Page 161 of Red Ruin

I’d rather let the duchess use me as a footstool than call her son asking him for help.

But people shouldn’t have to die just so I can avoid my ex.

Kevan will come.

Not for me—never for me.

Kevan will come for the same reason he’s always kept me around.

I have the power he wants.

CHAPTER40

IRIS

It takesa few breaths and more minutes than I’ll admit before I work up the courage to activate the orb.

A haughty butler appears in the glass. “Kyorgos. We endure.”

That godsdamned motto.

Holding back a shudder, I straighten my shoulders. “The Azrids have a tomb location to offer Duke Kevan. It’s urgent, if he’s interested in trading for the information.”

The butler’s lips press together.

I’m ready to dish out more mysterious bullshit until he drags his master to the parlor. But, just by calling through Remy’s Azrid-official orb, I’m already legit.

“One moment.”

The orb turns frosted blue, leaving me on hold.

I tap my nails restlessly against the glass.

What’s the worst that can happen?

He says no?

No. The worst will be if Kevan answers from bed with the Guide he replaced me with.

Did the duchess give the new guy my room?

I guess he wouldn’t need his own. They’re imprinted. Kevan must finally be willing to share.

I never made it past the door of Kevan’s personal chambers. Our guiding sessions always happened in a guest bedroom.

Godsdamned fucking stars.

Why think of this right now?

Do I absolutelyhave tosabotage myself?

Just when I’m considering shot-putting the orb, the face from my nightmares stabs through the glass.

Kevan wears a neatly belted dressing robe. It shows a V of ice-pale skin at his throat. His face is fleshier than the last time I saw him. The skull ridges are still sharp, but he looks more human than the lich that comes out when his power runs wild.

He’s doing well, I realize as claws rip through my guts.

He’s better off without me.

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