Page 113 of Fallen Court

“Of course.” Her soft chuckle was familiar, carrying the same amusement she’d always shown when I was younger and she seemed to know something I hadn’t told her yet. “You’ve chosen quite the companion for yourself, Cate. I knew you wouldn’t settle for some average guy.”

The admission sent a jolt through me. “How…?”

Maybe I didn’t want to know. I’d spent a lot of time worried that she was watching over me, disappointed in how I handled things with Channing. I hadn’t considered what else she might have glimpsed.

“I know everything.” Secrets and understanding twinkled in her eyes, and my stomach twisted into knots. Did she know about the ring, too?

Before I could ask, Gran’s expression shadowed. “I can’t say that I approve of the company Channing is keeping, though.”

Shame washed over me, and I hung my head. “I’m keeping a lot of the same company. It’s my fault.”

She shook her head. “No. Channing makes his own choices, just as you make yours. Most of the time, you keep your head, but he can’t seem to avoid trouble.”

“I should have gotten him out of New Orleans.”

“When?” she asked.

“I could have sent him away earlier.” Instead, I’d let him sit in jail, recklessly thinking I could outsmart Lach.

“Your deal with Lach—it was bound to happen. Mates find each other across time and space.” Gran’s voice was firm, leaving no space for argument.

“But now Channing is caught up in my destiny,” I whispered. The responsibility of that pressed down on me, heavier after what had happened tonight.

“That can’t be helped now, but it is why I fear for him. He does not possess your strength.” Her gaze pierced mine, a note of pride lacing her words.

A lump formed in my throat. “I’m sorry, Gran. I’ll protect him. I promise.”

“I know.” She sighed. Her assurance was both a balm and a burden, but I clung to it, determined to live up to her faith in me. “Sacrifice runs in your very blood, I’m afraid.”

Unease prickled the back of my neck. “What do you mean?”

“You didn’t come to me by chance, Cate.” Gran lifted a hand to my shoulder. I couldn’t feel it on my skin, but I felt it somewhere more important. “Have you ever looked at your foster care file?”

Somehow, I had never considered doing this. Even now, the suggestion refused to take root. What good would it do? I shook my head, which felt as cloudy as the foggy world around me. “What’s in it?”

“There are things I’m still not allowed to tell you,” Gran said.

“But you’re dead,” I replied without thinking.

She laughed. “I’m aware, but I am bound by ancient rules. There is more to your story.”

“To my past?” I asked.

“Past, present, future. Truth does not care about time. It exists outside its rule.”

“Does it have something to do with the ring? Why did you give it to me?” The question burst out of me.

Gran’s face softened, and she reached out, her hand passing through mine like a breath of wind. “It was always yours, Cate.”

Her lips parted, and I braced for a revelation I still couldn’t fathom, when suddenly her gaze darted over my shoulder. Her eyes widened, and she vanished, leaving a void before me—and inside me.

“Gran!” I needed to know more. I needed to know what to do. I needed her. I whirled around. “Gran!” The cry died on my lips as another figure emerged from the swirling mist, but this one wasn’t a ghost.

I’d only met him once, but I remembered him. “Goemon.”

He tilted his head, his sleek black hair falling like a curtain across his face. He didn’t bother to say hello. There was only one reason he was here. Lach had been right to be concerned.

My muscles tensed, ready to spring, but there was nowhere to run in this void.