I close my eyes, breathing in her scent. It must be a sin to crave the familiarity, and after this, I’ll likely never be close enough again. I’m surprised she hasn’t run yet. Thankful—because if she did, I’m not sure I could resist chasing her. More than that, I’m impressed she’s still here.
“Azrael, can an angel love a monster like you?” she asks, blinking back tears.
“An angel can love anything it wants, I suppose—even a monster,” I stroke the back of my knuckles tenderly down her cheek.
The Fates. Of course, they’d give me the one soul capable of looking past all that I am and still choosing to love me. She was made for me—and I for her.
“Then I will.” She wraps her arms around my neck, tilts her chin up, and kisses me.
When my tongue flicks across her lips, hungrily begging to be let in, she parts them, and the world spins. She tastes sweet and tempting. Her mouth welcomes me, letting me devour her as I swirl and slide my tongue against hers, silently pleading for this kiss to never end.
The sound of the barn door sliding open and Marblas’s throaty growl sends us jumping apart. I look to see why Giselle would interrupt us. It hasn’t been very long, but my eyes catch on a familiar pair of shoes.
The Ringmaster steps into the barn—and he looks pissed. Giselle steps sheepishly out from behind him.
Chapter 21
Mercy
“What is the meaning of this?” The Ringmaster snaps, glaring at Azrael. “I thought I made myself clear.”
My eyes dart from the towering, ominous figure that is the Ringmaster back to Azrael. Is this why he told me not to come here? Did the Ringmaster forbid him from seeing me the same way my father did?
“You made yourself clear,” Azrael replies evenly, “but you’re wrong. She’s the one, and I’ve confirmed it with the Fates.”
The Fates? This is all incredibly overwhelming. Does he mean the Fates—the ones who decide things like life and death? A cold sweat breaks out across my skin in response. Between Azrael’s confession of being a monster and my freak accident freezing the town, my knees tremble. The room spins, and nausea fillsthe empty pit in my stomach. I reach for Azrael’s arm to steady myself.
“Well then, why have you waited until now to tell me?” the Ringmaster snaps.
He’s playing along. I hang on every word.
“Because I just found out,” Azrael says smoothly, staring him down.
“I assume this means she’ll be joining us? Shall I prepare the contract?”
Joining them? I gulp. I’d considered it before, but now—standing in the Ringmaster’s terrifying presence—I’m not sure I want any part of this circus. Holding my breath, I wait for Azrael’s response.
He tilts his head dangerously at the Ringmaster. “Are you implying she enters into a contract with you?”
“It’s the only way. And then, of course, there’s the matter of her father. Judging from the last interaction with him, I assume he’ll demand an exorbitant amount. She’ll have debts, Azrael. Debts must be paid.”
Azrael’s muscles go rigid. I can feel the anger radiating off him. “She’s not signing anything with you. I won’t allow it.”
My entire body hums with anticipation as electricity ripples off them both and through the air like lightning.
“You know the rules, Azrael. All who stay must join, and all who join must serve,” the Ringmaster's eyes gleam with amusement.
“And you seem to forget, Grandfather,” Azrael counters, voice dangerous, “that I’m old enough to write my own contracts now. If she’s signing anything, it’ll be with me.”
“Temper, temper, Azrael. Is this any way to behave in front of our new member?” He clicks his tongue condescendingly.
A contract. I don’t want a contract. I don’t want to belong to the circus. This is happening too fast. What about my mother? The town I froze? How can they just stand there discussing me like I’m property? Small cracks split through my heart. I thought Azrael was different. I expected him to help free me—not chain me.
Sensing my unease, Azrael lays his hand on top of mine, patting it in reassurance. “I know it sounds less than ideal, but I promise I’ll take care of you, Mercy. I’ll be responsible for you, and I won’t let anything happen. The Ringmaster’s right—we have to keep you safe and protect the secrets of the big top.”
I can’t find words. Tears sting my eyes as I gape at him, like he stabbed me in the back. It hits hard, and my heart slowly crumbles.
“Shall I have Malicor fetch the supplies and get this over with?” the Ringmaster gloats.
