There’s no lie in their aura. They genuinely believe what they’re saying. I shake my head, my mind reeling. “That’s impossible.” Oh, not that one of my ancestors strayed to a paranormal partner and had a child—that’s the only way humans can get any magic of their own. But a gargoyle? That means . . . I freeze. “All gargoyles have this ability?”
“Mm-hmm.” Their grin goes a little mean. “You look well sated, so whatever you’ve done to piss Bram off isn’t unforgivable. However, it would be wise to remember that he can read you exactly as thoroughly as you can read him.”
I press my hand to my mouth. If that’s true . . . No wonder he didn’t believe me. He could read the lies right in my aura. “Damn.” That complicates things. In all my travels and years monster hunting, I’ve never met another being outside my family who could do what I do. Until now.
Because they’ve all been in the demon realm.
“Now that we’ve established I can call you on your bullshit, let’s talk.” They drop onto my bed in a motion that’s nearly a flounce. “Azazel is concerned you’re going to go on a murderous rampage and endanger all the plans he’s spent so long curating. I also happen to have a vested interest in the peace he’s seeking, which means I am equally concerned. I know he gave you a chance to back out of this particular part of the contract. I’m extending that offer a second time.”
I stare. “Somehow, I don’t think Azazel would appreciate you speaking so frankly.”
“Probably not.” They wave that away breezily. “But he’s not here. It’s just us.” They roll onto their side, facing me, and prop their head up in one hand. The second set of horns really is a bit disconcerting, mostly because I feel like they’re studying me. Probably because they are. I don’t need my eyes open to read auras if I concentrate. Ramanu doesn’t need eyes at all to do the same.
I don’t move away though they’re entirely too close for comfort. “I have no intention of murdering anyone.” At least not until I find out what happened to my mother, and only then if there’s someone specifically responsible for her death.
“That’s a rather large caveat you’re not saying.” They snort. “Listen, I like you, so—”
“You don’t even know me. We’ve been talking for less than five minutes.”
They ignore my interruption. “I notice you’re not jumping at the chance to return to bargainer demon territory. I wonder why that is.”
They’re right. I should have agreed the second they offered, just like I should have taken Azazel up on his offer. “If I come back, is anyone going to tell me the truth about what happened?”
“Unlikely. Everyone has secrets, and I expect Azazel has a particular reason for keeping this one close to his chest.”
That’s what I thought. Still, my whole goal was to go back and find answers. I don’t know why I’m hesitating. “Am I going to be locked up for the next seven years?”
Ramanu shrugs. “Who can say? That castle is so wily. It has a mind of its own.”
I couldn’t pick the lock in the three days I was there before the auction. That doesn’t bode well for me being able to do it in the future. If I accept Ramanu’s offer, then I’ll be stepping into an even more complicated cell. At least here, I have free range and a chance to escape.
The logic feels flimsy at best, but I ignore it.
“No, thanks.”
“Thought you might say that.” Their grin is a little mean. They flick their fingers and a ring appears between their claws. “Take this. If you change your mind, hold it and say my name and I’ll come.”
“Ramanu.”
We both jump as Bram climbs in through my window. I have nothing to feel guilty for, but I can’t help scooting away from Ramanu. Those few extra inches between us don’t feel like much with Bram glowering down at us. He’s halfway across the room, but it doesn’t seem to make a difference. I’m not scared of him, but I’m not a fool; of course I’m wary.
Ramanu, on the other hand, seems unconcerned that Bram is looking at their throat like he wants to rip it out with his teeth. They reach over and twine a lock of my hair around their claws. Bram is so focused on that hand, he doesn’t see them slip the ring into my other. “I came to check in on the well-being of Azazel’s human.”
“She’s not his.”
I don’t understand Bram. There are times when it feels like I can almost read his thoughts, when I feel a connection deeper than skin and bone, but then he turns around and does something to act against the little box I instinctively put him into. The man glowering at us is not the same man who offered me his throat without reservation. He’s dangerous.
I start to sit up. “Bram—”
“It’s fine.” Ramanu releases me and rises with a fluid grace that sets alarm bells pealing through my head. “Bram may be reckless, but he’s not a fool. To lay a finger on me is to directly challenge Azazel. He can’t afford to do that because he won’t win.”
The comment should fill me with relief, but all I feel is anger at the defeat that flickers over Bram’s expression. I might not know which way is up and which way is down in this current situation, but I know a shit-starter when I see one. Ramanu might technically be here to check on me, but they’re also here to stir the pot. That’s the last thing I need. “I think you should go.”
“Ah, but I haven’t finished telling you everything you need to hear.” They hold up two long crimson fingers tipped with black claws. “One. Bram didn’t want to take the deal, but he had no choice. None of his people will have him. They believe he’s cursed and that anyone who gets close to him will become victim to the curse.” Bram makes a choked noise, but they ignore him. “Two. Azazel understands your motives for being here, but make no mistake—you are expected to hold to your end of the bargain. If you do so for the agreed upon time, he is prepared to tell you everything you want to know about your mother.”
It’s a low blow. Azazel knows exactly how desperately I want that information, so of course he’s willing to hold it over my head to ensure good behavior. Unfortunately for him, I wouldn’t know good behavior if it bit me in the ass.
Considering Ramanu offered to see me to the bargainer territory earlier, it’s easy enough to read between the lines of this offer. If I go with them, there’s a decent chance Azazel will never answer my questions. I grit my teeth. I will get answers. I’m so close, it makes me a little sick to my stomach.
Resolve solidifies inside me. I will stay here, and I will find my own way to answers. “I understand.”
Their mouth quirks into a strange little smile. “Aren’t you the entertaining little liar? This is going to be great fun.”
Next to them, Bram is practically vibrating with fury. “Get. Out.”
Far from being intimidated, Ramanu just laughs. “Darling, there’s only one person I take orders from, and it’s not you. It’s cute that you try, though.” They pat Bram on his shoulder and waltz out of the room with a little sway in their hips.
Through it all, they didn’t technically do anything threatening or wrong, but that doesn’t change the fact that I feel threatened. This might’ve been a check-in to ensure I was safe, but it’s blatantly clear that Azazel doesn’t trust me even though he also wants to protect me. Or something. The longer I think about this tangled web of bargains and promises, the less clear it seems. I’m missing something obvious and important.