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“And what are my actions? What have I done, Robin? Offer humans access to power that Aldrick kept from them? Was my suggestion of balance so terrible?”

“You desire nothing but ruin!”

“Ilongto give the world of my crafting a second chance. I never asked to be used by Altar, I never wanted this consciousness and life. But that was not for me to decide.”

“Liar,” I hissed.

Duncan’s forehead furrowed in deep grooves, worry sent into every crease. “I only wanted a world of peace, Robin. A place in which our creations would live together, equal in power. But no. It was not enough. Ego and jealousy got in the way, deceit between so-called brothers. I am as much a victim as every soul lost in the fight of power and control since my imprisonment.”

“I’ve heard enough,” I lied, because this was the first time Duwar had divulged so much information, knowledge that could be used against him if he just continued to spew it.

Hands shaking, I guided the needle toward Duncan’s neck, searching for a vein whilst Duwar continued to look at me through my love’s eyes. “Ask the right questions, Robin, and you will find yourself with the right answers.”

The needle pricked through skin, the liquid Gardineum slowly entering the vein I found. All the while, the demon-god never looked away from me.

“Rest well, Duwar.”

The demon winced, the creased lines across Duncan’s forehead smoothing as the drug worked its magic. “Time is running out, Robin. For you and for Duncan.”

“I know that,” I said, tears suddenly streaming down my cheeks. Just one look at Duncan and I could see the deterioration. There was no ignoring that I had to go to Lockinge now. I needed to speak to Rafaela so I could get the answers I required if I was to accept Duwar’s offer of transference.

I still could hear it, as clear as it had been spoken the night Duncan awoke possessed by Duwar.

“I will offer you a deal. Provide me access to your body, and I shall give you the world you wish for. The one where you get to haveeverythingyou desire.”

As the drug emptied into Duncan’s blood stream, Duwar faded into silence, his presence departing as the Gardineum overcame his vessel. I half expected Duncan to regain control, but he was too weak to even try. I brushed his hair from his forehead and planted a kiss upon his damp skin. He may not have been conscious, but I hoped that somewhere deep down, he sensed me.

I had to say my goodbyes. I promised to return soon and that he was going to be in safe hands. I was just about to close the door on his room and fall into the routine of breaking down, when a small voice chirped on the bed.

“Darling?”

I paused, daring to look up, scared at what I’d find. Green eyes. Duncan’s eyes. They squinted at me, shadowed by dark circles. He could barely lift his neck up to see me, but gods did he try. His gaze flickered behind me. “Why are you alone? Where is… Erix?”

There was no ignoring the genuine concern in his broken voice.

“He’ll be back soon.” It had barely been any time since he left me, and I craved his return. “Duncan, you need to rest.”

“I know.” Duncan physically relaxed, as if the drug wasn’t enough to do that for him. Clearly, perhaps for differing reasons, he felt the same as I did inside at the knowledge that Erix would be back at Imeria soon.

A shaking hand reached out and grasped mine. I took it, glad for the touch I craved so desperately. “Just promise me one thing, Robin. Please.”

“Anything,” I leaned in close, needing to close the space between us. “Ask me anything, and I will do it.”

Duncan released a heavy breath. “Just promise me you will not send Erix away. Never again. Keep him close… I trust him to care for you as I would…”

Duncan was fading again, his eyes growing heavy, his mouth slack as a rasped breath fought its way out.

I swallowed the urge to scream. “I promise, Duncan.”

The most beautiful but weak smile crested over his face. “Good, my darling. That’s good.”

In those rare moments when he had control over his body, it only reminded me of what I risked losing. It was easier to cope in the silence, easier to pretend Duncan wasn’t possessed.

“I love you, Duncan,” I said, entire body trembling. “You know that, don’t you?”

He nodded, the movement soft and subtle. “I do.”

“Which is why I need to leave you, only for a short while.”