Page 120 of Infernal Bonds

“That’s weird,” Zeke said.

Ezra rested his elbows on his knees, clasping his hands together. “So they don’t know of your ability to heal us?”

“Other than Cholian, no.”

“Don’t bring it up, even to Mother or Rinlora. While her theory is likely correct about the royal power transference being the reason for both your healing and your ability to heal your mates, even unbonded, Father will use that to his advantage.”

“He might hurt Zeke more,” Cyn muttered, his lip pulling into a sneer.

I glanced at Zeke. After watching him suffer from the curse and what I’d witnessed in the elevator back on Earth when he panicked over the confined space, I never wanted to see him frightened and helpless again. I’d do whatever it took to keep Cornaith away from him.

“He might step up our training or force us on more missions outside the walls, putting us at greater risk of death if he believes she can solve all our problems.”

It was a relief to know they weren’t being jerks by staying silent or preventing me from discussing my blood in front of others. They were protecting me in their own way.

“I can’t believe Cornaith wouldn’t even consider Kairian being responsible,” Ash said, sitting back on the couch.

Ezra reached for his bottle again. “I’m more concerned about what arrangement he’s made with the Sephra clan.”

“But if they are responsible, they’ll come for Rae again,” Zeke said.

“Whoever did this will come for her again.” Cyn wiped his hands on a napkin and tossed it onto the coffee table. “It doesn’t matter if it’s the Sephra clan or someone without any standing who got onto the palace grounds.”

“They had people. A lot of people,” Zeke said, drawing one of his legs beneath him.

“I don’t think an ordinary citizen is responsible.” Ezra sat back against the cushions. “Perhaps someone from one of the noble families that attended the ball, but narrowing down who is almost impossible.”

Ash glanced at me and then back at Ezra. “So where does that leave us?”

“You need to stay here,” Ezra said, directing his attention to me.

“What?”

“You need to stay home until we have more information on who is behind this.”

“Are you kidding me? You said I’m not a prisoner here.”

“You’re not.”

“You’re telling me I can’t leave.”

“That’s correct.”

Ash snorted. “He’s not intending to treat you like a prisoner, but he’s right that you should stay here until we know more.”

“But what about Kavina? I was just getting to know her. Rinlora too.”

Before being dumped in Feranzis, I’d started getting to know both of them and thought maybe I could have a friend or two on the infernal plane so my life didn’t revolve around four Shyrlivi men who gave me emotional whiplash all the time.

“You don’t get it,” Cyn snapped. It was the first time he’d directed his agitation at me since our ordeal in Feranzis. “You’re not safe outside of this house.”

“And you don’t get it. You don’t own me. I’m not a pet to keep locked in a cage.”

He glared at me. “No one is saying that.”

“Then what do you call this?”

“Protecting you!”