Page 126 of Sinful

“I was under the impression you were staying behind at Chapel Crest.” I narrowed my eyes at him. “To help if help was needed.”

“I’m here and there. Don’t worry, though. I’m more there than here.”

I sighed, hating his riddles.

“I think you love them,” He turned his attention back on me. “Here’s another one.In the darkness, he lurks while you do the work. When he finally steps forward, you’ll realize the truth. He’s as big a part of her as I am her youth.”

“Andrews.” His name was sour on my tongue.

He shrugged. “My advice to you is to let nature take its course. I think you’ll eventually change your mind on whoever it is.”

“He’s never going to join us. He’s not strong enough. You know he’s not.”

“Am I strong enough?” Asylum raised his brows at me.

I studied him for a moment before answering. “You have a better chance than he does.”

“Good to know.” He grinned at me again. “Listen, Andrews is an issue only if you make him one. Like I said, let nature take its course. And sometimes, that course is a little violent. Wait and see. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to get back to work. Someone needs an eye exam.” He twirled his fork and let out a bark of laughter. “I’d like to come home too, Dante.”

He departed, leaving me standing there, wondering what the fuck was truly the matter with him. Maybe he was better at playing the part than I was because he skipped a little before he disappeared around a corner, humming that same damn song Sirena hummed, his fork in his hand.

Knowing I needed to get to the meeting with my father, I pushed everything out of my head and focused on that. If I didn’t, I get overloaded and just lash out.

And that never ended well for anyone.

* * *

“Dante,my boy, you’ve done well.” My father’s deep voice interrupted my thoughts. I glared at him and slammed back the drink he’d poured me.

When I didn’t say anything, he surveyed me and sat forward, his hands clasped in front of him at his desk.

“You’re unhappy.”

I scoffed. “How observant, Father.”

He let out a soft laugh. “I do not understand why you are the way you are. You have everything, including power and a kingdom. What can I do to make you happy?”

“Let me leave here and return home.”

“This is your home.”

“This is a pit of despair,” I snapped at him. “A place where the weak and unfortunate come to die. As I am neither, I do not see it as my palace.”

His lips thinned. “You wish to return to Chapel Crest.”

“You know I do.”

“Funny, I had a hard time getting you to go. Now look. Clawing to get back there.”

I said nothing, watching as he sat back and smoothed his tie. He was wrong about that. I didn’t want to go because I was worried about my mother. Leaving her alone to his madness nearly killed me, but she begged me to leave. In retrospect, I knew she did it as a way to give me a chance. I’d gone even though I hadn’t wanted to. And she’d suffered as I knew she would. Each day, I hated myself for it.

“I will give you this gift, my son. My pride and joy. I am freeing you as you wish. You may return to Chapel Crest soon. You’ve learned every aspect of our enemy. I trust in you to deliver the next time I call on you. You will not disappoint me, yes?”

I ground my teeth for a moment as I stared back at him. If I failed, Sirena would be harmed. The family I’d fought to have would suffer. I had no choice but to obey until the day I had the means to end him and his terror. Of course, it would only give birth to mine.

Funny how things worked like that.

“I will not fail. I always deliver on my promises,” I said, my voice a soft, even hum.

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