Page 97 of A Bond in Flames

All she had to do wasfucking remember, and the curse would be broken. Just remember she loved me, choose to be with me of her own free will, and we’d be together again and our daughter would finally be released from Nox’s grip.

My hand lifted, curling around the door handle to her room. The demons had dragged that creature from my castle the day before, and I was still shaken. For a moment, I’d truly believed she was back, that she wanted me. I realized now that was an impossibility.

Walk away.

My feet wouldn’t move, wouldn’t carry me away to my own room, where I would lie back down and let myself waste away for eternity. I stared at the door. I shouldn’t go in there; it would do no good to surround myself with her things, with the shadows of her existence here with me. But I couldn’t stop myself. I turned the handle and shoved the door open.

Something darted across the room—something white. It flew toward me, trying to escape. I scooped it up, lifting it higher to get a good look at the rodent.

Nox had actually gone as far as creating a familiar for her creature? It squeaked and wriggled in my hand frantically, trying to get away.

I gritted my teeth, and tightened my grip, about to squeeze, about to tear it to pieces and have this be over with, but it stilled suddenly, staring at me, its little nose twitching. Bringing it closer, I stared into its tiny black eyes, reaching inside the soulless creature—

I froze. “How do you have a soul?”

He squeaked again.

“Hemlock?” I choked.

He squeaked again and started wriggling frantically. I loosened my grip, and he scurried up my arm and down my side, then ran to the pack sitting on the ground. He scrambled inside… and then something was tossed out. I picked it up. A finger—Zinnia’s finger—and it was wrapped in enchanted gold. Fuck, embedded in the flesh. Only the gods had access to this; it would poison whoever it touched, conceal them—shroud their soul.

No.

I spun around, and my gaze landed on a small pot sitting on the dresser. A plant of some kind. I strode over to it. No, an herb covered with tiny purple flowers.Vervain. I remembered the way Zinnia had described it when I was with her in her garden. She’d brought it with her. She’d brought it here because she wanted to make this her home—because she’d chosen me.

A tiny wooden box sat beside the bed, I’d seen it before, after she’d left, but thought nothing of it. She’d touched it; I felt her. Picking it up now, I opened it. There was a piece of paper inside. I unfolded it.

If you’re reading this, you’re one of the lucky ones. Fate chose you to be his. I know it doesn’t feel that way now, and I know you’re scared, but take my advice—don’t waste time being afraid. Instead, make the most of whatever time you have with him. Love him.

Zinnia, consort to Mors, the God of Death.

“Zinnia,” I choked out. She’d come back for me, and I’d sent her away.

Scooping up Hemlock and Zinnia’s things, I ran from the room and pounded down the stairs.

“My lord?” Egon said.

“I’m going after Zinnia.”

“Thank the gods.”

I rushed out of the castle and whistled loudly. A moment later, Raze and Zuri ran from the trees. Egon was already at my side with the girth straps and bridles we’d need, and Lyle rushed out with provisions and strapped them to Zuri while I swung up onto Raze. Lyle was shaking, and there were tears in his eyes.

Then I remembered what Zinnia said. “Look at me, Lyle.”

He trembled harder but did as he was told. “You were approached by one of my reapers, given a message, weren’t you?”

He nodded, and tears spilled down his cheeks.

Fuck.“Why didn’t you tell me? Why would you keep it from me?”

“Nox,” he choked out. “One of her demons threatened to hurt my mate and my son. He said he was always watching. He saw the reaper, he knew what the message was, and he said I wasn’t to tell you, or he’d kill them.”

Egon growled. “You betrayed his lordship? What were you thinking?”

“Where is the demon now?” I asked.

“H-he lives in the forest.”

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