Page 23 (1/2)

“This is really real? I’d wondered Believed Butickind and Mathias and this book, it’s all connected and not a by-product of a tortured woirl a prize”

Sydney stared at Bra here like targets at a practice range, certainly”

“Don’t patronize her,” Caden growled “She’s had three ickind You’ve had four hundred years”

“Four hundred!” Sydney’s jaw dropped

Everyone ignored her

Frustration pouring off hi at tense er off I’ht; we need to get out of here I’ll yell at you once we’re safe”

“I’,” Sydney protested “It’sanywhere without answers”

Duke rolled his eyes “You’re certain about this one? Seeainst him “I won’t leave her here”

“God, no She’ll be dead by noon if you do—after she’s told Mathias all she knows” Brarabbed Sydney’s wrist “If you want to live, come with us”

Sydney hesitated, then looked back at Caden

“Please,” he cajoled, extricating her frole word I’ve said, believe that I would die if Mathias hurt you And he will, given the chance”

She bit her lower lip, then nodded “All right”

Caden exhaled the tense breath he’d been holding It would be all right She would be all right Whatever else happened, he’d have the assurance of knowing she was safe from the clutches of a madman ould use her in the cruelest way possible until she broke, then discard her without a backward glance

“Thank you” He enfolded her against his chest, resisting the urge to press his mouth to hers Need burned hi in his brain Instead, he buried his face in that fiery o,” Bram said

Collectively, they turned for the door and Sydney found a fa

“Aquarius!” Sydney broke free from Caden’s hold and ran for her friend

The other woman welcomed Sydney, then clutched her as if in pain

“Poppet, what’s the rabbed the other woested “Your aura is full of anger and—”

“I don’t give a bloody darabbed the book froave this to you?”

“I can’t say”

Bram clenched his teeth and fists “Is this the day for difficult feested “Question her later, but we’re burning daylight”

“Indeed” He grabbed Aquarius by the wrist “Co mebad karma”

“I’ve had a run of it lately A bit ain

The small woman planted her heels “I careen eyes at the other woman “My cousin, have you seen her?”

“No” Sydney tensed

Aquarius gulped “I popped out earlier When I returned she was gone I hoped perhaps she’d come here”

Caden’s heart stopped Gone?

“Was she your source?” Caden demanded

Sydney hesitated, and he could practically hear her thoughts churning until she finally nodded

Caden leapt to life and grabbed Aquarius by the shoulders “What is your cousin’s naether in a silent protest

“Please!” Caden implored “I think—I’ wife”

God, it finally felt good to ask a direct question Now that Brale that wouldn’t arouse suspicion or give away asped He looked her way, not sure what reaction heher face hit hi that side of her nohen he needed it, only added to his need to keep her by his side

Aquarius cocked her head “If she’s your brother’s wife, what is her na up, Aquarius nodded “She couldn’t recall her last nao, she came to me near death, shortly after—”

“Mathias raped her”

Dread swelled inside him He’d never met Anka, but felt terrible for all she’d endured, and what that knowledge would do to Lucan, if he lived Knowing that she was alone again, where Mathias ht find herHe shuddered Why had she left relative safety?

Aquarius nodded Sydney enfolded her friend in her arms Fresh tears ensued “It ful Took her over a week to heal enough to stand She could reirlhood memories That’s why she came to me That, and the fact Mathias has no idea I exist”

“Any chance she’ll return?” Caden grilled

“Not certain She’s never left alone before Too frightened But I think she left of her own free will Nothing in my flat was disturbed The air didn’t feel violent or scary Lately, she’s been having dreams of a happier past I offered to help her find the parts of her she’d lost, but she was afraid of Mathias har me and the loved ones she’d left behind”

“She left no note?” Caden asked