Page 43 of Enchanted Kisses
“You’re coming to the celebration. You have to. It’s the perfect opportunity to introduce you to our world and all it has to offer. Think of it as your big reveal.”
I pictured myself surrounded by beautiful, enchanting,tallsentries. My palms moistened. Attention wasn’t my thing, and now Alliston’s funeral or celebration sounded like a coming out party forme. “I don’t think it’s a good idea.”
“Nonsense. It’s brilliant, and it will be much more fun with you there.” She grabbed a notebook from the desk, sat on the bed, and began to sketch.
“Honestly, I don’t think I should go. I didn’t know him. I possibly killed him, and it doesn’t seem right.”
“Oh, stop.” She waved away my words. “You didn’t kill him and you’re going. I want you there. Caiden wants you there. Alliston would have wanted you there. It’s settled.”
“But I thought you didn’t want me around Caiden?” I stepped closer, craning my neck to see what she drew. The sketch was a beautiful girl with long, wavy hair like mine. She wore a blush-colored ball gown with sparkles, yet Raysa was using a number two pencil. “How did you do that?”
She held the picture up for me to get a better look. “Do you like it? It’s you.”
“That’s not me.” I shook my head, smiling at the gorgeous girl in the picture.
Standing, Raysa tore the sketch from the notebook and tucked it under her arm. “Always a cynic when it comes to your looks. You are beautiful and far more worthy than you think. But you’ll have to see it for yourself for it to be real. As for Caiden…I can’t keep him from you. I, too, believe it is your destiny to heal him.” She released a breath. “There is something else you should know about his past. I’d rather you hear it from me than anyone else.”
My stomach tightened at her tone. “What did he do, murder someone?”
“He is or was a reaper of souls, though I’d hardly consider it murder since the person is already scheduled to die. What I’m referring to is…” She paused, as if searching for the right words.
“Don’t do that,” I pleaded. “Don’t sugarcoat it. Just spit it out.”
“All right.” She studied me. “After the king separated from the queen, he went a little mad. Parties became wilder, indulgences more frequent. As a result, Caiden’s been around the fountain a few times or more…if you know what I mean. But you have to remember, for him, it was normal to beactivein that way.”
I was stunned, even if I shouldn’t have been. It didn’t help that the Caiden I’d known had been a virgin, too. Although I’d never had confirmation of that, just had assumed he was like me. To learn he was proficient when I’d barely made it to third base left my stomach sour.
“I’m telling you this because I don’t want you to be surprised if he comes on strong,” she added. “It’s in his nature. It’s what he knows. As I said, now that you know the truth, he won’t be disguising himself in any way in your presence.”
“Because he’s used to getting what he wants?” I asked.
“All Death Sentries are.”
In the past, shortly before Caiden vanished, I had considered letting him be my first. Who better to share that experience with than your best friend? Sure glad I hadn’t pursued sex with him. I would have seemed like an amateur.
“Don’t worry about me.” I jutted my chin. “I don’t plan on becoming anothertieron Caiden’s fountain.”
“It’s not like that with you,” Raysa said, her tone sincere. “He’s given up everything. His realm. His old life. His old ways. He wants to prove that to you.”
“How, when I can’t trust him? When I’m supposed to be cautious around him? You said he was struggling.” I threw up a hand. “What does that even mean?”
“It means he’s in an in-between stage that we can help him through. It won’t be easy—for any of us. But I have faith in him. I hope you can, too.”
I glanced down. “You’re just friends. You don’t have as much to lose.” When I realized I’d spoken my thoughts out loud, my gaze shot up. “I don’t know why I said th—” My words cut off. That was a lie? This was going to be harder than I thought.
“If Caiden leaves, the Realm of Life has a great deal to lose.” Raysa sounded more worried than angry. “It’s late. You need to sleep, and I have things to tend to.” Her gaze sharpened on me.“Do be careful around Dagan. He’s not to be trusted. We’ve tried to keep you hidden from him, but now that he’s found you, he’ll do all he can to persuade you to his realm.”
“That’s something you don’t have to worry about,” I said, relieved she didn’t dish more trash about Caiden. “He’s crazy. And I—”
“Need to avoid him at all costs,” she finished for me. “Caiden and I are working on a spell to hide your goddess half. In the meantime, avoidance is imperative. Your house, car, and classes are safe. I cast spells over each that prohibits Dagan from entering. We don’t believe he knowswhatyou are, other than of great interest to Caiden.”
Excitement stirred low in my belly at her last sentence. I tried to ignore it. “How am I supposed to avoid him when he appears out of nowhere?”
“You’re a part of our world now. Encounters with Death Sentries are inevitable. The sooner you learn to deal with them, the better. Either I or another sentry from my realm will be with you most of the time. You’re always safe with one of us.”
“What am I supposed to do, run from my car to my classes and hope he doesn’t jump me?”
“He won’t try anything in public.” She touched my arm.
