That was exactly what I’d been worried about. “How could you tell?”
“You’re an open book, and none of the pages have been torn out.”
“But I wasn’t cursed.”
“I have no idea why that was,” Eve said. “But we’ll figure it out.”
“Maybe it’s the magic from Orion’s Heart that you absorbed,” Mac said.
“Or maybe you’re just a total badass,” Eve added.
“Maybe.” Doubtful.
A bell rang from below, catching my attention. Cordelia leapt off the couch and scampered toward the rope. She hauled on it, pulling hard to raise our dinner up the wall. I joined her and tugged the bucket up the last meter.
My mouth watered at the fragrant smell of grilled meat and spices as I lifted the bucket through the window. I handed Cordelia her little glass takeaway container, then passed around the rest of the food.
We chatted as we ate, discussing everything that we knew about the mystery. It shouldn’t have been fun, but it was. At least a little. There was still the fear that hung over us, but being with Mac, Eve, and Seraphia was fun even when it was scary and tense.
Finally, we’d exhausted ourselves and every avenue of discussion. Mac yawned, and Seraphia followed suit, her mouth wide.
“You two need some rest,” Eve said. “The curse is draining you.”
Mac looked at Seraphia. “I’ve got a spare bed at my place. You can bunk there, if you want.”
“Thanks. I’m exhausted.” She yawned again.
I stood, my gaze going to the book that we’d brought up from Eve’s shop. “Do you mind if I look at that again tonight?”
Eve frowned. “Is it safe?”
“The wall cursed them, not the book.” I shrugged, trying to appear casual. “I think it will be fine. If there’s a problem, Cordelia will get you.”
Cordelia glared. I need my beauty sleep.
“You’re beautiful enough, so do me a favor, okay?”
She grumbled but nodded.
“It’s all yours,” Seraphia said.
“Thanks.” I grabbed the book and waved goodnight to them as they piled out the door.
Cordelia trundled after me to the bedroom. She slept in a ratty old armchair that Mac and I had unearthed in a secondhand shop. Mac had disapproved of our find, but I loved the worn blue velvet, and so did Cordelia.
Be quick. Cordelia climbed onto her chair. I’ll be asleep in no time.
“Yeah, yeah.” I flung myself onto the bed, barely managing to strip out of my jeans and shoes.
The night sounds of Guild City drifted through my window as I leaned back against the headboard and flipped through the pages. The golden glow of the lamp illuminated the tiny, ancient print.
What are you looking for?
“I’m not sure.” I kept flipping. “I think I’ve got all the clues I can out of it—using my magic, at least. But I haven’t read it. It’s a history of Guild City.”
That means it’s a history of the Devil.
“Maybe.” But that’s exactly what I’d been thinking. I could probably learn about him through this book. Given what was growing between us, I wasn’t going to look a gift book in the mouth. Even if it was cursed.