Page 49 of Fallen Heirs

“Lovely,” I groused.

“Yes, it’s not exactly easy to digest. She wanted her own power, not to remain in my shadow. And he’d promised her just that. Promised her everything she desired, actually.”

“You found this out shortly after Abigail’s visit three years ago, didn’t you? After what I said about cult mentality?”

“I did.”

“Her magic is crimson now, just like his. A magical transfusion?”

“Correct. She was obviously so desperate to have what he promised her that she became a part of him in essence. It also explains why neither you nor I were able to track her. It would have altered her entire makeup—magical signature and blood alike.”

“Are you planning to go after her? To take her down?”

“No. I’ll leave that to Elliot.”

“Really? The opportunity for vengeance arises and you’re walking away from it?”

“Is that whatyouwant, son?”

“No. I just want to set things right. In my mind, that means having her imprisoned for her crimes at Valmont.”

“Then that’s what will happen. It’s Elliot’s intention anyway. I would have altered that for you, though, if you’d wished for a different outcome. Whatever gives you the most peace.”

“And what about your peace concerning her?”

“What she does has no impact on my peace. Not anymore.”

“Really?”

He smiled and reached into his pants pocket.

I choked as he withdrew a diamond ring. It had a white-gold band and the mammoth diamond was glowing both silver and green—the combined magic of him and Marlowe.

“You’re engaged,” I breathed.

“We are, yes. We have been for a few weeks, but I wanted to let things die down a little before we announced it. I certainly didn’t want such a joyous thing announced on the heels of Abigail’s tragic demise.”

“What brought this about after all this time of your romance being a closely guarded secret—even from me?”

“In light of me almost dying, it served to put certain things into perspective, to shift my priorities, if you will.”

“I see.”

I’d never seen my father nervous before until he asked me outright, carefully watching for my reaction, “So? What do you think?”

“I think the two of you are perfect together.”

“Yes?”

“Definitely. From what I’ve witnessed, he’s clearly the one being who can keep you in line.”

He chuckled. “He certainly is.”

“Most of all, I haven’t seen you this happy in so long. If ever. I’m elated for you, Father.”

A shadow filled the doorway just a moment before Edgar Marlowe himself strode on in, looking expectantly from me to my father. “Did you tell him?”

“Well, if I hadn’t, you would have certainly given it away.” Off Marlowe’s look of confusion, my father gestured at his left hand. “You’re wearing your ring.”

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