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“And now, for the good news.”

Soleil didn’t answer, didn’t really trust Crystal’s version of good news since she had learned how to be pessimistic from Crystal herself.

“You canstillget rid of it by being a heartkeeper—-”

She started to shake her head, but Crystal said insistently, “It is the only way, Soleil. Theonlyway.”

Her voice was flat. “No.” She knew what Crystal said made sense. Heartkeeping was the easiest way for her to save her life. Buteasywasn’t always the best...or the right thing to do.

“Just choose any demon—-”

“And let the demon die so I can live?”

“We’re talking about demons, Soleil.Demons, you fool!”

She had never heard Crystal shout...until now.

“A demon is the reason why you have this curse in the first place,” Crystal snarled. “Your demonic parent unloaded his or her curse on you. That’s how demons are—-”

“Not all of them.” She swallowed. “I know you don’t believe me, and that’s okay. But I’m no rookie who hasn’t seen the world and still thinks everything is black and white. I’ve seen its darkest corners. I’ve been there, I’ve fought there, and...”

The image of the marquis flashed in her mind.

And almost as if he sensed her pain, she could feel him inside her mind, a strong and steady presence that told her she only had to say the word and he would break all the spell barriers Crystal erected in her office so he could speak to her.

Soleil swallowed. “I just can’t, Crystal.” She bowed her head. “I just can’t.”

Crystal didn’t answer.

Slowly, Soleil raised her head, and she was aghast to see her former adviser weeping silently.

“You’re like a child to me, Soleil. When I lost my son, training you and ensuring you would beat your curse became my reason to live. Please don’t force me to endure the death of another child.”

IT WAS A QUIET ANDwithdrawn Soleil that came back to the marquis’ side. She expected him to demand what was wrong, to threaten to have ANEX burned down, but instead he did something she did not expect at all.

He did not ask.

He did not say a word.

He simply drew her to his side, his arm around her, while he held the reins with his other hand and drove her home.

Rain started to fall midway and she welcomed it. Rain splashing on the ground, coupled with the sound of hooves clobbering the stony ground, drowned out all else, including the sound of her tears.

Get rid of it by being a heartkeeper.Crystal’s words rang in her ears.

The other woman made it sound so easy, and maybe it was for Crystal, because she cared nothing about the lives of demons.

She thought about her family, remembered Aurora crying silently, Fleur talking excitedly about wedding plans, and her father earnestly offering a dowry to the marquis. They had allbeen happy. Relieved. Grateful. Because they knew about her curse, and they had thought she would die.

But then the marquis had come, wanting to marry her, and they had thought their prayers were answered.

But they weren’t.

She might still die, and she just didn’t have the courage to tell them that.

“Lady Soleil...”

“Yes, milord?” Even as she answered him, she didn’t open her eyes, didn’t stir from the warm, safe haven she had found in his arms.