Page 71 of The Stygian Crown

Kara closed her eyes. She had so many questions, all of them difficult to broach. Her mind had already begun the work of trying to distance herself from the events in the dungeon, though they returned nightly to visit her in her dreams.

“Did you know about Victus?” She whispered into the dark.

“That he was my brother, you mean?”

Kara nodded.

“I had suspicions, but never confirmation. Not until his sessions with me. The fool was jealous of the curse, its power. I’m so sorry, Kara. The things he did to you—” Logan’s fingers traced the hard ridges along her back where Kara’s flesh had rapidly knit closed. His jaw tightened, eyes flashing amber. “My only regret is that I wasn’t the one to kill him.”

“Don’t apologize. You suffered even more than I.”

“I’ve never felt so helpless. He was hurting you right in front of me, and there was nothing I could do to stop it. I thought I was going to lose you. My demon has never ridden me so close as in those moments.”

“What about Magdalena? Are you going to give her a chance?”

“It was Athar’s dying wish. I will try, for his sake.”

Kara still wasn’t sure what to think of Lena. After they’d escaped the prison and set up camp, Jon had briefed them on everything they’d missed during their capture. They’d only been able to find the fortress because Wesley had sent a letter to Raven’s Rest detailing nearby landmarks, and Rohan relayed that information. Wesley’s fate was still uncertain, considering his past betrayal, but he was allowed at the camp for now. Kara wasn’t ready to talk to him yet, and Logan had threatened to flay him if he came near her without her permission.

Lena had helped in her own way, adjusting guard schedules and unlocking doors to aid the Stygian’s entrance. Reports from Lerathil were grim. Ariana had seized power with the help of the Sanguines and Prince Rand, and Calim’s whereabouts were unknown.

Kara closed her eyes and tried to quiet her mind, relishing the warm silence, the feel of Logan’s skin against hers and the reassuring beat of his heart thrumming through her.

“We need a holiday.”

“I’ve an estate to the east of Briarcliff. It’s quite picturesque, so I’m assured.”

Kara snorted. “You’ve never even visited it? The place is likely looted and in shambles.”

Logan shook his head. “I’ve staffed people to manage the estate’s finances and assist the tenants. I don’t have time for much else.”

Kara rolled her eyes. “Well, Lord Melbourne. If you wish to wile away the summer in the country, I shan’t argue.”

“Reaping will be soon.” His breath hitched, and he tightened his hold on her and breathed into her hair. “With Athar gone, I’ll need to fill a spot on the recruitment panel.”

“Do you have anyone in mind?”

“As a matter of fact,” he began, kissing down chest and belly and spreading her legs. “I do.”

“Who?”

Logan chuckled and ran his nose along her inner thigh. “Isn’t it obvious?”

“Not much is obvious when you’re touching me like that.”

“It’s someone new to the clan, actually.”

“Oh?”

“Mhmm. Soon to be reinducted.”

Kara’s heart swelled. “Really?”

“Yes, my love. If you want to come back, of course. I hear there’s this Lord Melbourne fellow who’d like to retire you to the country and spend the days rutting and drinking wine instead.”

“A tempting proposition.”

“I’ll just have to make staying worth your while.”

---