Page 131 of Hexbound

"No. I decided to hand you the key for the sheer enjoyment of it."

"You don't know me. The second this is off"—Sebastian wriggled his wrist and the manacle clanked—"I could kill you."

"You might try. But if push comes to shove, I know who walks away from a confrontation between the pair of us. You have strength beyond my comprehension, but strength is not enough when it comes to sorcery. I could tie you in knots and deflect everything you throw at me. You have no training. No control. Just a child lashing out with big fists, destroying the world around him. You're dangerous."

"You didn't tie me in knots the other night."

Bishop's gaze narrowed. "The other night I'd been flinging sorcery around for over an hour. Now I'm rested."

Sebastian jammed the key in the lock on the manacle and twisted. The second it sprang free, he could feel the sweet flush of power rushing through him. He stood, rubbing his wrist, and Bishop mirrored him. There was a moment, just a moment....

"So what now?" he asked. "You just let me walk out of here?"

"I have a proposition for you."

Of course. "Thanks, but I've heard that before."

Bishop's jaw tightened. "Like I said, you have no control. I could tie you in knots right now. But Drake asked me to look after you before he sacrificed himself. That's what I intend to do."

"Do I get to call you big brother?" Sebastian started shaking off the muscle aches of the last few days, eyeing the door.

"You can call me master."

The way he said it beckoned another quip, but Sebastian looked at him thoughtfully. What did that mean?

"Someone reminded me that there is more than one way to deal with a threat. I am offering to teach you to control your sorcery."

"What?" Morgana had taunted Sebastian for years over his lack of knowledge. It was the only means she had of keeping him under control, when his power reservoirs overwhelmed hers. This Bishop must be toying with him.

Bishop reached inside his coat pocket and withdrew a flask, tossed it toward him. "You want to learn how to wield your sorcery? Then I will teach you. All I ask in return is that you help me and Lucien free Drake."

Sebastian twisted the cap and sniffed suspiciously. "Water?"

Bishop headed for the door. "You were expecting poison?"

"Who knows?" he muttered, starting after him. None of this made any sense.

Light streamed in through the doorway. Bishop held it open for Sebastian, gesturing him through first. A knot of something—hesitation—speared through him. He didn't understand any of this. People didn't just help you out of the goodness of their own hearts. And Bishop didn't like him, that much was clear.

So what was the catch?

"Seriously, I've seen virgin brides with less reluctance than you," Bishop growled. "Speaking of which, there's someone who wants to see you."

Cleo would be waiting, no doubt.

"No," he said with more force than absolutely necessary.

Bishop quirked a brow, and Sebastian looked away. She'd given up so much already for him. He couldn't... simply couldn't see her again. All he would bring into her life would be destruction. She'd already lost her Sight, her major gifts, because of him. Guilt pounded down again. First Cleo, and now Drake.You will ruin all of those around you.His mother whispered poison in his memories.That's all you are, Sebastian. All you will ever be....

He ought to get the hell out of there. Leave this entire mess behind him, and get away before he brought Cleo more grief. But Bishop's offer to teach him was far too tempting. Control equaledfreedom. Nobody would ever enslave him again. It also meant vengeance.

"She's your wife," Bishop said.

"A marriage of convenience to meld the truce between my mother and her father," he replied coldly. Then realized that he lied. She'd become so much more to him in such a short time.

Better off without him. He just had to convince himself of that.

"Perhaps it’s for the best," Bishop said slowly. "You need to learn to stop relying on Expression when you wield your power, and she clearly stirs up your emotions."

"Just...." Sebastian hesitated, feeling that ticking link that stretched away into the distance, where Cleo lay. "Just keep her away from me."

Bishop stared at him for a long moment, then nodded. "As you wish. Best come up to the house and get some rest. We start tomorrow. We have a demon to find, and five years' worth of training to push into your head."

And so Sebastian stepped into the light, though he carried the darkness within him.