“Because you don’t believe you are that powerful, my love,” he says as he takes my hand. “She also said she had a daughter,” he adds carefully. “That they have a daughter.”
“Yes, Cassis,” I say without thinking and then curse myself. Shit, shit, shit. Watch what you say, woman.
His eyes light up. “You saw her?”
“Briefly. In the Entrance Hall,” I backtrack. “Before they thought I had lost my mind and ushered me off for peace and solitude,” I say, hoping he drops it.
He frowns at me. “They thought you had lost your mind?”
“Well, I was acting very strange and I was devastated that Cole and Devon weren’t there. I think they thought I had a breakdown. But I don’t want to talk about that anymore. I need to discuss something else with you.”
“Oh, so you didn’t really see what she was like?” he continues, ignoring me.
“No. But she has blonde hair and looks just like you,” I say, giving him something. “And she adores you. Other you. As he does her. I could tell by the way they looked at each other.”
“Oh, Aefre. I want her so much. When can we do the ritual again?”
“Soon. But please, Constantine, I need to talk to you about something else.”
He looks serious then as I have called him by his full name. “What is it? Is everything okay?”
“That depends on you,” I say, standing up and pacing. This is an awkward conversation to be having and I am vastly uncomfortable.
“Me?”
“Yes, you.” Might as well just spit it out. “I spoke with Sebastian before I came here,” I say, turning to face him full on. I am sure my expression will tell him everything he needs to know about what that conversation was about.
“Oh,” he says flatly. “I see. You have decided to comply to my request?”
“Yes,” I say quietly. I drop to my knees at his feet and take his hands. “He is in so much pain after what she did. I feel like I need to do something…but only if you still agree.”
He just looks at me for a long time, silently.
“Of course,” he says, clearing his throat. “You are still the only one we can trust. And he has feelings for you. He won’t treat you badly or make you feel used.”
“CK,” I say as I sense his pain, “I…”
“No, Aefre. It is fine,” he says, taking my hands and kissing them. “Have you discussed when?”
“No. But there’s more I have to say.”
“Okay?”
I stand up again and start to pace again. “Only the three of us will ever know about this. If you are thinking that you can somehow get this to work in your favor and you tell Cole about it, I swear to the old gods, Constantine, I will take off this ring and run and you will never see me again. I know Sebastian won’t say anything because he has a lot to lose if I refuse to see him again, so if Cole ever finds out, I know it will be you.”
“You think that I would betray you to get y
ou?” he asks me in disbelief as he stands up to face me.
“I think, the thought has crossed your mind and I am just telling you how strongly I feel about keeping this a secret.”
“Oh, Aefre. When will you see that I would never do anything to intentionally hurt you? Not to mention that it would also hurt Sebastian if you stopped taking care of him. You should know I would never do that, to either of you.”
“Fine, I just wanted to make myself clear. Which leads me to my next request.”
“There’s more?” he asks dryly.
“Yes, as this is going to be such a secret, I have to ensure it stays that way. I will come to you every Tuesday and Wednesday as planned. We will come here, to Ponte, every week, where I will then spend a couple of hours or whatever with Sebastian, as and when you see fit.” I get it out in a rush and his face goes thunderous.