Page 45 of Sharpen Your Claws

He chanced a step forward, relieved that William didn’t retreat. Then he took William’s hand, rubbing his thumb against the calloused palms he remembered so well.

“I love you, my wicked. I cannot return to a time when I am not by your side. I cannot promise, though I so wish I could, that I will never harm you or anyone because of this sickness within me. But I can say that I’m sorry, that I don’t mean it and I don’t mean that as an excuse. I will do what I can. I promise to be here, with you, to not hide and to always help you, to the best of my ability. I would burn this world if you asked it of me. I would save this world if you asked it of me, although…”

“Although?” William repeated.

He cursed himself for saying it; “There may come a day when you will have to end me to prevent another Fearworn.”

William spoke like Nicholas hurt him, like nothing worse could have been said. “Don’t. I could never do that.”

“We both know you could. I truly believe there is no one in this realm or another as vicious as you.”

“That is not the compliment you seem to think it is.”

“Is it not? I find it very appealing.” He brushed away a tear before it slid down William’s cheek. Twice he brought tears to his wicked’s eyes. He vowed to show William such happiness he’d cry twice more from joy.

“We may not have much time left together, but should we not enjoy the time we have?” Nicholas asked.

William’s words were pained. “I dislike it when you take on the mantle of being the pessimistic one.”

“Realistic, for the moment. I fear I am not always capable of it, especially now. I know I frighten you, my feelings for you do.”

William didn’t deny it. There would be no point. His reactions were never truly hidden, not from Nicholas, who had grown to know him in ways others never would.

“We will work on this together, on breaking the unfortunate deal with Evera, as well. After all, we have to go to Faerie now. The disciples’ trail leads there.” Nicholas hated bringing up such a topic, but it was the truth.

“Shadowed disciples kidnapping mortals to take them to Faerie is worse than I imagined,” William muttered. He didn’t want to dwell on the prospect of slaying Nicholas, and Nicholas wouldn’t force him to. They understood what may need to be done.

“We shouldn’t focus too much on them being Fearworn’s disciples. He is dead and it may not be as dark, or as deep, as we think it is.”

“Or it’s worse,” said William.

He chuckled. “See? You are still the pessimistic one.”

“I wish I wasn’t. I wish they weren’t starting trouble, potentially following in their master’s footsteps.” William’s forehead creased and lips parted, then snapped shut. “Henry may know something.”

“How so?”

“He has access to knowledge the public doesn’t, including fae magic that has been shared during the war. Even with the Collision Treaty over, Henry spoke of fae continuing to visit magical societies. If there is something happening in Faerie, perhaps Henry unintentionally heard of it.”

“Then you wish to speak to him on these matters?” asked Nicholas.

“It may better prepare us for what we might face. We should not speak of this to any others, though, to be safe.” William stepped aside. Nicholas missed the sensation of his hand, but stayed in place. “I will have to conjure a believable lie to earn passage to Faerie.”

“Why not take the scar we found in the sewer?”

“We do not know where in Faerie it leads. We may end up outnumbered by shadowed disciples.”

“Ah, indeed.” He shrugged. “We needn’t worry about a reason. I know plenty of scars mortals are unaware of. We’ll pass through one of them.”

William cocked a brow. “And how do you know of these mysterious shimmers?”

He winked. “Fae should be allowed their secrets.”

“They are secrets for fae to sneak into Terra and start trouble, aren’t they?”

“Secrets, secrets.” Nicholas laughed. “This is the first you will see of Faerie, isn’t it?”

“It is,” he replied.

---