Page 70 of Insidious Monsters
“In that case, roll up your sleeve and let’s get this over with.”
I obliged, foreboding turning to excitement. The contract I had with the Order stated that they’d leave me alone as soon as I was free of Telarion and as long as my aberrant appetites were gone. If Milo could help me, then I could be free of the Order sooner rather than later. But what about Telarion? My excitement died.
Would he get the answers he needed if we followed this route?
And did I want him to?
eighteen
After I’d filled Quentin in on Milo’s theory about the tattoos and the inscription on the gravestone, the rest of the journey passed in silence.
My gut told me to hold back on Milo’s offer to help me unbind with Telarion. Quentin was a friend, but he represented the Order. His loyalties were with them whether I liked it or not.
He retreated to his study when we got back, but not before reminding me that we had another mapping session in the morning. It was also an opportunity to speak to Luphin and tell him that he’d been mistaken about his guy crossing the rift. The vine he’d given me to summon him was in my pack and looked surprisingly fresh for a plant not attached to the earth.
Uncle Fred, Nandi, and Archie were finishing up dinner when I entered the kitchen, and thank goodness there was shepherd’s pie on offer.
I grabbed a plate and joined them at the table.
“I cooked before they told me they were getting takeout,” Uncle Fred said. “But the leftovers will keep for tomorrow.”
“How’d it go with Milo?” Archie asked.
I relayed what Milo had said, dropping my voice when I got to the part about him being able to separate Telarion and me.
“You didn’t tell Quentin, did you?” Uncle Fred said with a proud gleam in his eye.
“No. I can’t trust he won’t tell the Order and I’m pretty sure they won’t like it.”
“Because it takes control away from them,” Uncle Fred said. “It was always about control with them.”
“So we keep this on the down-low,” Archie said.
“I really hoped those tattoos would help us somehow,” Nandi said. “But we’re back to square one now and the Holy is out there somewhere, probably recruiting a new cult.” She took a deep breath. “I’m not going to live my life in fear. I have a job and clients, and if he wants to come at me, I’ll be fucking ready next time.”
I couldn’t argue with that. “We’ll make sure you are. I’m sure Celine can whip up some mystical armor.”
She nodded. “I’ll call her later.”
A yawn ripped through me. “I’m gonna get some sleep. I have to map tomorrow and then I have a ball to go to.” I fluttered my eyelashes.
“Wait, what?” Nandi grabbed my hand as I tried to leave. “You can’t just drop that bombshell and walk out.”
I pulled away with a chuckle. “Tomorrow. I’ll fill you guys in tomorrow.”
I hurried to my room to find it empty. Yeah, I’d hoped to find Telarion here, waiting for me. I’d hoped to have some alone time with him, even if we couldn’t be intimate.
I missed him when he was gone. Like a visceral ache in my soul.
It was more than the bond.
It was that four-letter word filled with hearts and flowers and commitment.
I got ready for bed and climbed under the duvet, eyes already heavy with sleep. Would he be back soon? We needed to talk. He needed to know about Milo’s offer because accepting it would mean taking away Telarion’s chance at discovering who he’d been before he became an aberrant.
As much as I wanted him in my future, I couldn’t deny him his past. It had to be his choice. Even if it was a choice that took awayourfuture.
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