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"I'm okay," I said, pulling away from them and stepping forward. "Julian—what is that?"
Julian was cradling a book in his large hands. Unlike Lilin's book, this one was beautifully wrought: an embossed leather cover, with intricately-carved designs and the gilded edges gleaming gold. Despite its obvious age, it was in pristine condition.
Julian was watching Luca, a stony expression on his rugged face. "You may ask," he said, "and you may read, but I promise you nothing."
He put the book on the table, but Luca didn't move to pick it up. Theo and I shared a glance. "Is that it?" Theo asked. "The—ceremony, or whatever?"
Julian looked away and nodded. "There was a time, many years ago, when I became involved in things that I should not have. Things that were…unsafe. Unwise. Dangerous. I swore I would never again allow this book to see the light of day."
"Thank you, I suppose," Luca said, his lip curling a little.
There was a pause, and then Julian shook his head. "I am not doing it for you."
My cheeks warmed, but he didn't meet my gaze either, just leaned down and stroked one finger down the feathers of the white chicken, perched on the end of the bed.
I took his words as invitation and reached for the book. Right before my fingers brushed the cover, Theo grabbed my wrist.
"Hey," I said indignantly, staring at him. "What—"
"Are we sure it's safe for her to touch?" Theo directed his question at Julian. "I don't mean to be paranoid, but…”
"It will be safe in your hands. Besides," he added, his expression changing, "you already have some experience with objects of a…magical nature."
My brows shot up. "What?"
Julian rose from the bed and came toward me. "Your hand," he said. "Give it to me."
I took a step back reflexively, hugging myself to keep my hands away from Julian. "What do you—"
But Luca was nodding as he watched Julian. "The ring," he said. "It was why I thought to bring her to you."
Julian met his eyes. "Yes. The ring." To me, he said again, "Your hand, please, River."
I tucked my hands into my armpits and backed all the way against the wall. "No one's getting my hands until someone explains what the fuck you two are talking about."
Theo held up one finger. "Can I have a hand?"
"No," I snapped. I turned back to Julian. "Well?"
Julian and Luca exchanged a look. "The ring was Lilin's," Julian said at last.
I let out my breath in a whoosh. "Of course it was," I said sourly. "And?"
"It is a holy object," Luca said. “Full of power, and potential.”
Theo frowned first at Luca, then at Julian. "And you didn't get this bright idea for a road trip until you saw it."
"Correct," Luca said.
Theo's frown deepened. "Even though you already knew River was possessed? Why would you wait to get her un-possessed until you saw the ring?"
I narrowed my eyes at Luca, mirroring Theo's expression. "Yeah," I said. "Why?"
Luca looked away. His jaw was tight. "I had not seen the ring in many years. I did not think I ever would again," he said. "When I first realized Lilin was within you, I thought—I was at a loss. I did not wish to jeopardize you."
"So you've said," I replied carefully.
"With that ring," Luca said, gazing at my hand, "it seemed possible, suddenly, that both you and Lilin might be free."
