Page 41 of Firefly

“We agreed you would not experiment on Rebecca any longer.”

Alexander returned his attention to the table. “You broke the agreement first.”

Simon’s lip curled. “I could hardly bring you two demons per night when you sent me across the world to get you one hundred.”

“Not my concern.”

Simon moved, but not fast enough. “Simon, stop.”

He was frozen in place, several feet from Alexander. Alexander looked down his nose at him as he struggled in vain to close the small distance and end him.

“There’s a new darkness in you, boy. Perhaps it is you who are too dangerous for my daughter.”

The light glinting in Alexander’s eye was the only warning Simon needed, and his stomach dropped. “No,” he breathed.

“Simon—”

“No, please.”

“You will not see, speak to, or write to Rebecca—”

“No, I’m begging you.”

“—for one month. That should be an ample reminder of who answers to whom.”

“Alexander. I’ve been gone more than a year. I brought you your hundred demons. Please don’t do this.”

“Simon, leave my sight and don’t return until I call for you.”

Simon spun on his heel, his feet marching him up the stairs. When he was far enough for the magic to consider the instructions fulfilled, he screamed his frustration and raced out the door into the night.

Chapter 31

Rebecca

Rebecca heard the front door open and slowly stood, leaving Simon’s room and making her way to the foyer. The door was flung wide, darkness swallowing the space beyond. She stepped onto the porch and squinted as she scanned the inky dark.

“Simon. Simon!” Her voice cracked, and she leaned against the doorframe.

When he’d raced from the room, it hadn’t been hard to guess where he’d gone, but her strength failed her when she’d tried to follow, to tell him to stop.

Her heart beat painfully in her chest. She feared her father’s wrath, but if he’d only been sent on an errand, perhaps he hadn’t been so reckless as to confront Alexander. An errand was the least terrible thing her father could have done to him.

Sighing, she shuffled through the foyer and started up the stairs. She would wait for his return. This time, nothing would keep them apart.

Rebecca slid her legs over the side of the bed, letting her feet rest on the cold floor. Simon hadn’t returned last night. She’d waited until her eyelids were leaden, giving in to the pull of sleep just as the sun’s bright rays burst from the horizon.

She’d slept most of the day, and it wouldn’t be long before Simon rose for the evening.

Dressing quickly, she crossed the hall to Sarah’s room and smiled fondly at the girl as she stacked blocks in the center of her room.

“What are you building, sweet girl?”

Sarah hopped up. “Mama!” She ran to Rebecca, flinging her arms around her legs and squeezing. “Can we go to the garden? Thea wouldn’t take me. She said it’s too late.”

Rebecca patted Sarah’s back. “Yes. It’s a fine evening. Shall we bring a jar and catch fireflies?”

Sarah nodded enthusiastically.

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