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“If you’re actually worried about it, then you should be more than happy to help with this plan.” I said. “You said it yourself, we need to think this through. She needs a reason to stay around all of us. Being ‘married’ to you solves that.”

Bryce rubbed his forehead. “I’m her brother.”

“But no one who would call us out knows that,” I pointed out. “The marriage would only be on paper, just until we can have her legally emancipated from her adoptive parents. And Bryce, if you don’t do it,heis still an option.” I pointed at Finn.

It wouldn’t happen—Julian would murder him first. But Bryce obviously needed incentive.

Finn straightened, hardly containing the eagerness in his expression. “Like I said, I could—”

“No.” Bryce glowered in his direction. “I’m grateful you took care of her when we couldn’t, but she’s not getting married to you. Your feelings are fairly obvious and this needs to be a façade.”

“A Xing can’t get married anyway,” Finn pointed out. “It would still be fake.”

“That’s not entirely true.Legally, we can get married,” I said.

Some of us had been married—and had children—in past lives. But the resulting complications was what caused these rules to be enacted to begin with.

“The consequences of us marrying would be severe,” I said. “And we agreed to follow these rules. Considering that, if she’s actually married when everything comes out, it would be even worse for her.”

Bryce sighed, defeat already weighing heavy on his face. “This is still stupid. She hates me. She’s not going to say yes.”

I shrugged. “We can always ask Brayden. He knows who she is, right?”

“Don’t ask Brayden.” Bryce rolled his eyes. “And of course he knows who she is. But Brayden doesn’t know how to be subtle. He hides behind sarcasm and humor, but he’s about ready to snap. He’s been holding back the urge to fight the lot of you off every time you come near her.”

“He’s better at being subtle than you are with being sensitive,” Finn said. “Remember, if you do this, she’s been through a lot. You cannot be a horrible person. You can’t beyourself.”

“Why does it sound like you’re reciting a line? Someone must have told you this recently, I presume.” Bryce shot a glare at Finn. “Besides, didn’t you already lose control around her? Didn’t you curse her, or some sort like that? What did you do anyway? I’ve never been able to get a straight answer.”

“I didn’t mean to do it. We can talk about it later.” Finn’s expression closed—he was hiding something. “First we need to get Bianca home. Then we can deal with everything else.”

I watched Finn in suspicion. “Wasn’t it a part of your plot to keep her locked away, andonthat medication? Why are you suddenly being so helpful?”

Finn crossed his arms, looking at the floor. “I didn’t think she was ready. I still don’t think she is. But there’s nothing to be done about it now. I always knew she’d hate me afterward.”

I frowned, resisting the urge to point out that it was his own fault she hated him.

“I’d hoped for more time,” Finn said. “But that’s passed. The only thing I’ve left to loseisher, even if she won’t talk to me. I just want her to stay alive. So, yes, I’ll help you, but I have a request.” He looked at Bryce. “Can youpleaseconvince her to stay on her medication? She has to be monitored before she can stop it.”

Bryce scowled, distrust flashing through his eyes. “Why?” When Finn didn’t answer, he pressed. “What are you watching her for, exactly? It’s unnecessary to control her empathic abilities. Brayden can help her. We are prepared to deal with her background and how it might affect that aspect of her powers. But I get the impression that’s not where your concerns lay. Or at least not all of them.”

I glanced between the two of them, my senses on high alert. Bryce was right, Finn wasn’t telling us something. This entire discussion rubbed me the wrong way.

“Finn.” I waited until his eyes met mine. “Where’s your shikigami?”

A muscle in his jaw jerked at my question. “Why?”

“That’s a good question,” Bryce said. “In fact, why don’t you summon her here? It’s been a while since I’ve seen Kiania.”

Finn’s pale face grew even whiter. “I don’twantto summon her. We don’t get along. Why do you want to see her anyway? What, exactly, are you accusing me of?”

I’d always distrusted Finn because he was odd and secretive. He was socially awkward, and rude. And I disliked like how he lied to Bianca and how he’d spoken to her.

But right now, I wasn’t getting malicious vibe from him. In fact, he seemed to be one second from bursting into tears.

This was not the look of an evil man. He did know something, but he didn’t do whatever thing he was hiding. At least not on purpose.

He almost seemed afraid for his life.