Page 85 of Clash of Sin and Secret

“She deserved better than to be slain and left to die alone in a shitty shack in an inhospitable land.”

“She absolutely did.”

“I’m going to find the people responsible and make them pay.”

“And I’ll be right there with you, son.” His gaze locks with mine and determination etches itself deep within both of us. “When we get this Agostino situation taken care of and Zane’s seat of power is secure, we’ll avenge your mother. I swear it. When will you leave for Nova Scotia?”

“Tomorrow at sundown.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Scottie

The engine of the zodiac hums beneath us as the speedboat skims across the dark water. The Halifax skyline twinkles along the shore, casting long rippling ribbons of light over the dark void of the watery surface.

The spray of mist on the evening breeze is icy and sends a chill racing up my spine—or that’s the foreboding of what’s in store for us tonight.

I keep my eyes trained on the horizon, the imposing shape of Seafarer Island looming closer with every wave we cut through.

I’ve never been there myself, but Zane gave Huntley and me a brief rundown about what to expect. As we bypass the public dock in favor of the secluded arrival point for the Fondatori, my skin itches.

Zane warned us about the invisible boundary securing the vampire sanctuary and how invasive it would feel. The witch warding cast here is a subtle but palpable surge of magic to keep humans out.

It rolls over us and my squire magic bursts to life in my cells. My powers don’t like the probing sensation, and I lock my jaw to keep from shaking it off.

The air shimmers as our launch driver continues forward and we breach the barrier of the security spell. For a moment, the boat is held within the gateway between the human world and the Otherworld.

Then, as if we had been suspended in an overinflated balloon suddenly speared by a pin, the tension snaps and I breathe to the full depths of my lungs once more.

Zane meets my gaze and arches a dark brow as he speaks into my mind.Unsettling, isn’t it?

Yeah. More so, because my squire magic doesn’t seem to appreciate the witch’s magical signature.

Zane’s attention shifts to Huntley, and I follow his gaze. Our Viking is scanning the grounds beyond the docking point, his expression a mix of determination and uncertainty. He’s worried—we all are—but his fierce resolve pulls at my heartstrings.

The weight of what lies ahead, of what Lazarus plans to do tonight, hangs heavy in the air.

We take one moment at a time, Viking. Zane says into our minds.

Huntley dips his chin, the tension in him visible in the flexing of his chiseled jaw.Don’t worry about me. Just stay alive and keep the dagger safe.

We will,I assure them both. I may be new to the bodyguard role, but I’m highly motivated to keep Zane intact and in possession of the Diamond Dagger.

Agostino will make his play—we all know it’s coming—but we’ve spent the past two days readying for it.

As we pull up to the dock, our driver kills the engine and we drift into position to disembark. The waves lapping against the hull rock us as Huntley jumps out with the rope to secure us.

Once the three of us are out of the boat, our escort climbs out to finish tying things off.

“Good luck, sire,” our escort says, dropping his gaze. “I don’t know what this is about, but I’ve heard enough of the whispers today to know there’s trouble. For what it’s worth, I was deeply sorry to hear about the passing of your father. I wish you nothing but success in your reign of Toronto.”

Zane extends his arm, and the two men clasp wrists. “Thank you, Edgar. I appreciate you saying so.”

Huntley and I wait until Zane leads us up the steep incline toward the buildings. The Seafarer’s Sanctuary stands like a sentinel—stoic and grand—its ancient stone presence watching our arrival.

I’ve dreamt about moments like this for years, picturing myself as Zane’s queen, standing at his side during pivotal events in his rule.

And here I am…only I’m standing as his Sacred Squire instead of his queen. It’s not how I pictured it, but if it’s better or worse, being his warrior is a better fit than being his wife, anyway.

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