Sel crosses his arms, jaw set. “You did what was necessary. And just like Rhaz, Kizia had your scent. Neither one of them would have stopped hunting you if you’d let them go. It didn’t matter what bargain we made. She’d have sought revenge.”

I swallow. “She said she wouldn’t come for me.”

Sel scoffs. “Because of some Shadowborn boogeyman? Some assassination broker? No. You are the Scion of Arthur; your death at her hands would break the cycle and let demons reign free and feed forever. Whatever fear she had would fade soon enough, and she’d be back.”

I swallow bile, but nod. “You’re right.”

“You are right, Selwyn. But it is different when they look human.” I watch William rise. Finally, he releases his armor. The aether he’d cast it from crumbles, then dusts. He walks quickly over to me and assesses my face, gently lifting my chin. “Let’s get you inside.”

“I will carry Bree,” Sel offers, stepping forward.

“No, Selwyn.” Some silent conversation passes between him and Sel, until Sel’s hand balls into a fist. Sel’s eyes glow a deep, pulsing orange, and his lips pull back. His gaze darkens, fingers twitching at his sides. William says in a low voice, “Take a breather.”

Sel relents, looking away. “Fine. I’ll search the house. Make sure there are no more surprises. Find the keys to the SUV in case we need to leave quickly. I’ll let you know when it’s clear to go inside, then do another perimeter sweep.” With that, he whooshes inside. Doors bang open and closed as he speeds through rooms and closets.

Suddenly, the world moves, and I’m in William’s arms like I weigh nothing. He shifts me gently to better support my neck and spine.

“Is he okay?” I ask.

“He’s being stubborn.” William turns. “Alice, please find us a clear space while Sel finishes up? Couch is probably best.”

Alice looks at me with tears staining her cheeks, then nods at William’s request and jogs inside.

“This is a lot for her,” I murmur against William’s chest. I inhale the familiar scent of his signature until it calms my racing pulse.

“She will need our support.” He smiles down at me. “When you first found us, you were attacked by a hellhound and its saliva had burned through both of your arms. And you came back for more the next day.”

“But all the death,” I whisper, shutting my eyes. “Seeing it right in front of you.”

His hands tighten around me. “We prevent the ones we can.”

“I want to stop them from happening,” I reply.

He searches my face for a long moment. “I know you do.”

I raise a hand to his chest. “William.” My mouth crumples, tears springing to my eyes. “I never asked you about Whitty. I should have. I’m sorry.”