Page 91 of Enchanted Kisses
“Bastard,” I groaned. First, he tricked me into a vow, then he killed my dad. Caiden was probably next. Not if I could help it!
I stormed into the bathroom and slammed the door.
“Lily?” Raysa opened the door and peeked inside.
“Go away,” I snapped.
“What are you doing?”
“I need a minute.” My breath heated, and my thoughts raced. “Please.” I softened my tone, careful not to tip her off. For my plan to work, I needed her away.
“One minute. Then we’re leaving. I’m sorry. I have to keep you safe.”
I nodded. The second the door closed, I turned on the faucet, water gushing, to mask the sound of cabinets opening and closing. I needed to find it. Caiden once talked about sentries hating oleander, said it was like poison to their kind. I was about to find out.
Dad never traveled without a wood letter opener. Sharp as a knife, it had an oleander engraved near the pointed tip. Mom had given it to him, while pregnant with me, for good luck. She’d carved it herself from wood that she’d soaked in oleander.
I’d always thought it was weird to receive a letter opener for good luck, especially from your wife, but it all made sense now. Last I saw it, Dad had it in his travel case with his razor and shaving cream. I hoped it was somewhere in this bathroom.
A few drawers later, I found nothing and decided to check one last spot before giving up. I opened a small towel closet behind the door. There, on the middle shelf, was Dad’s travel case. Removing it quickly, I rummaged inside until I touched the sharp piece of wood.
Careful not to cut myself, I pulled out the intricately carved letter opener. I stuffed it in my back pocket and untucked my shirt, ensuring the weapon was concealed.
In the mirror, my reflection showed that I was already glowing. I didn’t care. I locked the door and in a quiet voice, called for Dagan. “It’s time,” I said. He’d made sure of that.
A light gust of silver mist spiraled on the tile floor. Dagan appeared, a wicked grin playing at his lips. “Miss me already?”
“Let’s go.” I took his hands, unable to soften my hard expression.
“Your word is my command.” He drew me against his lean, hard body. Cold, damp air instantly surrounded us.
I kept my eyes open, feeling lifted from the earth, knowing that at any second, we’d be gone. Knocking on the door startled me. Raysa couldn’t come in, not yet.
“Lily, honey,” she said. “Come out. Caiden’s here.”
Caiden. For a second, sanity flashed through my mind. Then Dagan and I were surrounded by darkness, lights streaking past my face.
I’d just squeezed my eyes shut when snow crunched beneath my shoes. Evergreen and cinnamon suffused my nose.
We’d arrived.
Clutched in Dagan’s arms, I looked up to the beautiful gray castle of death—possibly my death. Then I looked into Dagan’s starlit eyes, hate numbing me like ice.
He released me. “Do you want to talk about it?”
I stepped back, but not too far away, and glanced around to make sure we were alone. The place was as desolate as the last time. Perfect. But first, I had to know.
“Why?” I put my hands on my hips and lifted the back of my shirt, ready to attack.
His dark brows lifted. “Why what?”
“Did he suffer?” I glared, certain my eyes glowed fluorescent but not caring. “Was it nothing to you? A routine reaping?”
His head tilted and his eyes narrowed. “If you’re meaning to turn me off, I can assure you, you’re doing the opposite.”
Heated energy writhed beneath my skin. “Where is his soul? I deserve to know.”
“If you’re referring to Caiden, I haven’t touched him, as I vowed. I have no need. I won. And as a bonus, I get to keep the only girl he’s ever loved.” He closed the small distance between us. “This storm of yours will fade in time. Or sooner.” With the back of his fingers, he brushed my skin from my temple to my jaw. “I can be seducing in ways you’ve never seen. It won’t be long before you and I agree on many things.”
