Total pages in book: 129
Estimated words: 121324 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 607(@200wpm)___ 485(@250wpm)___ 404(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 121324 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 607(@200wpm)___ 485(@250wpm)___ 404(@300wpm)
“Which I would guess he isn’t happy about.”
“No, he is not. Neither is Rima. While Eve seems less bothered by the need to relocate, she does seem saddened that Aeon will fall.”
“And so we have to keep in mind that maybe, like most other Aeons, our three new residents are not prepared to accept that their old home is deteriorating. Plenty want to get their hands on Wynter so she can lift the curse for them before it’s too late. Either Eve, Rima, or Noah could have taken the initiative and come here to retrieve her. It’s also possible that others sent them to take her without Adam or Abel’s knowledge.”
Seth’s lips twitched. “You have such a suspicious nature, brother. But I have to say, it has always paid off in the past. I won’t suggest we discuss how I think you’re bracing yourself for the worst from them because it’s easier than giving them a chance. You’re self-aware enough to have already recognized what you’re doing.”
“Perhaps I am reluctant to open my mind to the idea that they have no ulterior motives for that reason. But it is not simply that. The fact is I will never be anything but exceedingly cautious in situations that concern Wynter’s safety. I trust very few people. I trust even fewer with my consort’s life.”
“I don’t blame you for that. You’ve known too much betrayal. Which is why it came as a surprise to me that you didn’t hold Wynter at a distance for at least a little while longer.”
“I’ve touched her soul, remember? Loyalty is built into her very being. She would never betray me.” Cain believed that right down to his bones, as did his inner creature. “Not for anything.”
Seth’s mouth curved. “I like seeing you have such unshakable faith in another person. It is not something I imagined would ever happen. And I believe you are right to have such faith in her. I cannot envision Wynter ever turning on you. There’s too much honor in her.” His smile faded. “You should know that Eve and the twins have heard that Wynter is your consort. They asked me if it was true. I confirmed it.”
“I take it they don’t approve. To the Aeons, she’s public enemy number one.”
“Which is why I told them a little about Wynter and her coven—nothing they couldn’t find out through speaking with my hirelings, of course. Mostly just amusing little anecdotes. Hopefully their stance on Wynter will change.”
Cain gave a shrug, unmoved by the issue. “I don’t particularly care if it does or it doesn’t. I don’t want or require their approval.”
“You would like our mother to accept her,” Seth gently insisted. “You might not be acknowledging it to yourself right now, but that doesn’t make it untrue.”
Cain sighed. “If Eve isn’t here out of some dark motive then, yes, I’d like it if she accepted Wynter. But her approval is not something I need.” He had long ago ceased giving a shit what others thought about him or his decisions. “Back to the matter of my conversation with Adam and Abel . . . I think we should tell Eve and the twins about it.”
“You want to monitor their responses,” Seth guessed.
“I do.”
“All right. I’ll have one of my aides call the other Ancients here. Unless . . . well, it might suit us best to come across as if we’re treating this as a family issue. They may then feel more inclined to talk openly. All seven Ancients barging into the room could simply make them feel threatened or ganged up on.”
“Yes, we don’t want them to go on the defensive,” said Cain. “I’m happy for you and me to talk with them alone. We can bring the others up to speed later.”
“They’ll understand our reasoning, though I’m sure Ishtar still won’t like that she was left out of the conversation.” Seth rolled his eyes and stood. “Come, Eve and the twins are in the piano room.”
“How have they behaved in general?”
“They’ve become more relaxed around the Keep and my hirelings,” Seth replied as they left the ledger room and began to walk along the arched hallway. “Eve is all warmth and grace, just as she always was. Noah is strong and steady; he says little, he’s more of a watcher. Rima is prickly and sassy a lot of the time, but there’s a softness to her that she mostly conceals. There’s also a great deal of tension in her—being confined is wearing on her.”
She should try being caged for a millennia. “Did you get the story of why they have so little love for Abel?”
Seth sighed. “It was a typical Abel tale. You know how he always had a taste for virgins. Their mother was young and inexperienced. He promised he’d make Bethea his consort, he seduced her, and he accidentally got her pregnant.”