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He raised one haughty eyebrow. “Why do you assume I caused the fissure between us?”

“Because I know him. I’m his mate.”

He laughed, the sound echoing around the dungeon walls. “You know nothing.”

“Not true. You just told me a whole load of stuff about him, which in some weird way makes a ton of sense.” She narrowed her eyes. “Why?”

“As his mate, you should know the truth?”

“I don’t believe that for a second. I’ve never met a Fae who didn’t put their needs front and center. You told me because you want me to do something either for you, or for him. And somehow, I doubt it’s for him.”

“He is too powerful to exist.” The Fae stood and walked over to the door, his tattooed back to Ella. Whatever runes were inscribed on his skin moved and flexed with his moods, creating a fascinating pattern of discord. “I reluctantly agreed that he could stay in your world, but it seems he cannot keep away from mine.”

“Adam made him come back.”

“You don’t really believe that, do you?”

She put all the conviction she had into her voice. “I saw how strong Adam and the sect were. I assume Vadim had no choice.”

“That’s impossible. His power is unassailable.” He looked over his shoulder at her. “Hewantedto come back.”

“Are you afraid that when he’s finished with Adam, he’ll come after you?”

Invisible fingers closed around her throat and she gasped for breath, her own hand clawing at nothing. As quickly as the pain started, it stopped.

“Do not, as you say, push your luck, Soul Sucker. My motive in telling you about your mate’s lies was pure.”

Ella said nothing to that piece of bullshit, and he slowly walked back toward her.

“What do you want me to do?”

His smile was charming. “Persuade him to return to your world.”

“And if he doesn’t want to go?”

He studied her upturned face. “You have an unique bond with him. If anyone can make him leave, it will be you.”

“And if I don’t want him back?”

“We will bring him to trial for his crimes against his family.”

She snorted. “If you can catch him.”

“You could bring him to us, Soul Sucker.”

“Why would I do that?”

“As you said, he deserted you. What better way to make him pay for his crimes than to betray him?”

“The way you Fae stab each other in the back so easily just amazes me.” She shook her head. “If I want revenge on him, I’ll do it myself, and not to make you happy.”

“Then, there is another way.” He opened his hand to show her a small dagger made from a dark reddish-brown metal that didn’t shine at all. “Kill him.”

She stared at the blade for a long moment. “How can I do that, when I’m chained up in the Fae queen’s dungeon?”

“If you help me save Otherworld from your monstrous mate, I will order my wife, the queen to release you into my custody.”

“She won’t do it.”