Her hands slid down to cup my neck, an uncomfortably intimate touch that made me want to squirm. I didn’t dare, not with how close those sharp talons were to my throat.
“You will live here while you find yourself. Shed this mortal skin and become your true self.”
I sucked in a shaky breath. “Please, I—”
I cut myself off with a gasp when I felt one of those nails slice quickly under my ear, a sharp, cold sting that made me flinch.
“Clumsy me.” The Carlin laughed and let go of me. “These talons. Just a tiny cut.”
The wound throbbed like it was frostbitten. I wondered if it was bleeding, but couldn’t raise my hand to check. My heart thudded with fear.
“Belial, my dear.” The Carlin waved a lazy hand. “Make sure Ash is seen to. Find him somewhere comfortable to sleep. Food to eat and as much wine as he pleases.”
She smiled at me, her bronze teeth gleaming. “Welcome to your new home, sweet boy.”