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Conversations dried up, and movement slowed I wiped , before putting it away The seat was clear of gross things, so I gingerly sat

“What’s up?” I asked Hadriel, as still crouching on the chair

He let out a breath and slowly stepped down before sitting I was sure his ass crack was touching upholstery It made me rethink my current seat

“Listen…” Hadriel leaned over the table and lowered his voice “I’m sure by now you know that demons and shifters are like oil and water We aren’t ured out Including the ive hiame and find a way to it There’s a reason they won’t let ot drunk that one ti, though He deserved it No, the reason no one will play with aht ood at strategy I’ood at puzzles, as you know So hit me What is your plan?”

Later that night, I staggered up to the tower My sto in that rooht so it didn’t affect h that I needed to leave so I could purge my stomach

Halfway up the third flight of stairs, I stalled against the railing, struggling to keep the bile fronized Nyfain’s delicious s arms wrapped around me and pulled me in close

“What’s theme the rest of the way “Are you okay?”

I breathed deeply and leaned ic It’s…” I pushed rasp “Going to vomit”

He hurried me into the washroom and bent me over the basin in the corner, thankfully empty and clean My stoed My disheveled hair was gently scooped up from around my face, held back behind my head Nyfain knelt next to me and rubbed my back with his free hand

My stoes of the basin as sweat covered h ed andfast and shallow

“Water?” Nyfain whispered He smoothed my hair to the side

“Yes, please”

Aainst him

“Had a great ti my shoulder with his thumb I didn’t miss the anxiety in his tone