Page 146 of The Spark that Ignites
Likely because he was dangling what she wanted right before her face.
Her memories.
They would provide answers to everything. Her past with Vesper, Fionn, Briar, Callias, and a chance to find Shade. If shecould find Shade and fulfil this damn prophecy, it would all be worth it.
“I’ll do it.” The word slipped softly between her lips.
“Do what?” Destonne whispered, blood trickling from his temples.
“I’ll make a bargain with you. Seems you didn’t need the fancy pitch after all.” She stroked a mindful hand down Aera’s back. “What do you require in return?”
A glimmer of something flashed in his eyes. “I need your magic to help me get mine back.” Destonne yanked his collar aside.
There was ... nothing. Nocavaeorzvezda. Only blank, scarred skin.
That black crystal dangling from his neck glinted with malice.
Her ears reddened at his exposed clavicle. “H-how?” she managed.
He yanked his shirt back. “A pactum I made long ago. That brilliant golden flame of yours seems to be my only option. Since barriers don’t stand a chance against it.”
“You’re not the first.” Emmery narrowed her eyes. Something wasn’t adding up. “So, what was the bargain you made? It must have been quite the trade if your magic was the cost.”
“So nosey.” He tsked softly. “Sadly, I don’t recall. It was lost with the bargain.”
Emmery paused, fidgeting with her ring. The blood ruby winked back at her, secrets hidden within its red depths.
If she was going to do this, she would do it right. Be smart about it.
“What do I have to do?” she asked, ready to sift through his words for any hint of trickery.
Destonne stood and paced the room. “I’m not entirely sure yet, but one thing is certain—we’ll need to enter the Hollow.”
Her blood froze in her veins. “As in ... where Hollow go after they die?”
“Precisely. You merely need to get me in there to retrieve the pactum and I’ll do the rest.”
Emmery snorted. “You make it sound so simple. Not dangerous at all.”
“I would ensure you’re protected, of course. You’re safe under my watch, remember?”
“That’s one of my conditions. Along with a few others.” Emmery placed Aera beside the white snake and slid to the floor, her back against Fionn’s bed. The snake eyed the fox curiously but the two settled in moments.
Destonne joined her on the floor and propped his arm on his bent knee. “You should know I wouldn’t dream of harming you. It would serve me no purpose anyway.” Blood trickled down his temple again and he swiped at it with his sleeve.
“Besides protecting me and ensuring I don’t die in that godsforsaken place—”
“I’ve heard it’s quite lovely this time of year.”
Emmery thumped her head back against the bed, suppressing a groan. “Would you let me finish?”
“Right, my apologies.” The King drew his bottom lip between his teeth. “It’s only polite to let a lady finish first.”
Gods above, not again. What was with these men and their insistence to be so damn difficult? Emmery released a frustrated breath, but it did little to calm her, that racing heart in her rib cage fluttering like a hummingbird.
“So, if I get you into the Hollow, and help you retrieve your magic, you’ll help me retrieve my memories?” Her chest tightened and she bit into her cheek.
Destonne merely nodded. “A trade for a trade.”
