My eyes widen. Wondering if I’ll ever reach a point where I’m no longer fazed by the more surreal aspects of the world we live in.
“He was there to stake me. And he almost succeeded.”
I try to imagine a scene like that in my head.
“The wound at my chest? That was him.”
“He thought you were a demon?”
“Claims he’s known since the day I was born. Thinks I’m the key to the Last Days. He’s been planning to kill me for the last sixteen years.”
“But you were able to fend him off?”
Dace looks away, shifting uncomfortably, and allowing a lingering silence to droop between us. “Look,” he finally says. “If you want to know the truth—I begged him to kill me. I repeatedly thrust myself into his stake.”
“But why? Why would you do that?” I grasp hold of his arm, try to make sense of his words.
“Because I tho
ught you were dead. And I was convinced it was due to my failing. I couldn’t live with myself. But mostly, I couldn’t live without you. I though that maybe if I was dead, I might be able to find you again in whatever dimension you were resting in. I know it probably sounds stupid, but Daire, I was broken. Lost. I guess in a way, I still am.”
I open my mouth to speak, but no words will come.
“The reason he didn’t kill me is because when he looked into my eyes, he saw that I was soulless. He said he needed the soul. That I was useless without it.”
I breathe a sigh of relief. If nothing else, at least I know Dace is safe from the lunatic. Or at least for the time being anyway.
“Wasn’t long after that he packed up his kill kit and said he’d go after Cade. After all, we’re one and the same. Funny how he knew that, isn’t it?”
“Hilarious.” I shake my head and frown.
“Oh, and there’s more.”
My gaze meets his.
“He said that Phyre told him she’d killed me. Apparently that was the task he’d given her. He was pretty upset to find out she’d lied.”
“That’s it,” I say, having heard all that I need. Driven by an instinct I cannot ignore, I leap to my feet and race toward the place were Kachina grazes a few feet away.
“What’re you doing?” Dace asks, slowly getting up to join me.
“We’re going there. Now. We’re going to the Youngbloods’ house.”
thirty
Daire
After a few failed attempts, Kachina finally relents and allows Dace onto her back. “They’re off the reservation,” he says, settling behind me. “I have no idea where they live.”
“It’s a small town. I’m sure we’ll be able to find it.” I squint into the darkness, trying to determine which way to head.
“What time do you think it is?” Dace’s lips push against the shell of my ear, causing tiny pinpricks of pleasure to crawl over my skin.
“I left my cell at Paloma’s,” I say, striving to stay focused, on task. “But judging by the light, or rather lack of light, I’d say it’s close to sunrise.”
“Always darkest before the dawn?” His mouth drifts to the side of my neck. And though my back is turned toward him, I can picture him perfectly. Hair spilling over his cheek … lips full and inviting …
I lean against him, savoring the feel of his arms wrapped snugly around me. He may be soulless, but he’s still the boy I dreamed about. Still my fated one.