Page 189 of A Realm of Shattered Lies

“Having all those worlds in your head?”

I shift, though it’s just as uncomfortable to do so. “Crowded,” I say, to which his face lights up in the most tantalizing smile.

“Well, maybe I could help you clear out some space in there.”

“You could?”

“My mind’s notoriously empty. I have plenty of space to share.”

I can’t help but laugh at that, though it almost feels macabre. There’s no way Farin’s mind is anywhere close to empty. In fact, it’s probably full of treacherous murder plots. Like the six uses of the blood of virgins or how to make suffocation a less peaceful way to die.

Still.

It’s nice to be asked.

“I don’t remember everything about all the worlds. You know how you have all these days of your life that you don’t recall a single detail about? It’s like that, but worse, because I just have so many lives to keep up with.”

“Then tell me what you do remember.”

I laugh. “Why do you care?”

“Because I’m bored.”

“And why is that my problem?”

“Because I tend to start contemplating murder when I’m bored, and since you’re the only person around, and I rather fancy you, I’d appreciate it if you kept me entertained.”

There’s an amused dance in the way his eyes twinkle.

Should it give me the warm fuzzies that this male wants a distraction from thinking about murdering me?

Likely not.

Okay, it’s a resounding no.

But coming from Farin, it’s practically a bouquet of my favorite flowers.

“Fine. But only because I’m bored too.”

“We don’t have to tell stories, if you don’t want. I’m sure we could come up with other activities to fill the time,” he teases, and though my heart skips, I hasten to scold it.

Farin is a flirt.

A murdery flirt.

He’s in love with Blaise. No, he’s obsessed with Blaise, because that’s what murdery people do. They obsess.

He just happens to have a rather flirtatious personality. It’s not as if I haven’t met plenty like him in my many lives—males who have their hearts set on one girl alone, yet mask their desire by flirting with any female in sight.

That’s what’s happening now.

Though I let myself be grateful he at least fancies me.

After all, that’s better than him wanting me dead, isn’t it?

“What world are you most interested in hearing about?” I ask.

He grins. “Whatever you’re most interested in.”

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