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Nic watches Monty with a wary eye as if she expects him to do more than curl in my lap. “My mother made a deal with one of your ancestors?—”
It’s my turn to interrupt. “How old is your mom?”
“A few centuries.” She skips the details as if age that sounds like immortality doesn’t matter. “Anyway, your family bargained for beauty magic which led to riches and fame.”
My throat goes tight. “In return for the seventh daughter being cursed?”
“Then you know the story.” She relaxes against the cushions as though my question took a great weight from her shoulders. “But of course you do. Your grandmother talked about it on your family’s Halloween special.”
“I’m the seventh daughter.”
Her eyes go wide. “Shit.”
“Yep. The cursed one.” Unholy rage sizzles over my senses. “Because one of my ancestors thought it’d be fine formeto pay the price for their success. A bargain with a devil explains why my mother made millions before she turned eighteen, why my sister can’t make a mistake in the business world no matter what dumbass tactics she tries, why the twins are adored by absolutely everyone?—”
“You’re loved too.”
“Only by my friends. The ones I tricked and led to Theo so he could send them off to monsters or, worse,losethem. I have to get out of here.” I wave a hand toward the rocket launcher.
“While I appreciate the wholeagent of chaosway you think, if you use that in a magical realm, there’s no telling what will happen. Best case scenario? You’ll only blow away part of this castle Theo converted to a sanctuary for those unfortunate enough to end up with someone other than their fated mate, those who found unhappily ever after. Not to mention Shadowvale—that’s the castle’s name—is alive, which means you’ll wound it for nothing more than doing what you asked.”
Ouch. I hadn’t stopped to think anyone else might be hurt in the blast, let alone a living castle. “Worst case?”
“The explosion triggers a disastrous ripple that not only destroys this dimension but echoes through the ones where your friends and family are as well.”
“Well, damn. I didn’t know a worst case scenario could take such a catastrophic turn.”
“On the bright side, Theo warded the suite up the ass so you can’t get hurt no matter what you conjure. It’s the only place in all the worlds where you’ll be safe. You met my older sister, right?”
“I did. Tall, blonde, and well-starched. Reminds me of my own big sister, Bree.”
Nic snort-laughs. “That’s Gilly. She’s terrifying.”
“The two of you don’t look much…” Rather than shove my foot farther down my throat, I shut up. Too late.
“Alike?” Nic shakes her head. “We’re demons. You’ve seen our human glamours. They adapt to suit the wearer. Think of it as our individual fashion sense. Gilly’s as put together as I am scattered. She’s investigating the portals and believes an ocean realm’s prince opened it.”
“A Prince Charming type?”
“Hardly. More like the evil little merman. Which is why Gilly and Theo are working so hard to find your friend. If he took her, he’ll keep her in his realm, and she’ll never have a chance of meeting her fated mate. They still don’t know which demon royal might’ve worked with the merman to force the portal. Until we do, a portal could open anywhere except here which means you’re at risk of being taken wherever you run.”
“I’ve already been kidnapped by your brother.”
“And brought safely to a suite in a magical castle that grants your every request. With a soul guardian allowed who’s dangerous to demons, no less.” She aims a look at Monty who does nothing more than twitch his ears in her direction. Flicking her fingers toward the band around my ankle, she adds, “You have a translator to interpret every language and a summoning sigil to call Theo. Besides, you signed the mating contract. You can hardly call it a true kidnapping.”
“I thought he was part of a taping for my family’s show.”
“Then let’s pretend you’re filming while Theo and Gilly find your friend. Wish up something fun from the suite like sheet masks, mascara, a bouquet of gorgeous flowers. As president of your show’s fan club in the hell dimensions, I know all your favorites. You can even ask for a chemistry set.”
“So I can blow up the living castle? If you’ve watched the show, you know my track record with creations going wrong and plants ending up dead. Welcome to your mother’s curse. It’s why they call me a jinx.”
She shrugs. “This is hell. The curse probably doesn’t work here.”
Monty chirps encouragingly, and I stroke a finger over his soft fur.
“Up to test it?” Nic asks.
“Not on anything explosive,” I tell her.
