Page 38 of Starchaser
Titus clears his throat. “William has little time,” he says, hisexpression taciturn. “And there’s no way for us to know how long the enchantment around your heart can fight off your own curse. As long as you’re on land, you’ll continue to grow weak.”
My eyes narrow, my stomach lurching. “How much time does he have?”
Will inhales sharply. “Don’t—”
“Four days,” Titus says, pushing off from the doorframe. “William has until sunset on Holy Winter’s Day before the curse takes root.”
“Four days?” I echo, lookingup at Will once more. His arms tighten around me, pulling me so close I’m practically in his lap. “Why Holy Winter’s Day?”
Will’s jaw tightens. “As I said, it’s complicated.”
Out of the corner of my gaze, Titus rolls his eyes, removing his jacket to reveal a simple black shirt. He tugs at the sleeves, revealing a plethora of ink tattooing his skin. I fight to keep my eyes locked on Will’s, but my curiosity to know what ornaments Titus’s forearms is a battle I fear I’m in danger of losing.
“It’s not that complicated,” Titus says dryly, plopping down in a velvet armchair near the stone hearth across from us. “Many years ago, during William’s first year of service with the League, he was stabbed by a cursed dagger—much like the one your dear brother attempted to use on you. This curse, however, came with certainstipulations. A time limit, for one.” I note the way he winces when he leans back in his seat, his forearms tensing as he grips the armrests. “The Shifter who cursed him said he would have until his nineteenth birthday on Holy Winter’s Day to turn himself over to the Guild of Shadows or he would descend into madness, bringing death to all those he dearly loves before ultimately turning into a Shifter with no choice but to join Morana’s ranks.”
My mouth gapes as I stare up at Will, but his eyes are glittering, searching mine with a desire so raw I feel as if he might kiss me right here, right now.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” I demand, my voice trembling with anger—with the hurt I feel knowing that he’s kept yet another secret from me. During all the weeks we spent together at Bludgrave, he never once thought it important to share with me that he was cursed—dying—and that he would become a Shifter before the year was out? “No more secrets—you promised!”
Will’s eyes brim with tears. “I wanted to tell you, but… I always hoped I wouldn’t have to. You have enough to worry about,” he says, his hand cradling my jaw. “This is my burden to carry, not yours.”
A tear slips onto his cheek, at once cooling the simmering rage bubbling up inside me.
I take his hand in mine, perhaps a bit more fiercely than I intend. “You’re wrong,” I tell him. “You need this cure more than I do.”
“Touching.” Titus leans forward to rest his elbows on his knees. “Should I leave the two of you to your petting, or would you like to discuss what happens next?”
I shift out of Will’s arms, turning to face Titus, but Will doesn’t let go of me, threading his fingers through mine.
“What now?” I ask, feeling strangely self-conscious at the way Titus’s gaze flits to our hands.
“My father’s demonstration with that rebel prisoner is only the beginning,” Titus says, his jaw clenched. His gaze drops to my throat for the briefest moment—so swift I think I’ve imagined it. “Tomorrow, you’ll be knighted, and he’ll make good on that promise of a head.”
My heart pounds against my sternum. “The blood,” I say, feeling as if I’m going to be sick. “My eyes… I can’t hide what I am.”
“There are ways to control your power—the bloodlust,” Titus says, his expression softening only for a second before his face hardens once more. “Which is why you and I will meet here, every night, so that I can teach you how.”
My eyes widen, and I don’t have time to think about the warmth in my cheeks before I argue, “But myeyes—”
“Are not an issue.” Titus waves his hand dismissively. “Bellaflor placed an enchantment on you so that your eyes will appear blue even when you’re exposed toManan.”
I gape at them both, their expressions equally mischievous for once. “Are you saying she’s a—”
“Sorceress?” Will says, his eyes glittering with amusement.
A Sorceress—a human who possesses magic, just like the Sorceress who enchanted my bracelet to protect me from Underlings. I should be furious they had an enchantment placed on me without my permission, but considering what happened at the parade, I’m thankful they had the foresight to ensure my Nightweaver heritage remains a secret.
“Yes, but, Aster,” Titus says, suddenly serious, “the enchantment only works if you don’t consume blood.”
I nod slowly. “Don’t drink anyone’s blood,” I say somewhat sarcastically. “Got it.”
“Good girl.” Titus winks as he stands, rolling his shirtsleeves back down to cover his tattoos, and I spot the winged dagger inked into his forearm just before it vanishes.
“What about Dawnrender?” I ask. “Killian said we should expect to hear more about the Order’s plans from thiselitemember of theirs upon our arrival.”
Titus and Will exchange a loaded glance.
Will offers me a tight smile. “And I’m sure we will,” he says, avoiding my gaze as he inspects my balcony doors, checking the locks. “Until then, we move forward with our plan. You should have an opportunity to speak with the princess tonight. After that—”
