Page 65 of Court of Evil

“Nothing. You’ll be safe, and Mum and Dad will be there, okay?” she promises. “They’ll take care of you, and then I’ll join you.”

“Soon?” He frowns.

“Do you want me to be there with you?” Something serious fills her tone, and I freeze.

He frowns, watching her. “Not yet. It’s not your time.” He looks older for a moment, and then he smiles, looking like a kid once more. “Don’t join me too soon, okay? We can wait. We’ll wait for you, sissy.” He glances at me. “Take care of my sister please?”

I nod. What else can I do?

He looks back at his sister and presses his hand to her face. She covers it with hers, watching him. “Bye, sissy.”

“Bye, buddy,” she whispers, holding it together. He smiles and then, seeing something we don’t, he heads towards it. I step forward, my hand landing on her shoulder, and we watch as he turns back, grinning.

“You’re right! They are here. Bye, sissy! Love you!” Suddenly, he’s gone.

“I love you,” she croaks, and then she falls back into me, sobs ripping through her. Kneeling behind her, I hold her as she cries. Her nails dig into my arms, drawing blood, but I don’t complain as she breaks.

Ronan was right.

She’s lost, alone, and broken.

We are all broken toys. Maybe that’s why we found each other.

When her screams taper off, her sobs turning into quiet whimpers of pain, I gently slide my arms under her and lift, all my weight training paying off as I carry her to the door, my men following silently. Once outside, we turn back to the house, and Jarek steps forward.

“May I?” he asks.

She nods, and flames burst through the house.

We watch it consume the place before we turn and walk away. A portal opens before us, and we step through and out into a beautiful field.

“Where are we?” I ask as Fang clings to me.

“It is where we bury our dead—a sacred place,” the fae answers as he carries the boy. He waves his hand, and a fresh grave appears. Fang sobs harder, burying her face in my chest, and the fae carefully lays the boy down, arranging him so he looks like he is sleeping. I head over, and Fang looks, sniffling.

When she’s ready, the fae covers him with dirt and grass.

We don’t speak, honouring the boy the only way we can. He saved his sister. He was strong and determined enough to fight off death until she was safe.

The fae is correct. This is the right place for a fighter like him.

Flowers grow over the grave, and I glance at the fae to see his fingers twisting at his side. He meets my gaze. “He deserves a warrior’s burial.” The fae looks at Fang. “Any time you wish to see him, just ask. I can bring you here. No deals. No charge.”

“Why?” she croaks. “The fae don’t do anything without cause.”

“He gave his life for you. How could I do anything but? I might be cruel and evil, but that little boy had more strength in his body than any of us have in our entire souls. He was a warrior. He deserves this, and so do you. No deal needed. Not this time.”

“Thank you,” I whisper to him.

He nods and turns away, walking amongst the flowers like the prince he is, and I understand now why his sister wanted to save him so badly.

There’s something in him, something good, even if it’s usually hidden.

The fae isn’t as evil as he seems, and we are not alone in this.

Neither is she.

I made her brother a promise, one I will keep.

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