Page 82 of The Bones of the Cursed

“I could always help hook you up with a certain handsome, blond Fae?”

Hannah bites her lip to hide a smile.

“Come on, girls. I’m right here. If you want a piece of me just let me know, I’m happy to oblige,” Kailu says in a cocky voice.

The women laugh. “Not you, Kailu, another blondie. This one has a little longer hair,” Alanis jokes even though her eyes betray how tired she is.

Ah, the quiet human has a thing for Siveral. I smirk at the blush staining Hannah’s cheeks.

“Alanis, you are the worst,” she says with a smile.

The door opens. “Sis.” Elion’s voice is filled with relief.

I motion for everyone to leave the room. “I’ll be just across the hall. Say my name when you want me back, I’ll hear you.”

Alanis smiles. “Damn Fae hearing. Kind of annoying you’re so handsomeandyou have all those special gifts.”

I give her a sly grin, “Oh, baby, you know you love my special gifts.” Winking at her, I leave the room, laughing at the sound of Elion gagging.

“Can I never catch a break?” he mutters, and Alanis laughs and says, “Nope.”

I walk to the library to find Sarya scouring books for answers of what ailment plagued Alanis, and what power she possesses.

“Any luck?” I ask.

She shakes her head, looking thoroughly annoyed. “I’m afraid not. I think the only way to find out is through her coven.”

I’m just about to open my mouth when Elion steps through the door. I raise an eyebrow at him.

“The King asked for a moment alone with her.”

The shock at that statement halts all conversation. Before I can say anything, a figure appears out of nowhere against the nearest bookshelf. Sarya hops up, brandishing her dagger. Kailu pales, but manages to unsheathe his sword. It’s only myself and Elion who hesitate, as the figure of a woman appears.

I can hear Elion’s heartbeat pick up, but not in fear.

Interesting.

The woman moves closer. “Is she all right?”

“Yes,” Elion whispers as he walks to her and cups theBanshee’s face in his hands. “You shouldn’t be here. He will punish you again.” His voice is soft. He cares for her.

She bites her bottom lip. “I had to know. He was livid that his plan didn’t go accordingly. Then, when I was scavenging for him, I overheard soldiers in a pub. They said she hadn’t woken up after using her magic and no one knew why.”

“She just woke,” Elion says. “We still don’t know what happened.”

The woman pulls a small book from her pocket. “This might help.”

Elion takes the small black book and her hand.

“Eli, I have to go. He will notice my absence soon.”

Elion grits his teeth. He clearly doesn’t want to let her go, but he does. “I hate him.”

Her fingers run along his jawline. “Help your sister. End this.”

And as quickly as she came, she left.

“Do you know her name?”

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