Page 197 of Eternal Surrender

“Dominion had to be ready,” Jacob asserted.

Fabian’s irises glinted in the darkness. “To rule wisely.”

Jacob gestured to the doorway.

We headed out of the dark chamber and up into the Stone Master’s chapel, and onward, ascending the long winding staircase leading out of the once torture chamber. The faint scent of sandalwood lingered.

Though the long lines of cells were illuminated with candles, they did nothing to lift the gloom. I followed Fabian and Jacob into the far cell, sensing him before I saw him⁠—

Paradom was crouched low in the corner, and his eyes widened when he saw us.

I knelt close to Paradom. “What are you doing in here?”

“I like it here. Dark and quiet.” He held his forefinger to his lips. “Don’t tell anyone I’m here.”

With a shake of my head, I reassured him I wouldn’t.

“They took it out.” He motioned to his heart.

“We removed the electrode inserted into his chest,” Jacob clarified.

Though there was no scar to show what Sovereign had done to him, Paradom seemed calmer.

“No one will ever harm you again.” I took his clawed hand in mine. “Come with us out of here.”

“I like it here,” Paradom said. “Listen.”

I could hear nothing.

“See,” Paradom continued. “Silence is golden. Like time. Like a poem in my head.”

“We’ll get you some blankets,” I said. “Food. Whatever you need.”

“Cat food?” Paradom asked.

Jacob shrugged. “He likes it.”

“Then cat food it is,” I said.

“You found your way back!” Paradom whispered.

“I did.” I squeezed his hand, hoping to comfort him.

His eyes were full of wonder. “And you came back for me. Like you promised.”

“Yes,” I said. “And you’re safe now.”

“Can I go back too, now?” he murmured. “Separate.”

Jacob shared a wary stare with us. “We won’t stop until we find a way. . . back for you.”

I rested my hand over my heart. “And that’s a promise.”

Paradom opened my fingers and pressed a small round object into my palm. I recognized the 1829 shilling crested with King George IV’s head. The very coin Paradom had thrown at me when we’d first met.

“Remember me,” he said.

“I’ll take special care of it.” I tucked the coin into my pocket.