Malice nods, his jaw ticking. He was hit by an ambush as he was collecting sap from the welwigs. Slaine explained it away as rogue demons with a score to settle, and Abaddon never knew the truth until it was too late. That Slaine was behind it all from the start.

I worry my lip between my teeth, stomach churning from all this talk of death and betrayal. Despite the fact that Malice has told me so many lies, I can’t help but feel that this time, he’s telling the truth. But why?

I tear my gaze from him, my eyes latching onto a spiderweb crack in the wall just over his shoulder. I suppose if he’s finally decided to be forthcoming, I should get as much information as I can. My wings… does that mean I’m half Sable? I ask.

Malice nods. Correct. Also your propensity toward magic—driving magic, in particular.

Driving…?

What you did with the antethorpe—when you were able to control it for a moment. It’s incredibly rare, and only Sables have been known to have that ability. It’s why they were so feared, and why they were eventually wiped out. He smiles knowingly. Well, until you, that is.

And because I’m half Sable… that makes me, what? Extra strong?

A silent laugh shakes Malice’s chest. You are extra strong because you are a halfling—born of two different worlds, belonging to neither—possessing the unique ability to draw from the magic of The Far Place at will. Adding the fact that you’re part Sable means you’re likely to become the strongest being in The Far Place.

He says it so matter-of-factly, but the information makes my head swim. I hate to break it to you, but I’m pretty sure that thing with the antethorpe was a fluke.

He shakes his head. It wasn’t. It was barely a drop of the power you’re capable of.

I don’t believe you.

This time, Malice does let out a quiet laugh. Stubborn. One of the many traits you gained from Erik. Your nose, your ears… your eyes you get from your mother, though.

A painful twinge rings in my chest at the mention of Mom, and despite all the other questions running through my mind, demanding to be answered, I have to know. You met my mom?

Malice’s smile turns sad, his eyes creasing at the corners. Abaddon did. He liked her very much. Your father brought her to The Far Place many times, until Slaine began his crusade, and it was no longer safe to do so.

Do you know how they met?

He brushes his thumb gently over my pulse point, his grin spreading. It was fated by the stars. Erik was off on a hunt in the human realm, and what was supposed to be dinner turned out to be his one true fated mate.