Page 88 of Trapped for Her Blood

“The myth of Gullveig also mentions transformations,” Zuben says. “Rebirth. Burning.Thrice burned, thrice reborn.That is the loose translation of one line from the only Norse poem remaining that mentions Gullveig.”

“Remaining?” I ask.

He nods. “I have come to believe that the ancient wielders of magic destroyed all the evidence they could of Gullveig.”

“Why?”

“That I do not know.” Zuben raises his hand to stroke his chin as he thinks. “Given the mention of rebirth and burning, some believe that the phoenix myths are related to the Illuminant, but that link is less clear to me.”

He shakes his head. “At one point, I even considered whether the transformation references could mean the Illuminant was an animal shifter.” He turns toward Axe. “But I rejected that hypothesis.”

Axe’s fingers tighten on my arm, his grip so tight it’s almost hurting, so I reach out from the blanket to touch his hand, and he relaxes his grip.

“How much does Octavia know about your research?” Ryker asks.

Zuben nods. “No one knows more about my research than Octavia,” Zuben replies.

Ryker leans forward. “Why the fuck would you tell that bitch anything?”

Zuben frowns. “You were the one who was herlover.”

“Touché.” Ryker leans back. “But Tavi wasn’t powerful when I met her. She had a fire in her, sure.” He whistles as he exhales. “She grew up around violence and, shit, her father pretty much sold her to that asshole who raped her. But…” He shakes his head. “I have no fucking idea how she got all her power.”

“From witches,” Axe says. “I keep telling you.” He glares at Zuben. “She got her power from witches.”

Ryker scoffs.

“I too met her before she was powerful,” Zuben says, his brow furrowing as if he’s in thought. “Even then, she was curious and ambitious.

“The former CEO of DEFTA was her Maker and he treated her like a daughter. She was very close to him, wanting to learn every aspect of the syndicate’s operations. He gave her free rein to ask questions. That is how she first heard of my research.”

“Shit.” Ryker shakes his head. “Bet she planned to take over the syndicate right from the start.”

“Perhaps.” Zuben shrugs. “She first came to me to learn about DEFTA’s wealth, our role in the global financial markets, but when she learned of my…hobby, my interest in the myth of the Illuminant, she grewverycurious.

“Then after she became CEO, she encouraged me, gave me unlimited time and DEFTA resources to expand my research.” He draws a long breath. “I admit I was thrilled to have someone so…interested in my work.”

Zuben’s eyes open wide, as if he’s just put something together. He turns to Axe. “You said Octavia seemed disappointed after she turned you?”

Axe nods.

Zuben gasps. “Octavia thought she could use you to create an Illuminant.” His voice is full of wonder.

“Why the fuck would she think that?” Axe asks.

“Because I told her my theory that the Illuminant might be a shifter/vampire hybrid.”

“It’syourfault?” Axe tenses, but I grab his hand.

“You’reresponsible for all that I’ve lost, for what I’ve become?”

“Wait!” I say, and Axe remains still, his body pulsing with pent up tension and rage.

“Let Zuben explain,” I say holding Axe’s hand. “I’m sure he wasn’t the reason your family was captured and murdered.”

“Murdered?” Zuben asks his voice hoarse. “Your family was murdered?”

“Tell me that you aren’t responsible,” Axel says, his voice a deep growl.