Page 216 of Whispers of Wisteria
“Tell me what happened.”
If tigers could roll their eyes, I imagine she did before looking back to him. “Mu is so much nicer to work with.”
“Yes.” Damen didn’t seem offended. “That’s what you’re going to talk to me about. You know what I’m asking.”
She was quiet for a minute, tail curling, before she finally answered, “Fine. But only because you’ll need to keep watch.”
I leaned back as foreboding settled over me.
What was that supposed to mean?
“Belial asked for Mu to remain with him in exchange for freeing the dragon,” she said unflinchingly.
It felt as though the wind had been knocked from me. “Bianca couldn’t survive in the Underworld,” I said.
“Regardless.” Kiania looked at me. “Belial made the offer. It’s not unexpected.”
My heart was pounding. She…
She justcouldn’t.
“And Bianca agreed?” Julian asked.
“She…” Kiania hesitated. “She was accepting the terms when I arrived. Then Belial became distracted by the news that thedragon found a mate and didn’t press the issue.” She looked to the door, then back. “But know that Belial doesn’t waste words.”
My chest was heavy. How could she do that—even theoretically? How could she even attempt to trade herself away?
What was she thinking?
Never mind, I knew what she was thinking. She was just wrong.
Titus’s growl cut through the room. He was barely able to keep himself from shifting. “Over my dead body.”
“Not even then.” Damen was even worse. His fists were shaking over his desk.
“I wouldn’t want that. How could she even consider it?” Titus asked.
“Because she doesn’t realize.” Damen was looking darkly at his hands. “But Belial knows. We’d never allow it without a fight.”
“You can’t take it out on her.” Julian stepped in.
Yes. “She was only trying to help,” I cut in.
“I know that,” Damen replied, looking up. “It’s notherI’m mad at.”
Kiania was still here, even though she’d been free to leave once her message was received. She just watched Damen.
“What?” he asked tersely.
“I was only seeing what might happen if the dealhadbeen made,” she said, cocking her head.
“Ifthe deal had been made, and Belial thought he could have her, he would die,” Damen replied without hesitation. “She is not his.”
“But it wasn’t, right?” I asked.
“There was no agreement between Bianca and Belial,” Kiania answered.
I let out a breath, the tightness in my chest loosening, and fell back into my seat.
