“I knew an opportunity might present itself with a Scion of Arthur one day, and waited for one to arise. I had no idea it would arise with Vera’s spell. I was simply at the right time and place. She pleaded for protection of her bloodline, and I joined the bargain,” he says. “When one of your Line is in mortal danger, I feel it and can locate you.”

I shake my head. “That is why you appear when we use a great deal of our root. You’re not trying to kill us, you’re coming to protect us. That’s why you tried to protect me from the other Regents.”

“I protect the Line of Vera if I can, when I can.” His eyes go distant. “Sometimes I have been too late, and others, I am merely checking on my investment.” He grins. “Now ask me what I am waiting for in return. Ask me why I bound my mark to your bloodline.”

“I don’t follow your orders,” I point out.

Erebus hums. “It is true that I seek revenge, but I also want my crown and my Court. I need the power in your blood and your connection to Arthur to regain both. The day Vera called for help, I answered, so that I could mark as mine what I hoped would come to pass: The Bloodcrafted child of a Rootcrafter and a Scion of Arthur, Awakened. A child who could draw an endless supply of ancestral power, who will expel that power when she dies.”

“ ‘One daughter at a time, for all time.’ ”

“Open to interpretation in an unregulated bargain.” Erebus’s grin widens. “I demanded one daughter, out of all time, of my choosing.”

“But your bargain with Vera; you can’t harm me.”

“I cannot. But I am a very old, very patient demon, who needs a very powerful resource to retake the Shadow Court. When you die, and eventually you will, I will consume your aether myself.” After a moment, he tilts his head. “You are not surprised by this.”

I’m not, but it was good to hear it all confirmed. “I have heard that no demon can resist a bargain.”

His eyes narrow. “I am listening.”

“I will go with you, and stay by your side so that you can claim my power as your prize without trouble, if you do me a favor in return.”

He tilts his head. “Why would you go with me anywhere?”

“Your bloodmark brought my power back to me in Arthur’s dream. You are the only being on the planet who is strong enough to keep me safe, and you’re bargain-bound to do so.” I look out into the woods, considering. “You are the only being old enough, who has seen enough, to teach me.”

“And what do you wish to know?”

“Strength, power, control. Over my own destiny.” I look up at him. “Only a king may teach a king.”