Smoke And Mirrors (Cast In Shadow Book 3) by A J Brahms

Author:A J Brahms [Brahms, A J]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Caldwell Press
Published: 2017-08-29T00:00:00+00:00

Nine

I stared at the angels. "How—"

"You'll have to find out how he's involved. Or, clear his name and prove he's not. On the surface, it makes sense that Retainers would wish a means to prevent their employers from turning them—if that is not the path they want."

My hands were balled into fists. "I don't like the idea of proving him innocent again."

"I know. Because we both know he's not."

I stepped back from the poisonous silver and looked at him where he stood by the fireplace. "Luke and Julie know?"

"And Aberdeen. He's waiting for you outside."

Of course. I instinctively attempted to summon Occam to give me eyes outside the house, and again, touched nothing. Perhaps this was the opportunity I needed. "Jedediah…"

"Yes?"

"I—" How did I say these things? How could I put them into words in front of a man I both detested and respected? "I don't know what's happening to me."

"Happening?"

"I don't have a lot of memories left—of when Elizabeth took me. They're really just hasty images. Clips of pain. The fever. Her mind in mine. Her voice, the voice of a Goddess." I paused and licked my lips. "I feel…different."

"Than you felt before Tungsten saved you?"

"Yeah."

"That's because you are." He set his glass on the mantel again and gestured for me to sit in one of the chairs by the fire. He sat on the edge of the other chair and looked…relieved? "Ren, you were forced into the life of a Ghoul, and not just any Ghoul, but a full Tier One. And then made a Chevalier. Do you remember how many years of your life that took?"

"A few?"

"Ten, Ren. You were gutted, prodded, destroyed, rebuilt, and remade over ten years. Most candidates don't survive the first year. But you did. In truth, there were perhaps twelve Chevaliers made in the past century. We've lost track of them. All but you." He paused. "When you took Tungsten's blood, it was like a renewal for you. But his blood is reworking you, tearing you down inside, and remaking you in preparation to be his own."

I had sort of known that…but hadn't really thought about it. "So Elizabeth's blood made me cruel."

"You became a reflection of her. No one really faults you for the things you did—or at least, anyone who knows how Ghouls are made. Are built. And if the truth be known…well, that is for another discussion. The fever you have now isn't the same as when you were first taken. The temperatures your body have reached, fevers of over a hundred and ten, Ren, would have killed a human. His blood is warring with hers, and given his years and his strength, his will win."

"But what is that going to do to me?" I put my hand on my chest. "I appreciate what he did. Saving my life. And his promise not to make me his. But how will that affect what will come? Jedediah—I can't even summon my Raven."

"Ah…is this why you seem upset?" And he laughed softly.

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