Page 128 of Dark Souls

“Then just come out here!”

“I can’t!”

“Why not?”

He hissed through his fangs. “It’s best I show you.” As he attempted to step over the threshold, an invisible force immediately flung him backwards. I gasped, racing up the steps and back inside to help him off the floor.

“What the hell was that?” I turned to stare at the door, making my way back over to it and cautiously stepped through the front door again. Nothing happened. I peered back at him as he stared at me, willing me to make the connection. “You can’t leave? Are you trapped here by magic? But… you do leave. You go to events and the club.”

“When?” he asked, prompting me to think.

“At night. You can only leave the house at night?”

“Only when the sun sets.” My lips parted. That made so much sense. “Unless…” he pushed, trying to get my brain to search for more.

“Unless…” I narrowed my eyes, walking up to him. “The Devil lets you out?”

He nodded. “Control.”

“I knew I could still sense magic in this place! Luka, Leif could easily lift this spell. Or my mum, my grandpapi, my uncle! Take your pick.”

“No.” He shook his head. “Nothing can change until you know everything. I can’t risk him finding out anything is different.”

It was my turn to clench my fists as my nails dug into the palm of my hands. Luka had been the Knowltons’ captive, and now he was The Devil’s? But where did Heathen fit into all of this?

“If you are here, day and night unless you are at anUndergroundevent, where is Heathen? I haven’t seen him since he came here last week, and he was so… intense. Someone must be keeping him away from me. Is it you?”

Luka held my gaze, his red eyes darting between mine as he inhaled sharply. “Keep researching, love. You’re getting closer to the truth.” He turned away and made his way upstairs. “There’s anUndergroundevent tonight and I have to go. I don’t want you here alone, so I need you to go to your flat.”

I frowned, following him up and into the bedroom. He tugged his t-shirt over his head and put on a fresh one, pairing it with a leather jacket.

“An event? Let me come.” I demanded, folding my arms across my chest.

“Not to this one.”

“Why not?”

“It’s not safe.”

“None ofTheUndergroundevents are safe. Why is this one any different? What aren’t you saying, Luka?” I was picking up on his subtle cues. The way he never looked me directly in the eye when he wanted to keep something hidden or the way he always clicked his neck to the side when he was feeling pressured or stressed. Just like he did a second ago.

“It’s a very exclusive event for a very particular clientele. The worst kind.” He opened the dresser and took out two very intimidating knives. The first knife was solid silver, and the second was wood. He bent down and hid each one in his boots.

“What’s the event?” I pushed for more information. No way in hell I was dropping this. “You don’t really expect me to stay here without a clue what kind of danger my soulmate is putting himself in tonight?”

“It’s the kind I am used to. You don’t need to worry about me.” He walked up to me, placing a haste kiss on my lips and then leaving the room. I spun around, hot on his heels.

“Ah ah! You do not get to kiss me like you are off to run a quick errand, disappear without another word and expect me to sit at home like your obedient little housewife! I want to come! Or at least, give me the details. Otherwise, all I will do is let my imagination run wild and worry all night long! Is that what you want for me?” I batted my eyelashes at him and he scoffed.

“Nice try. But no, you aren’t coming. Grab some books, go to your flat. Oh, how’s that for timing? The sun has set. I’ll text you when I am back.”

“Luka!” I yelled when he blurred down the stairs and out of the door. I stamped my foot with frustration and, in a flash, he was right in front of me again. He grabbed the nape of my neck and crashed his lips against mine in a hot as fuck kiss that took me completely by surprise. When he inched back, he smirked down at me.

“Such a brat,” he husked, and then he was gone again, leaving me not only pissed but all hot and bothered too.

Still an asshole, I see.

I’d warned him. Tell me what to do, and I’ll do the opposite just to spite him. So there I was. Sticking around in the Knowlton’s library, so I could at least be productive while he was gone and occupy myself enough to stop me from going insane with worry.