Page 107 of Lucifer's Mirror

I blink open my eyes as someone speaks my name. Then I sit up abruptly as I take in Trystan hovering over me. I glance around, looking for Khaosti. But Trystan is alone, and a shiver of unease washes through me. I definitely don’t trust Trystan.

At least my headache has gone. Does that mean Hecate managed to strengthen the wards? I hope so.

“What do you want?” I ask and don’t try to hide the animosity in my voice. I scramble to my feet; I don’t like to be at a disadvantage with this man. My sword is still stuck in the soft earth, and I pull it out, wipe the blade carefully on my pants leg, and slide it into the scabbard at my back.

“I’m not your enemy,” he says.

“Maybe not. But I don’t think you’re my friend, either.”

“I have been before, and I could be again.”

What does he mean by that? There’s only one thing he could mean. “It was you—that first night we met—who unlocked the door and left me that note and the money?”

“Of course.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re an innocent in this. And you’re caught up in something you can’t understand.”

That doesn’t ring true, mainly because he doesn’t come across as the altruistic type. “I don’t believe you. Try again.”

He gives a shrug. “Okay. Then because you’re messing with Khaosti’s head. He changed after he got the message about you.”

“Of course, you know about that.”

“Khaosti tells me everything. We’ve known each other a long time.”

Unlike me, who’s only known him a matter of weeks, I suppose. I guess he has a point.

“He became obsessed with finding you—said it was Khendril’s wish.” His eyes harden. “He always had a soft spot for Khendril.” He almost sneers the name.

“So, what? You released me hoping those things would finish me off?”Bastard!

“Of course not. I planned to come for you, take you to safety.”

“Of course, you did.” I don’t try to hide my sarcasm.

“It’s true. But I was delayed. And Khaosti beat me to it. By the time I got there, you were gone.”

There’s a ring of truth in his voice now. I’d wondered how his father knew about me if Khaosti didn’t tell him. Now I can guess the answer to that one. “You were going to take me to Khaosti’s father. You’d already told him about me. You knew Khaosti didn’t want his father to know, and you betrayed his trust.”

“Of course, I didn’t. I don’t know how Khronus found out about your existence.”

Liar!

I’ve had enough of this conversation, and I turn to go back to the house. I don’t like being out here alone with Trystan; it makes me feel vulnerable.

“Amber, wait.”

I don’t want to wait, but there’s an urgency in his voice, and I slowly turn back.

“If you care about him at all,” he says, “then you’ll persuade Khaosti to go home. And you will go with him.”

“Why?”

“Because he can’t go up against his father. No one can. There’s a reason Khronus has ruled for so long. He’s powerful and he’s ruthless. Being his son won’t keep Khaosti safe if he betrays his father. And Khronus will see his disobeying a direct order as a betrayal.” He stares at me, and I suspect this time he’s telling the truth. “Do you want him dead?”

Of course, I don’t want him dead. My heart stutters in my chest as I try to imagine a world without Khaosti in it. He’s become so important to me in such a short time. “He won’t listen to me.”