Page 33 of Tempting Shadowed Hearts
I cross my arms over my chest. “What does this have to do with Roxi and all three of us being able to look into her eyes?”
“She’s the first gorgon to have been born in centuries—”
“I’m well aware of that. I was alive when they were killed off. Hell, I even killed some of them myself,” I say, getting irritated.
His eyes narrow at me. “Let me finish my explanation, Avyanna. Several eons ago, gorgons roamed the Earth in search of their Synkairós—Synkai for short. Their Synkai were like their soulmates, yet so much more. A life partner. Someone who understood them and didn’t fear them. A missing piece of their soul. Without them, they were destined for insanity.
“From what I understand, gorgons weren’t limited to one Synkai. The most impressive thing about this, though, is that gorgons and their Synkai could make eye contact without anything happening to either person. Sound familiar?”
My mouth hangs open. I’m completely speechless.
Alaric laughs. “Your kind have something like a soulmate they believe in, too, right?”
“We do. Sielunkumppani,” I whisper.
He nods. “That’s Finnish, right? Meaning soul companion?”
“Yeah. I was born and mostly raised in what’s considered modern-day Finland, so Finnish was my first language. But I’ve never believed in Sielunkumppani before. I’ve never seen anyone who has one,” I say, staring off into space.
“How many others of your kind do you actually know?”
“I haven’t met another doppelgänger in centuries. Even before then, I’d only ever really seen my family.”
A smile spreads across Alaric’s face. “Exactly. So how would you even know if it’s real or not, according to your kind’s definition?”
“You’re not wrong,” I mumble, still staring into space.
“Could Adrestia and Roxanna possibly be this for you?”
My eyes drift to him again. “I have absolutely no clue.”
“Do they make you feel like you belong with them?” Alaric asks.
I consider his question for a minute before replying. “They do. But how do you know that?”
He shrugs. “I’ve been around for a very long time, as have you. But we’ve worked on opposite sides of the coin. You know more about the monsters of the supernatural world—that’s been your specialty for years. I know a little bit about a lot of things. Just because I’m ‘The Retriever’ for the demons does not mean that’s all I know about.”
“That kind of felt like an insult, but whatever. This is just a lot to comprehend,” I say, ending on a whisper.
Alaric shakes his head. “It wasn’t an insult in the least, Anna. You have a specialty, and you stick to it. I’m what the humans like to call a ‘jack of all trades’. I love to learn about everything and anything, even if it’s only just a little.”
“Okay, well. I really should get going. Thanks for everything.”
He smiles. “No problem. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you at some point before long.”
Chapter sixteen
After Vaelyn left me in the alley, I decided to go straight back to my apartment. I couldn’t bring myself to work on the case, even if that means another woman shows up dead. It’ll be my fault, but I don’t care at the moment.
Dejection is a bitch, and I’m taking it really fucking hard right now.
As much as I want Vaelyn to stay, I won’t keep her against her will. She’s a free spirit, and I know I couldn’t confine her because I’ve felt the same way before. My family held me back for far too long when all I wanted was to be free.
When I get to my door, dread settles like a weight in my chest. My apartment is going to be far too quiet, and that’s the last thing I want, especially after last night. Memories already play on repeat in my mind of the time we spent together.
I fling the door open and don’t even make sure it gets closed before I’m stomping across my penthouse—I just want tocollapse in my bed. The moment I end up on it, I instantly regret my decision. My sheets still smell like her. I know I should make myself get up, but instead, I bury myself in her scent.
What can I say? I’m a glutton for punishment.
