Page 37 of White Little Lies

He frowned, but didn't take back what he’d said.

I returned my attention to Seraphina’s map. The entire plan was utterly insane. My realm jumping was sketchy at best. I had proven as much just a few hours ago.

But... I couldn't just let Aaliyah get killed. It wasn’t any of my business, but she was still just an innocent girl. And my long-time client’s little sister.

I sat up a little straighter. I could do this. I had brought Gabriel to Mistral before, beyond a boundary. This time, I would just bring him to Aaliyah instead.

Gabriel glared before I realized someone was standing right behind me. I slowly looked over my shoulder, feeling like I was in a horror movie.

Sebastian stood behind me with his arms crossed, looking down at the map. “What exactly do you think you’re doing?”

Braxton took that as his cue to get up from the couch. “I'm going to order us something to eat.” He didn’t so much as look at the devil as he walked past them.

I got up from the floor then movedto take Braxton’s seat next to Seraphina. “ Aaliyah is in danger. We’re going to rescue her.”

“We already wasted a full night on that nymph.” Before I could argue, he stepped forward and looked down at the map. “And how exactly do you intend to rescue her?”

“Eva is the only one who can reach her in my realm.” Seraphina lifted her chin and eyed him defiantly. “I am exiled. I no longer have access. And whoever poisoned her will surely try again.”

Sebastian studied the map like he would commit every line to memory. I shuddered to think what he would do if given free rein in the nymph realm. And with the Realm Breaker, he could make it there all on his own. “The bounty has been increased.”

Braxton came back into the living room, an open beer in one hand. “What?”

I stared up at Sebastian, though he was still just calmly studying the map. “Yeah, what?”

“Whoever can deliver your mother will receive not only the Realm Breaker, but $500,000.”

My jaw fell open.

Seraphina looked back and forth between us. “What are you talking about?”

Sebastian waved his hand, and I felt a magical bubble slide into place around just him and me. Seraphina’s mouth was still moving, but I couldn’t hear a word.

I looked at Sebastian. “Why add the cash? The Realm Breaker is valuable enough.”

“Many would not know the true value of the blade. This will add more players to the game.”

Gabriel was glaring at the invisible bubble like he wanted to punch through it. I gave him a look that saidbe patient, then turned my attention back to Sebastian again. “It doesn't really change anything.”

He lowered his chin, fire flashing in his eyes. “It changes much. Word of the monetary reward will spread, and many involved already understand your connection. Soon every amateur in the city will be after you.”

My gut churned. It was bad enough having vampires and fae after me. If human criminals were added to the list, I wouldn't be able to even walk the city streets without a disguise. And if they found out where I lived...

“I see you understand.” Sebastian closely watched my expression. “That being said, I believe you should go forward with this rescue. The nymph realm is parallel to ours, extremely close. It will be a good test of your skills, and a test of the conclusions we reached this morning.”

I glanced at Gabriel, who was still watching us, but was unable to hear us.

“But you will not use his magic. You will use mine.”

My jaw fell open yet again. Once I regained control of my face, I asked, “Why?”

“Because you have already tested Gabriel’s power in such a way. As we have established, your reaction to me is far different. It should be tested.”

“What if I don’t want to test my magic with you!”

He waited for me to calm down. I had a feeling he was counting to ten in his mind. “You plan on entering a foreign realm—a potentially hostile foreign realm—with no weapons or escape plan?”

“We’re going to be sneaky,” I argued. “I have no intention of going in there and attacking the nymphs.”

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