Starkeeper of the Fractured Crown

Easy.

The one that hurt the most though, was the one that wrapped around the back of my neck.

Mom had tried to break off the collar this morning before I left. I was a whore for wearing it rather than trading it off to the highest bidder for some gold. She would never understand how badly I wanted it off too. I might have thanked her if she had managed to break the chain, even if it did mess my neck up for the rest of my life.

She had grabbed the front of it, slid her fingers through the ring, and pulled and pulled and pulled until I couldn’t stop the tears from spilling down my cheeks.

My neck hurt now, but it wasn’t anything I couldn’t manage.

I flexed my hand, pulling at where the bandages stuck to my healing wounds on my left arm. The pain cleared my head almost instantly.

The last time I had fucked someone had been two months ago. After he ran away vomiting, I swore to myself I would change. And I would, it was just…taking longer than I had hoped.

Especially after yesterday.

I didn’t feel great today. Not physically, but in my head. I didn’t want to fight or argueor be awake.

So, I forced all of my own feelings down and focused on the task. The sooner I could get Cole what he needed, the sooner I could get rid of him and move Mark in.

If I could move Mark in before Trick killed me, then my job would be done. Mark would be safe, and Trick could do with me what he pleased.

Today, I had a list. I had heard Cole mention something about marks on the necks of the victims yesterday. Just like last time, but they hadn’t been successful. I needed to know what that meant. I also wanted information on the magic situation. Trick could use his magic, the witches could use theirs, and the street was fine, but not Cole? Something had to be going on.

It wasn’t a long list, but it’d probably take a while to talk about.

I pulled my hood tight as I walked across the clearing and I ran a finger down my veil, making sure all was in place as I headed for the door.

My attention was pulled when I passed the rock from yesterday. Trick’s blood was frozen on one jagged edge of it. I felt a zing of pride fall down my spine at that. He may have let it happen, but I still hurt him.

Ha.

When I finally shoved into the cottage, my head a little higher, I found Cole looking over a stack of books, his brows furrowed.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, sliding my satchel off.

“Hmm,” he replied as he straightened. “Oh, there was one book I wanted to read but I can’t seem to find it.The Secret of the Crime.” His eyes found mine. “Do you remember that one?”

Yup. Yeah, I did, it was…it was not suitable for anyone to read. Ever. I should have burned it, and I’m glad I misplaced it because I knew for a fact that I would never live that one down.

“That’s tough,” I told him as I set my satchel on the couch.

A smile touched one corner of his lips, amusement dancing in his eyes. “You didn’t want me reading it, did you?”

I shrugged.

“You can tell me which of your books are off limits, you know that, right?”

“What would you do here if you couldn’t read?”

His brows lifted. “You don’t want me reading any of them?”

I gestured towards the table, watching as his eyes flicked to my hands. “Some books aren’t meant for anyone else. I fell during the fight,” I told him. “Remember? You found me on the ground.”

He walked over, his eyes scanning carefully. “You’re walking as if you’re in pain.”

“There was anattack,” I enunciated. “I got hit by a bunch of scrambling people who were trying to escape the horrible things happening. Just because you don’t bruise easily doesn’t mean it’s the same for everyone else. I’m human. That comes with a long list of downfalls.”

He didn’t look like he believed me, but I truly didn’t care. “What did Trick say yesterday?” he asked as he took a seat across from me.