Page 27 of MidKnight
“If Abbas was a full djinni,” Declan whispered as we ascended, “you know what that means?” My knight didn’t wait for an answer, “He isn’t the bad guy.”
Quinn whirled to glare at him.
Declan jerked backward. “I mean, obviously he’sabad guy. But notthebad guy. Djinn are powerful pawns. But that’s it. Someone wished he’d come here. They wished he wouldn’t be able to reveal his master or their plan.”
“Wouldn’t they run out of wishes?” I asked.
Declan shook his head. “That’s only half-djinn. They have three wishes to grant during their lifetime. A full djinni is a slave, so long as you control the ring that controls him. The wishes are endless. And it makes sense. How he was able to shuffle his thoughts and emotions? Whoever sent him wished he wouldn’t be able to reveal his true purpose.”
The beer stein echoed with a tiny shriek and Declan looked down at it thoughtfully.
“From what I read tonight, djinn hate giving out wishes. They don’t do it. Because they hate to be trapped. So, whoever sent Abbas was powerful enough to trick and control a djinni.”
Quinn’s face grew dark, even darker than I’d seen it before. His thoughts projected to both of us.When I was beating him, Abbas merely took it. It was almost as if he was waiting.
“For what?” I asked.
Quinn’s grip on me tightened as he turned to continue up the stairs.You. That’s when he attacked. Whatever this mystery asshole has wished, I’m pretty sure he wants you dead.
Chapter Seven
Ryan had already left on a gargoyle, to chase whatever his men had seen to the south.
So, the castle healer was brought to patch me up for the second time that day. He healed me in my chambers, without saying a word, as I stared at the bluebird perched in a golden cage in the corner.
I opened my mouth to curse the bird and ask what the hell Connor was up to, and why the sard he hadn’t removed the thing … person … whatever he was … but the healing tonics made me drowsy.
Quinn took the beer stein back from Declan and stalked off to who knows where to ‘contain the problem.’
Declan stayed with me, stroking my hair as I dozed.
My dreams were dark. A shadow chased me and morphed into a snake and bit me, which turned into Abbas, teeth clenched on my neck. I jerked awake with a scream. My heart raced.
“Sard!” Declan cursed and sat up beside me. He threw an arm out in front of me as he got to his knees on the bed. He glanced around the room, in the grey light of early dawn. His eyes hunted until he realized there was no one there.
“I’m sorry. Just a nightmare,” I whispered.
Declan’s eyes softened and he held his arms open for me. I snuggled into him, inhaling the soft scent of paper and ink and leather that he carried around.
Declan kissed the top of my head and whispered, “I’ve got you, Peace. I’ve got you.”
“Yes, she’s fine. I’ve got her,” I heard Declan mutter to no one.
Why is he talking to thin air? I wondered.
Then I heard Quinn say,You alright, Dovey?
Mm-hmm. Dec’s got me.
Okay, well, I’m still finishing up. I’m pretty sure the others are, too. We’ll be there as soon as we can.
I yawned and wrapped my arms tighter around Declan.
Declan soothed me, rubbing my back. “Tell me about it.”
I started to talk, but somehow, that just made the image of Abbas sinking his teeth into my neck much more vivid. My chest contracted and I started shaking. Goosebumps sprang up all over my body, even though I was under the covers and in Declan’s arms. I squeezed my eyes shut as Declan pulled me into a sitting position.
“I’m sorry. I’ve never felt like this before. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”
