Page 116 of Ulune's Daughter

A family of madmen and monsters.

“You have a part to play,” Kim continues. “As do I. We have a responsibility not just to our family but to our world?—”

“My responsibility is to myself and the people I love. Sorry, Kim, that doesn’t include you. I barely know you, and you don’t know enough about me to know that I won’t be a part of your anti-fae agenda.”

Kim rises out of her chair, her emerald cloak swishing around her. “Then don’t stand against us. Give us the runes Grandad carved into your body.”

“Not one chance,” I snap.

She holds her hands out to me. “Bromios will make it painless.”

“I don’t care about the pain. I care that you’re going to use the magic I carry to hurt people I love. It’s not going to happen.”

Kim lets her hands drop to her sides. “We need this, Rhodes. Those runes name and summon more allies. We’ll need them against the Oak and Holly Kings.”

It’s the Queens of Faery they should be worried about. I almost smile at that thought.

“I’m sorry, cousin. My answer’s no.”

She lowers her head, looking at the floor. “You don’t want to stand against us, cousin. His power ... you can’t comprehend it.”

“Is that a threat?” I ask.

“You’re family, Rhodes. I don’t make threats against family.”

Looking at her, Kathleen’s daughter, Niles’ granddaughter, I see her path stretching away from her. It’s a murky, polluted river, full of swirling currents, hidden rocks, and vicious undertows. I don’t see the end of the path, but I can hear the waterfall as clearly as I hear my own heart, beating in my ears.

“I don’t make threats against family, either.” I take a step forward and put my hand on her cloaked shoulder. “All I can see ahead of you is danger and treachery, ending in a drop into darkness. I’m sorry, Kim. I won’t navigate those rapids with you.”

Her eyes lift to mine, glimmering. After a moment, I realize the glimmer is reflected. I glance down at myself and see the edge of bluish light leaking out from under the collar of my sweater.

From the tattoo on my chest.

Kim reaches shaking fingers toward my chest.

I recoil. No one touches me there but Luca and Kellan.

I have no idea where that thought came from, but it’s clear and true.

“Good luck, cousin,” I say, stepping back toward the door. “I won’t wish you success. That wouldn’t be sincere. But I hope you walk in the Mother’s grace.”

“Nice to see you, Rhodes,” Ezra calls to me.

I wave at him before I slip back out of his office.

Chapter36

In the Cait’s Bed

KELLAN

Isit in his donut-shaped bed, in the pile of the softest blankets and pillows I’ve ever touched, after one of the best night’s sleep I can remember, and stare at the man in front of me.

There are a lot of things I could focus on. The face he’s kept concealed for so long. The slanting lines of cheek and jaw that hint at his feline nature. The arresting dark blue of his hair that contrasts with his smooth, golden-pale skin. His torso that tapers from broad shoulders to sinuously lean hips. The insane definition of the muscles in his arms, chest, and abs.

But mostly I can’t tear my eyes away from his. For the very first time, I see vulnerability in those beautiful, light green, slitted eyes. I’ve seen desire, confidence, compassion, curiosity, and a hint of arrogance in them. But I’ve never seen this look before, this need for my acceptance.

It’s captivating.

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