It takes him a moment to answer, but when he does, it’s enough to make me glad for his help. “I know what it’s like to lose something important.”

Chapter Forty-Two

Anora and the Eurydice

When I come to consciousness, someone’s tapping my cheek hard.

“Anora,” the voice says.

My throat feels raw, and I’m aware of a band of bruising around my neck, like Thane’s arm is still there, cutting into my skin. My hands are bound in front of me, palms pressed tight together. I don’t know where I am, but this place feels familiar. The air carries the weight of the dead. It settles over me like some sort of soul sucker, draining my energy. That tells me one thing: I have to be near a lot of dead people.

The tapping continues. “Open those eyes,” the voice coaxes.

I do and jerk away from Thane, who’s crouched in front of me. I can still feel his cold fingers on my face—the same fingers that crushed my windpipe.

“I wasn’t sure you’d wake up,” he says and stands, taking a lighter and a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket. Once one is lit, he says with a smile, “I thought I might have done too good a job.”

I hate him.

But I don’t.

I can’t help thinking this isn’t Thane. He doesn’t look the same. This Thane is angrier, scarier, darker. This Thane is controlled by Influence.

“Thane…please.”

“Don’t beg, Anora. It doesn’t become you,” he says, taking a long drag from his cigarette. He acts so casual standing there, as if he hadn’t strangled and kidnapped me. It’s then I realize he’s brought me to the mausoleum—the entrance to Samael’s office. I knew it felt familiar. We’re in the main room, the one with the large stained-glass window. I’m resting on one of the red couches. The upholstery is soft but dusty and makes my skin crawl.

“Why then?” I demand.

“You’re going to help me get my mother back.”

“What?”

“I’ve been honest with you from the beginning about what I want,” he says. “When I was sure you were the Eurydice, I knew I had my bargaining chip. Charon will raise the gates for you if you are dying, and I can demand my mother’s soul is returned to me.”

“You have my coin,” I accuse, and he shakes his head.

“Lennon has your coin,” he says, and I’m not sure I can feel any worse. Shy was right, which means…

“She killed Lily?” I whisper. “And…you knew?”

Thane shrugs. “I didn’t want Lily to die, but she knew too much. Lennon felt she had to get rid of her.”

“You work together?”