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“That’s not the point.”
“Then what is? The fact that you’re scared of your own feelings?”
“Ilianna, stop, okay?”
She sighed. “Between you and Tao, I’m going to end up gray before my time.”
I frowned. “Why? What have you seen?”
She hesitated. “Nothing.”
“Yeah, like that sounded so convincing.” I studied her for a minute. “So what, exactly, did you see in Tao’s future?”
“Nothing. Nothing but flames.” She stared at me, and all I saw was her fear. “I think we’re going to lose him, Ris.”
No, we’re fucking not. I forced a smile. “As I’ve said before, fate is a bitch who enjoys her games. She’s just as likely to do the opposite of what you fear.”
“God, I hope you’re right.” She poked the steak with a stiffened finger, then picked it up on a fork, slapped it onto a piece of toast, and handed it to me. “What are you up to today?”
“I’ve got to check out a few museums, and then I’m off hunting a dark spirit.”
Ilianna’s eyebrows rose. “Museums? You?”
I waved a hand. “Don’t worry. I’m not on a culture kick or anything. We’re looking for the next key.”
“Do you want help?”
“No.” Especially given what had happened last time I’d found one of the keys. I was already in danger of losing Tao. I wasn’t about to risk losing Ilianna as well. I slapped the second piece of toast over the steak, then grabbed the sandwich one-handed and got off the counter. “If I don’t see you before tonight, enjoy your date.”
She snorted. “The only way that’ll happen is if I get totally plastered first. And I’ve promised Mirri I wouldn’t.”>There was never any doubt about that. “I’ll report back the minute I talk to her.”
“If she is the one—report sooner.”
Or else, her tone implied. I was suddenly grateful I’d had the foresight not to use the vid-phone. “Fine.”
“Make sure you talk to the owner, not the manager. He is next to useless.”
I frowned at the odd edge of amusement in her voice. There was something going on that I didn’t understand. But I didn’t bother questioning her because she had already hung up.
I tossed the phone onto the vanity, then had a quick shower. Once dressed, I headed into Tao’s room. And noted, with some annoyance, that Azriel had yet to make his appearance. Apparently, when reapers were in a snit, they did it properly.
Ilianna was asleep on the chair next to Tao’s bed, but started awake when I walked in. I grimaced. “Sorry. I didn’t mean—”
She waved the apology away, then rubbed at her neck as she sat upright. “I’ve got to be up, anyway. I promised I’d ring Carwyn to confirm tonight’s date.”
I raised my eyebrows. “You’re actually going?”
She frowned. “I told you I was.”
“Yeah, but I figured last-minute nerves might step in and stop you.”
She shook her head. “There’s no avoiding it. Mirri’s right.” She hesitated. “Besides, he and I are destined to be, so I have to be honest with him.”
“Destined?”
She wrinkled her nose. “It’s just something I saw a long time ago.”
I frowned. “Just because you foresaw this union happening doesn’t mean you should let it override your own feelings for Mirri—”
