back to mine, bright and sharp. “Not here.”

The emphasis means something. I just wish I knew what.

“Why not?” I ask.

He exhales through his nose. It almost sounds like a laugh, but there’s no humor in it. Not this time.

“Because Noctavara doesn’t allow it,” he says.

Something in my chest twists.

Not can’t.