Page 86 of Judge of Saints and Sinners

Faye’s head swiveled back, looking confused. “Why?”

“Come on, just tell me. What is it?”

Forehead wrinkled in thought, Faye appeared deep in thought, her pencil tapping every few seconds against the desk. “Can I show you how to change the color of ink?”

I snorted, shoving myself off the edge of my bed. “That sounds safe.”

Faye sighed but held up a pen for me to take. “I almost regret telling Master I could teach you.”

“But you did, and now you’re stuck with me.”

Faye’s mouth opened then snapped closed. “Fine. Place your pen on the desk like mine.”

Grinning, I did as she asked.

27

Nephesh

“Your mother was quite clever, you know, splitting your souls. It does indeed make you quite hard to kill. I'm guessing that you are a little upset right now.”

I turned my head, spitting blood from my mouth as I grinned at my captor. “I thought we were just getting to know each other.”

This one, I think his name was Shane, wrinkled his nose at me. “You disgust me.”

“You’re the one who keeps insisting we spend so much time together. If you let Justine and me go, you wouldn't have to see me ever again.” Or anything else, I said silently, because there was no way that this one would be allowed to live after this. He threatened my mate. I would relish every second of his death.

“Shut your mouth, demon.”

“You keep asking me questions.”

I didn't have time to flinch as he whirled back, slamming a steel pipe against my temple. The next breath, I was standing in the courthouse, looking down at the row of my jurors, Peter at the helm as if they were all waiting for me.

Wait. Not me.

Her.

“Mother?”

“Nephesh.” Her hands were ice cold against my cheek as she pulled my head down to press her forehead against it. Our bright-white hair blended together as she sighed against me. “We only have a moment.”

“Arafel said you came to him, but I didn’t believe it. I wasn’t sure…”

“You have to get out of there, Nephesh. Not just you, but Justine and the other witch. They need to be freed. The souls there are corrupted beyond all reason. They must be dealt with.”

“I’m trying, but they seem to know too much about us. More than they should. It doesn’t make any sense. They know what spell works, too, Mother.”

Then I see it, the pain and regret in her face. “Oh Nephesh.”

Realization dawned, and I wished more than anything else that my body would wake up. I couldn’t face this reality. Not when it would decimate my reality. Let alone the way it would destroy my father. “You were with him, weren’t you? That’s why they know so much, isn’t it? It’s because of you.”

She shook her head, moving away from me. “I did what I had to.”

I laughed, the sound mirthless and painful to my damaged rib cage. “Of course you did. Does he still have you? Are you his captive?”

She shook her head again, moving farther away now. Peter and the others were stock still, watching us both. “Mother! Fuck, don’t go. I need to know!”

“You are the lifeblood of the Underworld. It is your souls, your system, that powers us all. Without you, and without her, there will be no chance to push them back.”