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I perched on the edge of my red leather chair. Jackson sank onto the bed, and I grasped the letter, fingers poised over the seal. “Viktor enchanted the envelope, so I’ll open it. I don’t wanna risk hurting you.”
“Okay,” he said.
The wax snapped with the slightest pressure. I pulled the folded paper from inside and my fingers trembled. Nothing Viktor could say would ever make up for the scars he’d given me, but as much as I wanted to throw it away, I had to know.
“I’m right here, Bex. Whatever it says. You’re not alone,” Jackson said, leaning his elbows on his knees.
“Thanks.”
The paper felt like silk. It made no sound as I unfolded it, and Viktor’s script was scrawled across the page inside. Inhaling deeply, I read the words aloud.
My dearest Rebekah,
If you are reading this, I have died and you’ve discovered the annex. I knew you would at some point. It was only a matter of time. I am sorry for the pain I’ve caused you over the years. I did what I thought was best. There are many dangers in this world, and I couldn’t bear the thought of you being unprepared to face them.
My life changed the day you came to live with me. After so long on my own, you blew into my life like a hurricane. I don’t think I need to tell you I was unprepared. We struggled. I hope beyond hope that you have some good memories of our time together. I pray you find happiness with your werewolf. Hopefully, my gift will help.
It’s called a Tartarus Cuff. Forged from ancient fae metal, it can suppress your powers. I’ve searched everywhere for something that could help you, and it is your best chance at a normal life. Inside the box you’ll also find my notes on your training. Things you weren’t aware of.Please forgive me for my secrets. Everything I’ve ever done was all in the name of keeping you safe.
I love you,
Viktor
P.S. Don’t touch the other boxes. They are spelled for specific people, and I trust you will give them to their rightful owners when you meet them.
Be safe, little one.
25
Nightmares
Refolding the letter, I set it on the bedside table and pulled my knees to my chest. With one piece of paper, dead Viktor had shown more affection for me than he ever had while he was alive. It made my head ache.
Jackson shifted on the bed. “Are you okay? I mean, I know you’re not, but is there anything I can do to help?”
I looked up at him and sighed. “You help just by being here.”
“What is a Tartarus Cuff?”
“I don’t know,” I said. “I’ve never heard of it.”
He leaned back on the bed and crossed his ankles. “Where is it? Did you look at it?”
“We were in the library and Shado stumbled across an annex spell. Apparently, Viktor had a secret room I wasn’t aware of, and the letters were inside with the boxes.”
“Letters?”
“There were three letters, and three boxes. But I didn’t open anything. I just grabbed my letter and got out of there. I wasn’t ready to deal with an inheritance.”
“Understandably so,” he said. “Your relationship with the man was far from pleasant.”
I dropped my face into my hands. “I’m so tired.”
“Then come over here.” He tapped the bed beside him and smiled. “I don’t bite.”
“If I remember correctly, you do bite.” I chuckled, sliding off the chair.
Jackson smirked and pulled back the sheets as I kicked off my shoes. He shifted the blankets around, and in a few seconds, I was lying in his arms, a thin blanket between our skin. My head sank into the pillow, and sleep took me in an instant.
