The knock on our front door made me sigh out loud, and I wasn’t surprised when I heard it open and recognized Ceri’s soft steps as she hastened down the hall. My thoughts jerked back to her offer to help me with the curse herself. I wasn’t sure if the offer was still open since we had argued about her making charms for Al. That’s not why she was here, though, back from her all-night vigil at the basilica. She was here to learn if the man she loved had lived out the night.

“Rachel? Ivy? Jenks?” she called, and Ivy eased back into her chair. “It’s me. Forgive me for walking in. Is Trenton here? His car is out front.”

I turned to Trent, shocked at his stark fear. He had casually moved to put the counter between him and the door, and his alarm was hidden behind a professional smile. My mood went utterly black. He was afraid of her and her demon smut, too chicken to admit it openly.

“Back here, Ceri,” I called, and the pretty elf breezed in, long white skirt flowing to a stop around her ankles when she saw Trent.

“Quen…,” she breathed, her eyes fixed on him, the depth of her feelings painful to see. “Is Quen still alive? Please.”

For the first time all day, my smile turned real. Seeing it, Ceri started to cry. Looking like a wronged angel, she wrapped her arms around herself as if letting go would cause her to fall apart. The tears flowed unchecked, making her more beautiful yet. “Thank you, God,” she whispered, and Ivy leaned to hand her the tissue box.

My muscles protested as I rose, but Trent beat me to her, coming around the counter to touch her arm. Ceri’s head jerked up, her tear-wet eyes a stunning green.

“Rachel saved him,” he said, and I marveled at how good they looked together. Almost the same height, both had the same translucent hair and slim build. I glanced at Ivy for her opinion, and she shrugged, looking sour as she crossed her knees and leaned her chair back on two legs until it hit the wall.

Ceri pulled from him. The fear he was hiding hurt her more than an honest reaction would have. Her gaze flicked to me. “I knew Rachel would save him,” she said, wiping her face and smiling.

Trent heard a rebuke whether it was there or not, and he stepped back. A thick animosity started to grow in me. Trent was scum. Absolutely pathetic. I didn’t have time for him, and I wanted him out. I had too much to do. “You’re welcome, Trent,” I said bitterly. “Get out.”

Trent balked. I knew he felt vulnerable without his lackeys, and I wondered why he had come alone. He backed up when Ivy rose to escort him out.