I sat up. “I know they say good help is hard to come by, but surely you could have asked one of your little minions to play servant.”
“How are we feeling today?” he asked, that infuriating smile playing at the corner of his mouth.
I let the Remnants dance across my skin, purposefully erratic. “The stars are bleeding again. Can’t you see them?”
His smile faltered for a moment before he set the tray on my bedside table. “Eat.”
“Oh, look who learned a one-syllable word. Your vocabulary tutor must be so proud.” I looked at the contents of the tray, wrinkling my nose. “What, no five course meal? And here I thought I was your honored guest.”
“You’re testing my patience.” The Remnants on his neck pulsed darker, like ink spreading through water and even I couldn’t deny how handsome he was. For an asshole.
I picked up the spoon, making sure to hold it as awkwardly as possible. “Well, someone has to. Clearly your creepy guards are too busy cowering to give you an honest performance review.” Itook a deliberately slow sip of the soup, letting a drop spill down my chin.
“When you’re done playing with your food like a child, you will demonstrate your control over the Remnants.”
I dabbed at my chin with exaggerated delicacy. “You know what they say about rushing a lady while she dines. Actually, you probably don’t, given your charming personality.”
His Remnants lashed out, knocking the spoon from my hand. “Lift the tray.”
I felt the compulsion tear through me, but this time I was ready. I let my own surface slowly, like reluctant serpents, making them tremble and falter as they wrapped around the tray. It rose an inch, wobbled dramatically, and clattered back down.
“Again,” he commanded.
“You know,” I said through gritted teeth, making a show of concentration, “most teachers start with something smaller. Like a feather. Or their ego. Too fragile?” The tray rose again, shaking.
“You’re holding back.”
“And you’re as observant as ever.” I let the tray drop again with a clang. “Though I suppose that’s what happens when you spend centuries having everyone bow to your every whim. The brain gets soft.”
His hand shot out, fingers curling into a fist, and his Remnants surged forward. But before they could reach me, I blurted, “I know how to bring Reverius into the Forgotten.”
The Remnants froze mid-strike, hanging in the air like black lightning. Alastor’s eyes narrowed to dangerous slits. “What did you say?”
I leaned forward, grinning. “Oh, now I have your attention, don’t I, Al?”
I stared down at my wrist, watching his bindings cut into me as my Remnants swirled lazily over flushed skin. I’d been too quick with my defense. But I had no patience for Alastor’s brand of torture today.
He narrowed his eyes. “I would truly love nothing more than to send you away from my Vale, you infuriating little creature. Tell me your plan.”
“I thought maybe I’d shake my titties at him and see if that did the trick. Men aren’t fickle when it comes to nipples, I’ve learned.”
He pinched the bridge of his nose, tilting his head back. “For Fates’ sake, never say the word titties to me again.”
“Okay, but to clarify, nipples is fine?”
His power surged forward, wrapping around my mouth like fingers. Typical. I rolled my eyes and laid back against my pillow crossing my arms over my chest as I began to hum wildly out of tune. He tried to speak but I ignored him, instead, sending my Remnants out into the halls of the Vale while he wasn’t paying attention.
Brilliant,Sylvie sang into my mind.Ask him about my mother. Distract him.
“Tell me about Sylvie,” I blurted out, expecting an immediate lashing to come from the woman in my mind. But she remained quiet.
“Who gave you that name?” Alastor asked, stepping closer. “Is she one of the voices you hear, Treasure?”
“Don’t call me that.”
“Don’t call me Al.”
“Fine.”
