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“Edric broke his promise. When she disappeared, her life ended. She couldn’t return to the life she’d given up. But the spell kept her life force safe, so it could be released by her kin to return to the source we draw on to supply our magic.”
“So, what do you need me for?”
“You’re the owner of the bracelet now. Oscar gave it to you. Mother needs you to unlock the spell.”
“And how does she expect me to do that?” Fiona’s offer had been immortality, not magic.
“I guess we’ll find out when you meet her.”
“You’re taking me to meet your mother?” I raised my eyebrows.
“Not today. Fiona says you need more rest.”
I shook my head. “There’s so much I don’t know about your world.”
“You can’t be expected to know everything. You didn’t even know my world existed a few days ago.” He squeezed my shoulder, then trailed his fingers down my arm.
“Are you sad?” I asked. “About your mother?”
He nodded. “She’s lived an impossibly long life, even for one of us.” His gaze drifted away from mine, and he focused on the wall above my head. “But it’s more than that. After she’s gone, I’ll need to decide.”
“Decide?” This sounded familiar. Only, apparently he was allowed to talk with me about his decision.
His lips pressed together and he nodded. “When they crown Fiona as queen, Arabella and I will be expected to swear our Oaths.”
He’d mentioned this when he’d first told me that his mother was Queen of the Fae. But with all that had happened since then, I’d forgotten. Fiona had also mentioned something about needing Liam by her side. This was probably what she’d meant.
“Your cousin needs you,” I said.
“I’d be committing myself to a life of war and vengeance.”
“But Edric’s gone.”
He shook his head. “Edric may be gone, but I’m not convinced this is over. Ari’s already gone looking for the demons. They should never have joined with Edric and his Hunters. We need to find out why they’re against us and what it means for our future. There are so few of us left now.”
“All the more reason why you should remain at Fiona’s side.” I’d seen what Nigel and his mother could do. He’d been inside my head. If Fiona erased my memories, I would never have to remember that experience. But I would also be completely unprepared if he ever found me again. I shivered.
“I was just beginning to enjoy it here.” He smiled.
“Working with Uncle Oscar?”
“And spending time with you.”
“Would you have to leave?”
He shrugged. “Oscar still needs help with his projects. But, as far as Ari is concerned, my work here is done.”
I yawned. “Sorry,” I said.
“No,” he said. “I’m sorry. I should let you get some rest.”
He started to stand, but I pulled him back down.
“Stay for a while,” I said. “At least until I fall asleep.”
He pulled the duvet up over my shoulders and curled alongside me. My mind kept going over Fiona’s offer and everything Liam had told me about Godda and the Oath. But Liam began tracing patterns on my arm with his fingers, and soon I relaxed enough to drift off to sleep.
While I waited for Evelyn to heal enough for us to travel to the cottage, I avoided contact with my family, especially Arabella. Oscar had been keeping me busy, and I’d nearly cataloged the entire cellar room before Fiona cleared Evelyn for travel.
