Page 39 of Changeling
“I’ve been swayed by another. I know what it feels like. My opinion of Dominus is my own, of that I’m certain. You must take me back to him. He’s probably worried.”
Remy and Sachi share a glance. They seem to be speaking to each other without words. How long have they been friends to manage such a feat? Whatever they’re saying, the decision comes quickly. Too quickly.
“I can’t,” says Remy. I open my mouth to protest, but he holds up his hand, and I clamp my lips shut. “It’s not that we don’t believe you, only that I can’t make another portal so soon after the last one. And it isn’t safe for us to approach The Twig on foot.”
“Why not?”
“Sachi is fae, for one. Dominus may have accepted you, but that’s no guarantee he won’t threaten her. For two, we promised Laurence to collect you and come straight home. And for three, we’re in Bettina’s territory without permission. The longer we stay, the more likely our visit will cause trouble, which no one wants.”
The bizarre communication system between these creatures baffles me. “Then why didn’t you ask permission?”
They remain patient. Sachi answers, “She’s flighty. You were in danger. Time was of the essence.”
“But now you know I’m not in danger.” I look from one to the other, willing them to be reasonable.
Remy sighs. “I’m sorry. We can send word to Dominus if you want, but we can’t risk another venture into Pest. We must head north at once, put some space between us and the den of incubi. Once my magic is replenished, the witches at Bran Vigny will help me portal us home.”
“Just like that?”
“Just like that.”
The idea is tempting. A safe haven. Other fae. Potential friends. I swallow hard.
“I’m not going.” Did I just say that? They offer my dreams on a silver platter, but I can’t leave Dominus without at least a proper farewell. “Not yet. I’ll wait for Ivaz, as planned, and travel on foot.”
Two pairs of eyes blink at me. The silence breaks when Remy lets out a huff of laughter.
“Well, this I did not expect.” His smile is genuine. Thank the stars I haven’t angered either of them. “We’re generally not in the business of taking hostages, Sebastian. We came here to sweep you to safety from the hands of your enemy, but it seems you’ve taken a fancy to the enemy. Do I have it right?”
I give a helpless shrug, even as my cheeks warm. “Wait till you see him. Then you’ll understand.”
He arches his brows. “That good-looking?”
“You have no idea.” But it’s not just that. I’m drawn to Dominus in a way I can’t ignore. I can’t just vanish, knowing he’ll be worried.
“So what do you suggest?” asks Sachi.
That’s difficult to answer. I’m not even sure what I want. It’s not fair to Dominus to leave without explanation or thanks, but neither is it the plan to remain at The Twig indefinitely. I’m meant to live with The Dozen, to meet other faeries, and though Dominus likes me at least a little, he doesn’t trust me.
The obvious solution should make me happy, but it doesn’t. Instead, an empty sadness worms its way into my chest, cold and heavy.
I sigh and meet her gaze. “Just let me say good-bye.”
CHAPTER11
Dominus
My stomachin knots with worry, I’ve run us both ragged searching for Sebastian. Leonas has shifted to his feline form, a sleek black panther prowling at my side, both of us keeping to the shadows.
Though he caught a scent at the market, no trail remained, so we were left to tear through the city, hoping he’d pick up a whiff to follow.
No such luck.
My nerves hang on edge. My chest is clenched tight. Jittery energy fuels my mad hunt, but my quarry is nowhere to be found. What is there to do but pace the streets of Pest as night turns into morning?
I glance down at the mighty cat. “Leonas, what if we contract our own witch?” As ideas go, it’s not the worst I’ve had, but nor is it the best. No witches powerful enough to trace a portal live within a night’s journey, but a messenger could be sent at once.
His fierce yellow eyes hold the same doubt that’s swirling inside me. A witch may be our only hope, but finding one will take time we don’t have.
