“As I mentioned, the Veil is warded closed, but if you can guide me to the portal you came through, I can get you there.”
“Deal.” I hold out a hand, and he stares down at it. I’m ready to pull it back when his large hand envelopes mine. Something in the air around us shifts as his hand warms mine. I swallow hard and force myself to pull back despite how damned right the contact felt.
I’m no fool, though. Taranus may be the larger threat at the moment, but Rafferty is no innocent man. That much I can see.
He just so happens to be the lesser of two evils.
“Flora, get her back to her room. They will be here soon.”
“Be here for what?” I ask him, then turn to Flora.
“I’ve faced much worse, Ember. Come get me when you find the key, but no sooner. The more you come down here, the more risk you face.”
“Let’s go.” Flora grips my arm, but I’m hesitant to leave.
“You are a powerful woman, Ember.”
“No. I’m not.”
He smirks. “You possess the power to move this world. So long as it doesn’t destroy you first.”