Meryn shrugged. "I think it's because you look like an angel to me," she admitted.
He simply stared then burst into laughter. "Never, in all my long, long millennia has anyone ever thought me an angel."
She tilted her head. "Why? I think you're the epitome of what an angel looks, sounds, and acts like."
"Every modern religion would call me a demon or dev
il."
"Yeah, but wasn't the devil once an angel?"
His laughter died. "You're serious."
"I think that you are doing horrible things. I think that you've caused tens of thousands to suffer," she paused. She couldn't put her finger on it. "But for some reason"—she pointed to her chest—"in here, you don't seem evil. Not truly evil."
"Well, I am. I offer men choices they cannot refuse and seal their fates. As I told you before, I kill people, you should remember that."
She snapped her fingers. "That's what I was missing. They have a choice, don't they? They could always choose to say no." She pointed to the room. "You're not forcing me to say yes."
"Is it really a choice when I deliberately offer them everything they desire?"
She blinked. "Yes."
He sighed. "You're so very young."
Meryn took in his exasperation and made up her mind. "I'll do it. Because I trust you to uphold your end of the bargain," she said, leaning back against the sofa. She ran her hand over the leather. If this was from her mind, she had damn good taste.
"Haven't we just gone over why you shouldn't trust me?"
"Yup."
"You realize that I may still kill you?"
"Yup."
"I don't get you."
"Join the club; Aiden is the president."
He sat up straight. "Here are the terms. I will arrange for the deaths of every creature involved with your parents' murder and will gift you the memory of their demise. In exchange, I want a single memory from you. Once you choose the memory and offer it to me, it will be gone for good. Do you agree?"
"I get to choose?"
"Yes."
"Deal," she paused. "I don't have to sign anything in blood right?"
"No, no blood. Your verbal agreement is binding."
She looked around. "What happens now?"
"Now, you think about the memory that you wish to offer."
"Can I ask you a question?"
"Yes."
"Why a memory?"