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“Clarissa.”

“The Devil can become harder to control.”

My heartbeat accelerates.

“How hard?”

“Very.”

I think about Damian's skin. The red that has been spreading. His wings that never disappear. His tail.

The shadows beneath his eyes. The way he keeps insisting I should leave.

This place will eat you alive, Sweet.

I can't give you what you deserve.

You shouldn't trust me.

Oh, Goddess.

“He's been trying to protect me.”

“What?”

I barely hear her.

All this time, I thought Damian was an arrogant pain in my ass.

Okay, he is an arrogant pain in my ass.

But that's not why he's been trying to get rid of me.

He's afraid.

The realization hurts. I reach automatically for my neck.

My fingertips brush a tender spot near my shoulder.

I freeze.

Last night rushes back. Damian's body going rigid. His growl.

Mine.

Then—his teeth.

My hand drops.

“Clarissa.”

“Yes?”

“What happens when a Jersey Devil bites someone?”

Silence. I slowly turn my head. Clarissa has gone completely pale.

“Where did he bite you?”