Page 73 of Hidden

“So it is similar to a basic bond.” Julian frowned, and he nodded to Finn. “What about him?”

I wasn’t sure what Julian was implying, although I suspected. And Kiania’s next words confirmed my thoughts. ‘The energy works the same way, so I don’t think you’ll like the result.’

Damen paled further, and Finn waved his hand in Kiania’s direction. “See what I mean?”

“Without him, Bianca would be left bonded with Kiania, alone,” Damen translated. The foreboding in his expression slowly bled into something furious.

“Why does anyone have to die? Can’t you change the contract?” Miles piqued, his voice almost hopeful. “You’ve already done it once.”

‘We could, but myself and the majority of parties involved have to consent. Why would I do something so stupid?’ Kiania replied lazily. ‘This arrangement works out well for all of us. Removing Mu will kill Finn. Taking him away, will kill her.’

“You’re just protecting yourself,” Damen growled.

‘Perhaps,’ Kiania said, not seeming very threatened.

“She will die if you keep drawing from her,” Damen seethed. “That won’t help you in the end.”

Kiania shrugged, a strange movement for a cat. ‘We all die one day, but I’ve a job to do first.’

“No.” Damen expression filled with determination. “I can handle another shikigami. If you are so keen to be stuck on earth, come back into my service. Release Bianca. I’ll help Finn.”

She laughed—low and mocking. ‘You must think I’m a fool.’

“Why?” Damen raised his eyebrow. “I wouldn’t be able to do anything to you while you’re contracted to me.”

‘Because I don’t want to be with you anymore.’ Her voice was petulant. ‘Why must you always interfere? I’m staying with Mu. Your jealousy is going to be your downfall.’

The heat flared through the room as Damen’s anger became a palpable thing. He stepped toward Kiania, his jaw tight and his fists clenched at his sides. “Why you little—”

My vision flashed red as agony shot through me, breaking through my happy haze. I was being burned alive, the flames fanning up from my feet. My head pounded, and I thought my heart might explode. And—despite the drama—I couldn’t stop the pained noise that escaped.

Time stilled, a growing darkness began to cover my vision, and the room was silent. My body grew impossibly warm as an uncontrollable shaking seemed to take over me.

Titus roared, his arms tightening. Julian yelled something, then shouted at Titus to let me go. And Damen…

He sounded so very far away, but so angry. Then, everything faded into silence.

When I came to, my body ached—the effects of the morphine long forgotten. I was on a bed. In the distance, I could hear arguing. Male voices, loud and angry.

Two bodies pressed to either side of me, the sensation jarring. For an instant, my heart jerked even as my body remained still.

I was simply too exhausted to do anything other than accept it.

But then I heard Julian, his whispering a gentle caress against my ear. His presence caused my panic to flee.

There was nothing to worry about. It was only Miles and Julian, holding me between them as if they wanted to shield me from the world.

Yet it wasn’t me that Julian was talking to, but was, apparently, Damen.

“Why did she lash out in the first place?” Julian’s voice was soft whisper.

“She was using Bianca.” Damen sounded farther away. “It was a warning to not cross her again.” His voice was low. “I wasn’t thinking. I never expected her to—”

“She knows your weakness,” Titus spoke. “The problem is, she’s always known. But she’s never been bold enough to use it against you before. She can read our energy; she knows who we are by sight. It must have been a dream come true for her to find Bianca alone.”

“Daniel Cole planned on using her to hurt you, too.” Miles’s breath brushed over my head, and his chest moved against my nose. “You’ve gotten worse at picking your enemies.”

“I can’t stay away anymore.” Damen sounded sad.