“Even if you want to be my ally, even if you have the best intentions of keeping my secrets, the moment you go back to Thayaria your father could compel you to reveal everything you’ve learned with the aether-voice.” How can he not see the precarious situation I’m in here?

He only smirks. “First, my father cannot compel me, actually. Not without iron to weaken me. I’m stronger than him, remember?” That shouldn’t send desire shooting down to my core, but I’m past the point of worrying about what my reactions to Hawthorne Vicant should be. “And second, I think we both know Fionn, Silene, and I won’t be leaving Thayaria without a solution to that problem.” His eyes burn with understanding. At least he realizes I can’t allow them to leave without certainty that Mazus won’t be able to get information out of them. I may not be plotting to kill them anymore, but they won’t be leaving Thayaria any time soon. It’s refreshing to not have to hide that anymore.

The tension and magic building within me deflate. My shoulders slump and I heave out a great sigh. I study him carefully, looking for any sign of deceit, but he meets my gaze with an open and vulnerable look. The same energy that has always passed between us ignites, but this time it feels tentative, like even the space between us knows that we’re at a critical juncture in our relationship.

Maybe it’s because Hawthorne has abandoned the flirty winks and grins. Maybe it’s the somber way he speaks, or the astute way he’s surmised precisely what keeps me awake most nights. Maybe it’s because I’m exhausted and still feeling the weight of my failure. Maybe it’s just because I’m no better than all the other females he’s used to earn his reputation. Whatever the reason, I lower my gaze and tell him the truth.