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Save … us …

Unwittingly, I take a step closer to it, my shoulder brushing against the Thief’s.

“I wouldn’t do that.”

“What … is in that water?” I can’t seem to look away.

“What does it matter? None of this is real.”

The next morning, I do in fact skip the meeting, choosing instead to nurse my hangover. (Praise Jesus for fae medicine—that stuff totally works.)

By the time Des and Janus leave their meeting, I’m feeling loads better.

The Day King nods when he sees me, his golden hair shimmering. “Callypso,” he says, formally.

“Janus, may I have a word with you?” There’s something I need to say to the Day King in light of all I know.

He gives me a peculiar look. “Of course,” he says.

Behind him, Des slides his hands into his pockets and meanders over to a nearby guard, striking up a conversation.

I pull the Day King off to the side. “I owe you an apology,” I say to Janus.

Janus looks me over, his eyes a little wary.

He’s afraid of us, my siren whispers,as he should be.

“Actually,” I amend, “I owe you several.” I take a breath. “I’m sorry for acting like a fool yesterday. You and Desmond were just trying to do what was best for your kingdoms; I’m sure my thoughts on literally everything that crossed my mind were exasperating to hear.

“I’m sorry for glamouring you. I don’t know how much Des has told you about sirens”—probably nothing since Des’s least favorite hobby is sharing—“but … sirens enjoy violence and sex; I can’t glamour someone without that aspect of my nature surfacing to some degree. I’m not nice when I use my power; I’m sorry you had to experience it yourself.”

And now for the grand finale of apologies.

“Lastly, I’m sorry I blamed you for kidnapping me. I was … mistaken. I didn’t understand that at the time, but I do now.”

Janus gives me what might be his first genuine smile. It’s unfair for anyone to be as pretty as he is, with his golden hair and bright blue eyes. He’s the sun come to life—blinding in his beauty.

“I appreciate the apologies, Callypso. Despite what you may think, your commentary yesterday lightened a very solemn talk, and I am thankful for that. As for the glamour, if I remember correctly, I was the one who insisted you show me your abilities.

“I will admit, enchanters give me pause; power like that is dangerous in the wrong hands. I do, however, have reason to believe that you are the right sort of person to wield such magic, regardless of your base nature.”

“As for the kidnapping, I cannot imagine enduring such a trial. Of course you are entitled to being confused and mistrustful. I don’t know who or what you saw, but I do believe you.”

He places a hand on my shoulder, his eyes intense. The room darkens a touch, but Janus pretends not to notice.

“Your mate and I already have a strong alliance between our kingdoms,” he says, his blue eyes burning bright, “but we’ve never had a friendship to strengthen that unity. Perhaps, starting today, that can change.”

His fingers press into my shoulder. “I personally vow that should the need ever arise, I will lend you my sword and my assistance.”

It’s not untilDes and I are back in the Kingdom of Night that I’m truly able to breathe again.

The moment we step off the ley line and the cool evening greets us, I feel myself relax.

“God, I missed this place.”

“Getting sentimental, are we?” Des says, tying his hair back into an itsy bitsy bun. I try not to stare at the action, but his black sleeves bunch around his biceps, and the whole thing looks really, really good.

I lift a shoulder. “This place is growing on me,” I say in all honesty.