Page 77 of The Demon King's Destiny

Liar, his inner demon taunted. He was looking for any clue as to why Evelyn had been privy to Melena’s life outside of Marrok. The demon went along with it in order to please its mate, not because it had any interest in Marrok’s former wife.

“Alright,” his Second said, settling into the chair across from Marrok. “Let’s start with why you want to dig up ghosts from the past. Is it because you ride to Gwydion soon? Are you seeking closure?”

“No.”

Marrok stood and went to the table in the corner. He poured two glasses of whiskey and returned to his desk.

Favin eyed the glass Marrok had all but slammed down onto the dark wood. “Should I be concerned?”

Marrok ignored the question. “I need you to pull a memory from my mind. Evelyn’s dreams have altered. She dreamt of Melena last week.”

“I thought she’d been dreaming of her for a while.”

“This was different. Evelyn dreamt it from Melena’s perspective. I wasn’t in it.”

Favin cocked his head. “I didn’t even know that was possible.”

“It shouldn’t be. Pull the memory.”

Marrok shoved the recollection of Melena and Caleb’s interaction into the forefront of his mind, then the one of her with Bogdan. He didn’t invite Favin to touch him. They didn’t need toshareemotions for this.

Once the scenes played out, Favin reached for the whiskey and took a drink. “You want to know if she knew about Caleb.”

“Yes.”

“Does it matter?”

“To me? No. I seek to discover why these are the memories in Evelyn’s dreams. Melena’s knowledge of her cousin means nothing. Additionally, I already knew of her visions and why she believed she was doing me a favor by ending her life. The question is, why does anyone need to see these two memories? I can guess about Caleb threatening her not to tell anyone he was Sephtis Kenelm. It’s irrelevant.”

“I think you need to look more closely at the night she was given the poison.”

“Why?”

“Because Bogdan said he wanted what she would give him. I don’t think he was referring to money.”

“What would a stone trader want from Melena?”

Bogdan was renowned in Imperium. His knowledge was vast and he was in high demand. He traded with every faction, especially with the elementals, and worked hard to build his wealth. Coin should have motivated him greatly.

“What, indeed. Of the three in those dreams, he’s the only one still alive. Why don’t you ask him?”

“Send for him. I want him here by the week’s end.”

“You’ll be on your way to Gwydion by then.”

“Then hold him here until I return.”

“As you wish,” Favin replied, then left the study.

Marrok poured the rest of his friend’s whiskey into his own glass. Taking it in sips, he stared at Melena’s belongings, replaying Evelyn’s dreams.

It had only been one day and he missed his little mate. He scratched at the skin over his heart, downing the rest of the alcohol to numb the ache.

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