Page 279 of Commanding Blood And Bonds

“We have that in common,” I muttered, on edge with how close he stood. His presence made my skin crawl.

“I think you’ll find we’re not so different.”

“I sincerely doubt that.” My hand found the raven-hilt.

He grinned. Fucking grinned. “You remind me of myself. Less…damaged, maybe. But just as ruthless. Just as arrogant, clever, volatile. Your weak point is your strength: your sense of duty. It might be the very thing that costs you everything. As for The Wraith…I just want to speak with her.”

“You sure like the sound of your own voice.”

“She has something that belongs to me. I want it back. Time is running out.”

“Ask nicely, and maybe I’ll pass along the message.” I let my fingers settle around the blade.

“What do you think she’d do if she knew the lengths you’d go to for her?”

“Probably call me a damn fool.”

He chuckled. “Yeah, that sounds about right. I ask because I wonder the same thing. Both of us are bound to women with no intention of returning the sentiment.”

“Not sure if you’re fishing for condolences or if I should offer congratulations.”

“In your position, I’d go with the latter. But not all souls with counterparts have souls left to offer. Count your blessings, hatchling.”

“This is starting to feel a little too Yaya Sisterhood for me.”

He cocked his head. “Your shields have improved, Harbinger of Glory. But they’re not impenetrable. I see your dedication to her. You want to protect her. I want her to return my Crown—because without it, my bonded is in danger you cannot fathom.”

When losing a battle to a clairvoyant, the trick was to feed them just enough truth to protect your hand. “Are you telling me you want my mate to enter a cursed crypt and retrieve the Obsidian Crown for love?”

“Love is a luxury monsters like us never find. We didn’t choose our bonds. We didn’t choose the absence of a real connection.” The more he talked, the more distant his gaze drifted, his thumb brushing over the inner crook of his arm where it crossed over the other. “But you’ve vowed to protect Freya Porter even if she hates you for it. My begrudging bonded will never even know what I’ve done to keep her and her family safe. From one man in a corner to another, throw me a line before we’re both too late.”

“That’s not my call to make.” Besides, this asshole just opened up at least a dozen more questions for my begrudging bonded and provided little in the way of answers.

“Hurry, prince of shadows. I will not ask again. I never intended to make an enemy of you or your people, but it is a sacrifice I’m beginning to consider.”

“I don’t respond well to threats.”

“Good thing I’m not making one. Just stating facts. Alliances require clear communication. Here’s mine: I’m out of time. She has my solution.”

“The Crown’s a prison. What the hell do you intend to use it for?”

“To control a wildcard.”

“Who do you serve?”

“The balance,” he said, that wolfish grin returning.

“You’ve allied with Adrastos?”

“I’m not in the position to ally with anyone. But the mission…it resonates. Time will tell if his allies are true.”

“You wear the same masks.”

“Do I?” That smile widened. “Where do you think they come from?”

“Lots of clans wear battle masks.”

“Disappointing. I expected more from you.”