Page 38 of Secrets & Curses of Crimson

“Yes,” she smiled. “You named her Wisp; she is a friend too.”

“Wisp,” I spoke softly. It did sound familiar. Slowly, I lowered the candlestick and stared at the woman. Something about her was peaceful—familiar.

“My name is Della, the Goddess of Life.”

A laugh escaped me at her words. Her face fell into an unamused expression as I struggled to control myself. Her hands rested on her hips as she narrowed her eyes at me.

“I’m friends with a goddess?" I chuckled.

“Why is that so hard to believe? We’re friends.”

“Okay, why are you friends with a mortal fae?” Gods, I really shouldn’t provoke this woman; she was clearly not right in the head.

“Because I helped my brother, Mikel, curse you to have no memories.” She frowned. “I did it unintentionally, of course.”

Her confession was like a slap in the face.

“What?” I remembered the man who stalked me saying their names. "Wait... the man mentioned you."

"What man?" she asked with concern.

"I don't know who he is. He has been watching out for me. He said you wouldn'tbe pleased to see him."

Her eyes flickered pure white briefly before she glanced around like she might see him here. He wasn't, but I could see she knew exactly who the man was. Della stared at me for a long moment as if she were contemplating telling me something or not.

"Who is he?" I asked.

“I don’t have time to explain the details, but I needed to check on you after Cassius said he found you...fighting for yourfather.”

By her tone and expression, I could tell her words had a different meaning to them, but what? I nodded my head at her.

“Cassius, my... arch nemesis?” I deflected the feelings of longing so she couldn’t see them on my face.

Della gave me a big smile.

“I’m pretty sure enemies don’t kiss and flirt like you two do. Or touch each other.” Her eyes narrowed on me as my cheeks heated like I was being scolded by a parent. Stars above: how did she know about that? “How are you feeling?”

“Fine…” I spoke cautiously. “Why is Cassius talking to you about me?”

“I can’t tell you outright.” She frowned. “But you’re smart; you’ll read between the lines.”

“So, you are trying to tell me something about Cassius?”

She shrugged her shoulders. What a pain in the ass woman.

“Is henotmy enemy?” My heart pounded. I hadn’t realized how much I wanted that to be true, but that was impossible. Stars above knew that I would march to Crimson right now and demand he keep me, but I don’t think the Crimson royal family would allow it.

“He’s something.” She smiled.

“I’m sorry, why can’t you just tell me what the hell you’re hinting at?” I rested my hands on my hips and watched her.

“My tongue is tied with magic.”

I was tired of this. I rolled my eyes and turned to leave.

“Where are you going?” she asked.

“Leaving because you have not said anything I believe.”

---