My body was reacting, shaking, and beginning to perspire despite the nonexistent temperature. I clasped and unclasped my fists. Control. If I lost it now, she’d chain me in this room for eternity.
“A human would’ve died if Balen was sent to Rest. They’re Bonded,” I stated.
“Why did you not mention this at the Deaconry?”
“I didn’t know then.” My rage was clawing at my insides, wanting to be released, eager to taste blood and rip apart anything that could satisfy it. The tattoo on my neck began to slither across my skin, and soon, I’d have no control. I needed my pills or out of this room. Soon.
The bands on my wrists tightened and I took several deep breaths. Trapped in a room by a female was not something that helped my anger. It made it worse.
“Who Bonded them?”
I hesitated. Azzurra didn’t know a Wraith was responsible? Interesting. Well, I had no intention of informing her of Genevieve’s meddling, as I might yet require the Wraith of Water’s assistance to get me the hell out of here.
“I don’t repeat myself,” she said.
“And I don’t always have to answer to you.” I was eager for harsh retaliation. I knew pain, lived it, and it had become a familiar and comforting emotion. I never feared it, not like the rage that lived hovering close to my surface, ready to be released. Pain was my control. I needed it more than anything.
Azzurra laughed, her head thrown back and a wide smile extenuating her exotic mouth. “The ever-defiant one. I knew that’s why I liked you. Just like your mother. You realize you’re the only one ever to speak to me as such? Refreshing and . . . stupid. Have it your way. You’ll remain in the realm until Balen is brought to justice.” The smile disappeared. “You’ll be free to walk among us here as a sign of respect. However, the gold bands will remain. But you may have this.” She threw me the duck head dispenser. “I know of your rage, Waleron, and your Ink. Remain under control whilst living among us, or you will spend your days here in this room. And I know it’s the last place you would choose to be.”
Before she evaporated, she floated into the air and peered at me. “I hope for your sake this matter is resolved. It would displease me greatly to have to replicate your mother’s fate.”
“Like it matters to me.” Death would end my torment, stop the rage and my constant need to feel pain.
But I’d never leave her. Never be able to walk away from one woman.
Azzurra tilted her head, and for several seconds, her eyes remained a bright gold. “I like you, Waleron. But remember, without me, you and your Scars will cease to exist.”
“And without us, you will have no one to fight.”
“Touché,” she said, smiling. “Well then, it is in our best interests to continue to work together.” Her figure began to dissolve into particles of brightly-colored specks, then she disappeared, taking the coldness with her.
The wall in front of me dissolved into nothing and, suddenly, I was standing in the Deaconry room. Shit, the Wraiths had more power than they knew what to do with. I walked out of the room, down a hall, and into a garden with dozens and dozens of red and white roses. I ignored the flowers and walked the path. I had no clue where I was headed, but it was someplace other than that gray room.
My breath sucked from my lungs, and my body froze. Her familiar scent slammed into me like a brick wall. I never forgot it. Never could. Even with all my powers, I couldn’t erase the one scent that ripped me apart too many times to count.
But it was impossible, because she couldn’t be in the realm.
Yet I heard her footsteps.
Her breath.
She was here. Behind me.
I turned.
I had no place to run. He’d already sensed me behind him. Christ, this was the worst possible scenario. I never intended him to find out I was here. It was my haven away from him, away from the constant torture of his memory invading my mind. Maybe this time it wouldn’t hurt as much.
“What the hell are you doing here, Delara?” His voice was cruel, low and husky. I knew that voice and it made me want to run, leg muscles twitching to take the familiar road and escape. It wasn’t because I feared him, but because it brought back memories of what he’d said to me that day when he ripped me apart and left.
His hands curled into fists at his sides. “Answer me,” Waleron shouted.
I jerked. It was rare he shouted. He was always in control, steady and stable, but it was different today. My eyes drifted to his fists and when I looked back up at him, I saw the flicker of . . . unease. That was impossible. Waleron was as hard as a freakin’ rock. But as he strode toward me, I noticed his hands uncurl. Three steps, two steps, one step. The air left my lungs as his scent barreled into me.
His voice softened. “Delara, answer me.”
I licked my dry lips and straightened my back as I faced the one man who had destroyed my heart. But I was stronger now. I’d repaired it.
Before I could answer, a ball of fire appeared and Edan flashed into human form beside me.
Shit.
His arm went around my waist and he pulled me against his side. Double shit.
It was the first time I’d ever seen Waleron surprised, but his reaction was quick. His brows rose and the blue in his eyes flashed lighter then went dark again. His stunned look disappeared and was replaced with the familiar resolve of a man with power and control.
“Edan.” Waleron bowed his head with respect and Edan, surprisingly, returned the gesture.