Page 128 of Cursed Heirs

“Wow. I… this is really something.” My gaze flitted between Alena and Talon. “But I can’t entertain it at the moment.”

“I didn’t expect you to. Once you’re ready to think it over, reach out to me. I’ll make myself available to you.”

“I need to leave for the DFR now. When Alena wakes up, put her through to me and we’ll discuss your stasis idea.”

“Orpheus, there isn’t much time. We’re talking a few hours at the most before your father meets his demise if I don’t intervene.”

“You don’t need to wait,” a voice croaked.

We both looked to see Alena wearily opening her eyes.

“Do it,” she told us.

“Darling, how are you feeling?” Abigail asked her, walking to her bedside.

“Fine,” she answered a little too quickly, like she couldn’t stand talking about it. She changed the subject back to the current dilemma, telling us, “I want to make the deal. I heard the two of you talking as I was regaining consciousness. I get it.”

I strode to the other side of her bed and perched on the edge.

Instinctively, I went to reach out to her, put pulled up short as she noticed and her eyes went wide with fear.

That fucking monster had caused this.

I summoned my self-control and resisted the overwhelming urge to touch her, to connect with her in that way. “You don’t have to do this.”

“Of course I do. I won’t let your father die when there’s something I can do to prevent it.”

“It’s not your responsibility to—”

“He’s saved me, it’s my turn to repay the favor.” She gazed at me earnestly. “Let me do this. Please, Orpheus. I couldn’t live with myself. If there’s a chance to save a life and the price is just some discomfort for me, it’s an easy decision, as far as I’m concerned.”

“It will be more than just discomfort, little angel. That dark side that you’ve been so afraid of will be front and center.”

“Then it’s a good thing I have you, isn’t it? The one being who made me feel like it was okay to explore it.”

She looked between us and told us resolutely, “I don’t want to be afraid anymore. Do you understand that?”

Abigail smiled back at her, pride shining in her eyes. “Very well, my darling.”

I sucked in a breath. “All right. We’ll see to it.”

“Thank you. Just… if you’re going to help me with it… don’t let me hurt you.” Emotion welled in her eyes. “I remember what he made me do to you, Orpheus. I remember all of it. I can’t—”

“I don’t blame you. No one does.”

“What if I—”

“I won’t let you hurt anyone. I promise.”

She wiped her eyes, nodding. Then she reached out and brushed her fingers over mine.

Hope sparked in me, but as soon as I responded, moving to grasp her hand back, she jerked away with a gasp.

“I’m sorry, I just… I don’t seem to be able to….”

“Give it time,” Abigail told her. “Don’t rush yourself.”

“The three of us don’t need you to, all right?” I assured her.

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