Page 65 of Alchemy of Souls

I nod, walking a line between truth and believability. “I originally thought that Eloise’s emotions were a factor, but I was wrong.”

“Maybe you have yet to find the right stressor,” he says, and my gaze meets his. I know him well enough to spot a threat even when it’s disguised as an offhanded comment.

“I was, however, correct that it had something to do with us being together,” I continue, letting him read the truth in those words.

He leans back in his chair. “What makes you think so?”

“A feeling,” I say, neglecting to mention the shimmer. “When we’re both doing magic, something shifts slightly. I plan to experiment with it.”

He nods without emotion, but I can scent his anticipatory im- patience. “And what do you plan to do in these experiments?”

“I was going to take her to our house, actually,” I say, merging all my plans in one smooth stroke. “I know you keep books on the Key in the library and it’ll give us time away from the University to cast without being bothered by our classmates.”

He steeples his fingers in front of his face. “Is that all?”

“Do you have a suggestion?” I ask, wondering if he wants this Key badly enough to give me intel.

“Seduce her,” he says without emotions, and my carefully curated facade cracks—I feel true shock.

“What?”

He leans forward. “You said you believe the Key only shows up when the two of you are together, did you not? If you’re correct, then I want you to test that theory by seducing her. You’re already flirting with the girl,” he says, letting me know he’s been spying on me. “How difficult can it possibly be?”

It takes everything in me not to get mad. “I’m flirting with her as a pretense. It’s the only explanation our friends accept that doesn’t have them questioning why we’re suddenly spending time together.And Naomi is making it infinitely more difficult to maintain, by the way.”

My uncle smiles at that, the bastard. “Then it should be easy. Use that foundation to take it a step further. Make Eloise fall in love with you.”

I go perfectly still, knowing if I move one millimeter, I’ll tell him he’s a disgusting asshole.

“Do we have a problem?” he asks, and I have no choice. There is only one answer I can give.

“No, Sir.”

“Good. You’re dismissed,” he says like a king on a throne.

The schedule spell dismisses us from classes for the day and Eloise immediately falls in by my side. I know she wants to ask me about getting pulled from class, but I’m dreading that conversation. My instinct is to tell her the truth—every disgusting thing my uncle said. But Eloise can’t hide her emotions in the best of circumstances. If I tell her, she’s bound to be angry the moment she sees him, only further convincing him she’s a problem.

“Ready to go to my house?” I ask as we merge into the sea of students.

“Now?” she says, and I scent her shock. “You were serious about that?”

I shrug. “This way we avoid our friends. We’ll just have to come up with some excuse for not going to the party later.”

Her disappointment is so obvious that it throws me for a second.Is this about Adrien? I hold open the front door and we step into the fresh air.

“What was that Guardian about today?” she asks, changing the subject as we walk through the grass toward the giant tree garage.

“My uncle checking in,” I say simply.

She gives me a curious look.

“Let’s push pause on this conversation,” I say, nodding at our schoolmates as we weave through the cars.

She glances around her like she’s only now realizing we’re not alone.

I smirk. “For someone who lives near the wards, you’re way too trusting.”

She scoffs. “And for someone who lives a cushy life, you’re way too suspicious.”