Page 36 of White Charms and Dark Secrets

“I know it's bad. But I tried to portal myself out of there and it wouldn't work. My portal wouldn't stabilise,” I plead with him to understand.

“It wouldn't. Portals are all but cut off down there, fae phasing too. The only thing I know that can breach it, or they thought may be able to, is a powerful demon. How did you even manage to summon one in there without the equipment? No candles, chalk, blood, summoning spells? You can't tell me you had all of thatandthe spells memorised.” He gives me a sceptical look.

“I already knew a demon. I did a somewhat less formal summoning. Essentially I just called on his name.”

“You know a demon? You held him in an undrawn circle?” His eyes seem to bulge.

“Err, remember my cat? That's him. I also kind of summoned him withoutanycircle. We have an understanding of sorts...” I trail off, realising how downright crazy that sounds.

Nobody has that kind of understanding with a demon and doesn't end up in eternal servitude or dead.

“You’re telling me your cat is a demon?”

“Well, more like my demon was a cat, but he's not now. He owed me a favour and got stuck in cat form when I panicked and turned him into one,” I blurt, slamming my lips shut after.Fuck, I sound insane.

“You turned a demon into a cat?” he asks in a disbelieving voice.

“Yeah, he wasn't thrilled, but I got him back to normal, and now we have an understanding. I can't explain it, but he could have killed me or taken me multiple times and he hasn't.” I shift on my feet, uncomfortable under his penetrating gaze.

“He's playing with you. A cat toying with its food,” he declares.

“Maybe, but I'm not dinner just yet. Look, if you want to find your dad, I need to go and speak to a friend about a favour.”

“Not the demon,” he groans, looking unhappy with the very thought. I doubt he’d be any happier knowing the friend is Rhydian.

“No, not the demon, I promise. But I should go now. Every second wasted is bad, right?” I step towards the door.

“I should arrest you for aiding a criminal's escape,” he tells me seriously.

“You treated me like a criminal once when you knew I was innocent. This time give me the benefit of the doubt before you start with the charges. Iwillhelp you find him. You'll get what you want, and he won't be a danger anymore. I didn't mean for him to escape, but I was desperate to get out of there and called on a demon for help. The demon wanted something from Elias, and he used it to bargain his way out,” I appeal to him, begging him to understand.

He's silent for a moment, as if pondering what I've said. Finally, he gives a rough jerk of his head. “Fine. Go. Don't make me regret trusting you, Kayla. My instinct tells me you're a good person, and I want to believe in that.”

“Thank you. I'll make this up to you, I will. I'm so sorry,” I whisper. Turning on my heel, I leave before he can change his mind.

I can’t risk him keeping me here any longer, not when I have a faery to see about a favour.

Eighteen

A Fae Bargain

“So, what is it that you want?” Rhydian drawls as he appears in my living room.He could have freaking knocked on the door like a normal person.

“What makes you think I want something?” I tense up, worried he'll be annoyed once I confirm that he's right. Because I did just invite him here because I want something.

“You messaged me and asked me to come over... Somehow I'm sure that you haven't reconsidered my proposal of us sleeping together yet, so it’s safe to assume that you need something from me. It's not like you'd call me over just to chat or hang out,” he remarks, not looking at all bothered by that fact.

“You think the only reasons I'd invite you over are either for sex or if I need something from you?” I ask, feeling my forehead furrow up as I frown.

“Don't worry about it, sweetheart. Everyone wants something from me.” He runs his fingers over my forehead, as if trying to brush away my unhappy expression. His tone makes an attempt at sounding indifferent, but his eyes reflect a sadness that only makes me feel worse.

“I do want something. I'm sorry, if there was another way, I wouldn't ask,” I respond, feeling terrible as I admit it.

“What do you want, sexy witch? How may a humble man, such as myself, be of service?” His playful expression is back as he moves away and flops down onto my sofa. I snort, grateful for him returning to a lighter tone. A flirtatious and playful Rhydian I can deal with. Him looking all sad inside... That twists something inside of me. It's just so wrong.

“I need to use your magical fae locater thing,” I confess.

“Why?” he asks.

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