Page 13 of Bound By the Wraith: Northern Realms

“Well, I had dinner. I guess I’m trying to figure what else I do until nightfall. You said I had my freedom until night and then I belonged to you.”

It was thebelonging to himthat ignited the fire in his veins again.

Patience.

“I could summon Honk and they can take you exploring.”

“I’d rather you showed me your realm. No offense to Honk, but they’re a bit skittish, though now I understand why. You’re kind of a jerk.”

Cillian was confused. “You want me to show you around? I’m not a tour guide.”

“No, apparently you’re very busy, watching people,” she replied back sardonically.

He sighed. “Very well. Let’s go then. Perhaps I’ll leave you stranded in my labyrinth for the rest of the day and then you won’t continue to pester me.”

“Of course you have a labyrinth. Do you happen to have a bog of eternal stench too?”

He could tell she was half joking, but he got the gist of it. He’d seen that movie and he knew what she was referring to.

Cillian crossed his arms. “I’m not a goblin king. I’m a wraith.”

“What’s the difference? Honk is a goblin and calls you sire…so technically you’re a goblin king.”

He glared at her, and a small devious smile curled at the corner of her luscious lips. She had a point, but he really didn’t see the humor in it.

Not at all.

Cillian quickened his pace along the stone corridors, but she kept up. Honk and all his other little minions had disappeared, which was good. He was in a foul mood and honestly, if hesaw one of them, he might do some harm to them, but then again, most likely not. For all his whinging on being cruel and coldhearted, he cared for Honk. That’s why Honk resided in the castle and had a name.

Still, he was annoyed that Honk had brought Cali to him. He didn’t have time for this.

Why couldn’t she just stay in her room and let me get on with my work?

And it was a foolish thought to cross his mind, because when had she ever listened to him?

She crumbled against him, her breathing ragged.

“Devil!” her father shouted, brandishing a musket. “You made me kill my daughter.”

“You shot her?” Cillian growled.

“Aye, she was to marry a duke and you ruined her. You evil, foulmouthed demon.”

Cillian growled and moved swiftly, crushing her father’s mortal neck and tossing him away.

“Cillian,” Cali whispered.

“I’m here.” He held her in his arms, holding her head up, watching the light slip from her eyes. “Why did you not listen to me? I said to stay at your home and not to seek me out.”

“I did not want to marry…that…” she tried to speak. “Only want my devil.”

“Hush,” he whispered.

“Will we see each other again?” She gasped.

“We will.” He stroked her face. Then he heard the banshee wail. His mother, who didn’t know he was her son as this wasn’t his timeline. The only one who knew was his grandsire.

Death.

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