Page 358 of Flirting with Darkness

“You know, just another word for hell,” Lux whispers.

Winter’s brows raise in response but crease into a frown. “Well it’s a good thing that Kharon Nyx evaporated into nothingness! After everything he put my brother through, hell is too good for him!”

My cheeks warm at Winter’s outburst, but I do my best to keep my anger in check. While I’m relieved to know everyone likely believes Kharon merely faded from existence, I am thankful that is not true.

“Oh wow, is that what happened to him?” I play dumb. “Did his medallion thingy vanish too?” I sound even dumber, but it’s best to keep the pretense.

“Well no,” Lux answers quickly. “But we’re keeping it safe in your uncle’s vault until we can find a way to destroy it. My brother has an old friend coming soon who may be able to assist us. That way we’ll be done with all things Kharon Nyx once and for all.”

“And good riddance!” Ross chimes in and he and Winter high-five each other.

Fear tumbles through me at the thought that perhaps Kharon will be unable to free Moirai as he planned. As much as I wish to keep him with me, I want him to save his sister. But I don’t have time to let panic have its way when a small fluttering of birds rush from the trees nearby and a branch breaks, falling onto the ice. No one else seems to notice but I do.

A wispy breeze wafts a hint of smoke pass my nose and I smile. Even though I can’t see him, I know he’s nearby. Which means, he heard everything.

24

KHARON

Bonnie and Clyde. Who knew?

I have to say I am more than impressed at how well Rae and I work like a unit already. No sooner than I made my way outside as she gathered with her family; did she find a way to inquire about the obol. It’s like she knew I was there. That warms all parts of my wretched soul.

Learning that Elysian has it in his vault is exactly what I need to know. As hard as it is for me to take my eyes off of Rae, I’ll do so for now. Once I have the obol, I can prepare to save my sister from the captivity of the Changelings. Only then will I be able to truly start my life with Rae—our new life. Together.

Making my way inside Elysian’s office chamber, I am thankful to find it empty. Although there remains the faint stench of Altrinion vampires and wolves from their visit with Elysian last night, I forge onward toward his vault.

My enhanced vision allows me to see the imprint of Lord Elysian’s fingerprints along the keypad. Focusing on the deepest imprint first, I try a series of numbers until the vault unlocks. I’m not surprised he used Melchior’s birthday, but being one who’s warned him of security pitfalls, I frown learning he never put my advice into practice.

Still, I don’t take time to worry about it when I see my obol, gleaming like a diamond inside an almost empty chamber. Nothing but a strangely familiar golden urn-like jar sits inside. For a moment I wonder if it’s the remains of his late wife, Melchior’s mother. Although I distinctly recall seeing her urn in the family curio, I force the thought aside.

Nothing matters but getting my obol, saving my sister, and returning to Rae. In one piece.

Reaching inside, I quickly grab my obol and once again feel its power rivet through my body. Shaking off my trench and tearing free of my shirt, I feel like an inferno is brewing within me. Shimmering embers, like small flames of fire, implode through my pores and I feel a new strength overtake me. Almost as reinvigorating as when Rae unlocked the Changeling’s curse with her kiss, do I now feel the full force of Nether magic send rippling kinetic energy through the entirety of me.

Mustering a low growl, I feel my muscles contort, bulging out from under this sleek boyish frame. As though I were a gym rat, fueled by protein, and bench pressing in my sleep, do my biceps bulk and my pectorals expand. Every part of me seems to enlarge and I can only hopeevery partof me pleases Rae.

Threading my obol through a leather cord, I quickly work it around my neck. This time I recant words to bind the obol to myself. No one will ever steal it from me again. Not even the Changelings. Only when I was separated from it were they able to cast their witchery against me, but I won’t let that happen again.

Gusts of steam erupt from my back as the pellets of flame subside, melting into my volcanic-like skin. Letting out a heavy sigh, I stretch my arms, clasping my hands to crack my knuckles as I turn around. It’s been too long since I’ve felt like myself.Welcome back, I smile.

“What did I tell you, Lord Elysian? I knew he’d come. Like a moth to a flame.”

Opening my eyes to find the leader of the Guard, Dalcour Marchand, standing side by side with Elysian and a few others, my anger is all but kindled. He’s the bloody Altrinion-vampire who made it his business to expose my secrets to Winter’s fiancé and family. I hardly blame Lux for wanting to protect Winter. His motives are admirable. Dalcour, however, has far less commendable intentions than either I or the Changelings.

“Did you really think it would be that easy?” Dalcour scoffs, as he keeps his pacing to the darkened corners of the room. I notice the oak shutters are drawn tight and see a dark cloth covering the transom.

Damn vampires. Leave it up to them to block the sun. Piss me off enough and the sun will be the last thing they see.

“Did you think I’d let you waltz around my property unchecked Nyx!” Elysian lashes, but I keep my gaze fixed on Dalcour and the small brood surrounding him. “How easy of you to guess the vault combination. I changed it last night. I have no idea how you rid yourself of your ghastly nature, but I am not fooled! You may look like a new man, Nyx, but Lord Marchand assured me you’d be up to your manner of deceit. He prepared me well.”

“Yes, Lord Elysian. And it was me who prepared you for times just like this. Have I not advised you how to better strengthen your security?”

Throwing up his hand, Elysian swipes it against the air. “For all I know you advised me for no other reason than to keep me ignorant of your heinous deeds.”

Before I have a moment to protest, Dalcour steps closer to Elysian’s side. “Of that, I have no doubt, my friend.” His placating tone annoys me. But it’s the haughty smirk beaming beneath his thick black goatee enraging me to new heights. Still, I work hard to maintain my angst. Elysian is still Rae’s family. Whether he understands it or not, I do care for them. “Now we have him.” But Dalcour Marchand has earned my hate.

I grunt. “Have me?” Lifting my trench from the ground, I hang it over my forearm. “Oh I can assure you; you don’t have what you think. Your biggest mistake was allowing me to retrieve my obol. If your vampire confidant knew anything of worth, he’d know that was his first mistake,” I say to Elysian.

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