Page 62 of The Demon's Discovery
“Can you change it to something like a teakettle noise? The shriek is far too human.” My brother scowled at me through the mirror, rubbing at his ear.
Greta and I had spent the afternoon in the classroom, translating as many entries in Lilith’s book as possible. She’d lost steam after several hours, however, and had gone off to rest before dinner.
“Would you hear it as well if I did?”
He frowned. “Probably not.”
“Then no. And you still haven’t hung it properly, I see. If it breaks, I’m not going to make you another.” That was a lie, I absolutely would, if only for my own convenience, and he likely knew that.
“You’re impossible,” he sighed. “If it didn’t make such a horrific noise, perhaps I’d be more likely to commit it to a permanent location.”
“I’m a realist,Stolas. And any wall will do. Besides, you won’t be at the manor forever. In a perfect world, I wouldn’t even need to contact you.”
“So why are you?” One corner of his mouth tilted up, along with his eyebrow.
“Have you ever encountered a merchant named Feiser?”
Rylan considered, rubbing his chin with his thumb and forefinger. “Doesn’t sound familiar. Why?”
I did the best I could explaining the convoluted arranged marriage situation between him and Greta, not to mention the ring that couldn’t be removed no matter the tactic.
“An enchanted ring? How horrible.”
I clenched my jaw the same as I did every time I saw it on her finger. “Indeed.”
“I will check my records just in case, but that’s not a name I think I’ve heard before. What business is he in?”
I started to respond, but realized I had no idea. A successful merchant, who had long-standing dealings with Henrik, but nobody had ever heard of? The more I thought about him, the more I was convinced there was something deeper going on. I shared my thoughts with my brother, who also seemed suspicious.
“It’s not a common magic that can be done, rings and such,” he argued. “It’s been a very long time since I’ve seen it in person, as a matter of fact. Usually, it’s overzealous young lovers promised to others who seek it out. They’re always convinced their love is the strongest in all the world and that’s the cure for their parents’ alternative marriage arrangements.”
“Oh? And how does that usually end?” I teased, knowing what he was going to say.
“Much of the time? Badly,” he chuckled. “I can think of a handful that worked out, but that kind of passion tends to burn bright and strong, only to go out quickly. Many have resorted to removing the finger when the relationship ends because it’s difficult and expensive to dissolve the enchantment.” I stiffened. “I do think that there have been mages who practice makingsuch things regularly, but it’s treacherously close to going against the council’s regulations on things like love spells. It’s a dangerous business to be in for very long if your work gets too well-known.”
“Traveling and cost would be the least of my worries. Do you think you could trace the enchantment to a particular mage if you were able to handle the ring?”
Rylan sighed, eyes distant as he thought about it. Eventually he shook his head. “No, I don’t think so. It would certainly be worth a try, but that’s not one of my strengths. Perhaps one of the stone kin have a talent?”
“Perhaps.” I was disappointed to hear that, especially after Ophelia had said something similar. “I will ask. And in that vein, you should be aware that Greta and I will be away for a few days. Magnus will be flying back to check up on the place, make sure it hasn’t burned to the ground or something disastrous. He can’t bear to be away from Grace for long, anyway. She, Clem, and the girls will be here of course.”
“Where are you going? It’s a bit early for a honeymoon.” He smiled broadly, mirth faltering when I just raised an eyebrow. “Itistoo early, isn’t it?”
“Of course it is.” I huffed a breath, but my heart beat perilously fast behind my ribs. Greta was my mate, and we’d already consummated the bond. It wouldn’t be unheard of to do such a thing, though I’d given little thought to an actual wedding. “We’re going to the stone kin conclave. We need to visit with their healers.”
“Oh? Is everything alright?”
I gave Rylan the abbreviated version of events he’d missed since we’d last spoken, including our visit to Ophelia. “Magnus says his daughter can help.”
“Only if you find a way to cancel out the magical bindings, correct?” Rylan argued, frowning again. “Bonds that have beenin place for decades, ones that are clearly very powerful. I could meet you there, if you like. Calla will be alright here for a day or two.”
I could see the pained hesitation as he considered it. I understood completely why he would be torn about doing such a thing. I shook my head. “No, if you came, which you’re not going to, you would bring her with you. Not only because she’s the stone kin one, but also because there’s no reason to leave her alone. Where is she, by the way?”
“She’s helping Mrs. Brisbane with a project in the kitchen. And Greta? When can I meet her?” There was nothing quite like brotherly tit for tat.
“She’s resting. Your offer is appreciated, Rylan, but your presence isn’t required. Ophelia seemed to think Greta could manage on her own, we just need to find the right entry in the book.”
“Which is partially written infae. Saints, your simple summer alone at d’Arcan has gotten significantly complicated, hasn’t it? We should come back. There’s too much going on?—”
