Page 133 of The Bonds of Indigo

I shake my head. “It’s fine. Really.”

He releases my hand only to grab me by the cheeks, and I gasp—actually shocked at how rough he’s being.

“Remove it,” he growls. “I will not have you dying if something happens to me.”

Heat spreads from temple to temple. “Kayn…”

Before I can tell him I refuse to do it, he looks down at the hand holding my face. Tiny flecks of gold and violet shimmer across his skin like stardust. The glow crawls up his arm toward his shoulder.

How do I tell him I’d die regardless?

If our bond snapped unnaturally—without Vendra’s interference—my soul would follow him, wherever that end led.

And seeing his reaction now, I know he’d demand the connection be severed. For my safety. For me.

I know that’s the ultimate goal, to have my God separate it, but the idea of going wherever he goes… it sounds almost beautiful. If that were the fate waiting for us.

It does make me wonder if the hex would prevent me from that…

As the protection settles over his entire body, I move my hand to the side of his neck.

“Do you plan to die?”

I need to redirect him. Worrying about this won’t get us anywhere. I’m not removing the spell, and debating it will only waste time.

“No, but⁠—”

“Then don’t worry.” I tug at him, not even sure if I’m pulling him in for a kiss or just wanting him closer. I just need him near. “Vendra has a thing for you. And for me. I don’t think we’ll be dying anytime soon.”

Both his hands cradle my neck, thumbs lifting my chin. “Little slayer, if we get into some shit, you will remove it.”

It’s not a question. Not a request.

“Okay.” I won’t actually agree, but that’s all he’s getting.

He releases a low, irritated grumble before crashing his mouth against mine. “Infuriating,” he mutters through the bond, turning his head to thrust his tongue into my mouth. “I will not lose you both. Do you hear me?”

“Loud and clear, brute.”

Suddenly—loud enough that I think I’m imagining it—a bass-heavy boom sounds from the other side of the border. I jerk back and look through the opening we’re about to walk through.

“Is… that…?”

“Music.”

I tilt my head up at him. “What the?”

“I did ask if you were ready to party.” He chuckles, then pulls me through the entrance—straight toward the Beyond on Earth.

Chapter 34

I’m a little conflicted about my feelings at the moment. I wanted to enjoy this strange, unexpected moment with Amarah, but she’s actually pissed me off with this spell shit.

“Do you plan on dying?” I could’ve strangled her. Not to death, of course—that would defeat the whole purpose of being angry.

“I would not stop you.” I nearly freeze at the voice that is not my little slayer’s in my head. “Do not react, Kayn Butcher.”

Easier said than done, but I keep moving, pulling Amarah along by the hand as we squeeze through the narrow metal tunnel. I’m having a harder time fitting than she is, but I already made it through once before going back for her, so I know it’s doable.