Page 123 of The Curse Breakers

His eyes glittered with excitement. “You’re a smart girl. It only makes you more perfect.” He reached a hand toward me. “Come sit with me, Ellie.” He walked backward, his hand extended, beckoning me to follow.

I ignored his hand but moved toward him.

There was a light behind him, and I could see a canopy daybed with gauzy curtains blowing in the wind. Candle filled lanterns hanging from poles as well as candles on the ground surrounded the bed, their flames flickering brightly.

“What is that?” My heartbeat sped up and fear crawled up my spine.

He ignored my question and sat down in the middle of the bed. “Do you realize how extraordinarily unique you are, Ellie?” He shrugged. “I’m not surprised if you don’t. I didn’t realize it until after I was released from Popogusso.” He crossed his legs and gave me a half shrug. “But youarecorrect. I was planning to destroy you until I considered your potential and realized you were too important to waste. Too perfect. Not only are you a pure soul, but you also have the power of a Curse Keeper.”

My stomach rolled into a tight ball as I stopped several feet from the bed. What could he possibly hope to gain from that? “I’m not sure how that helps you.”

He leaned back on his elbows. “Mishiginebig and the others—do you know how they came into existence?”

I had seen it in my vision in the ocean with Collin when I’d reexperienced creation. “You created them.”

“Yes. Some. There are spirits who were created by Ahone that are still loyal to him, but they are weak.”

That was news to me. I hadn’t realized there were benevolent spirits.

“But there are others, Ellie. Half man, half immortal.”

“Like Ukinim and Ilena?”

“No, they were humans who were turned into animals.” He leaned forward. “There are others who resemble humans—some more, some less. But none are perfect. Yet.”

I shook my head, my nerves on edge. I was afraid to hear the rest.

“I made my creations to rival Ahone’s precious human race, but when he split himself apart, he kept the essential piece that made men and women. I couldn’t make them on my own, so I sought help.”

“Where? Who?”

“How were you created, Ellie? How didyoucome into the world?”

The blood squeezed from my head, fear of what he might be suggesting making me light-headed. “My parents.”

“Exactly. You hadparents.” He stood and moved next to me. I backed up until my shoulder bumped into a lantern post. “My later creations also had parents—a human mother and myself. But their mothers weren’t strong enough and their humanity was overpowered by my own traits. I need someone stronger.”

I shook my head, hysteria bubbling in my throat. “No.”

“You areperfect. Your soul is pure, and you have the power of the sea. Together we can make children to rival Ahone’s.”

“No!”

“I can offer you anything you desire if you cooperate, Ellie. Anything.” His smile was warm and adoring.

“Why?Why would you do this? You have enough monstrosities running loose. Why would you want more?”

“Because you’re exactly right. They are monstrosities. I tried over and over again to perfect them. Is it so wrong to want a perfect child? You can help me.”

“No.” I shook my head repeatedly. “I won’t do it.”

He stared into my eyes lovingly, his smile so genuine and understanding. So deceiving. “Ellie, you don’t have a choice.”

“The hell I don’t.” I shoved his shoulder hard and burst free, intending to run to the beach.

Daddy stood at the edge of the trees.

I froze, my feet digging into the sand. I almost fell forward. “Daddy?”

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