Dark Secrets - Linsey Hall Page 0,11

she gestured to the center of the round table. “Please order whatever you like.”

I eyed the empty table, confused. A moment later, magic shimmered. Golden light swirled over the wood, and images of various coffees appeared, floating in midair. There was a tiny espresso, a larger flat white, a foamy cappuccino, a mug of tea, and a few others I didn't recognize.

Grey pointed to the espresso, and I wasn’t surprised by his choice. Dark and intense, just like him. The cup floated to the table, transitioning from transparent to solid as it went. The rich scent filled the air, and I considered my options, deciding upon the cappuccino.

It floated toward me, and I took it. “Thank you.” The first sip was divine, and I sighed. “This is the best thing I’ve ever had.”

“Of course it is. We only serve the best here.” Genara nodded, then looked at Grey. “You are here to remember.”

“Yes.”

“What is it that you seek?”

5

Grey

What did I seek?

The Mind Mage’s words echoed in my mind, more probing than she’d probably meant them to be.

My gaze flicked to Carrow, and I had my answer

Her.

But right now, we needed information about a past I couldn’t remember. In truth, there was much that I couldn’t remember. So much in my long and terrible past that had been replaced by new memories.

The terrible things remained, of course. Humans had that uncanny ability to recall their worst times, and I was no exception. The best times?

Those were so few and far between. And now that I’d met Carrow, they all paled in comparison to what I felt for her.

No.

I knew what was in our future—she’d seen it herself. I would drink her to death, according to her vision. Though we might not know exactly why, that was enough information for me.

I couldn’t have her.

I could never have her.

It would be easy enough to say that I’d never do the terrible deed, but I’d seen enough to respect magic and fate. The only way to be sure I could control myself was to avoid her as much as possible.

I blinked and turned toward Genara. She could read minds from a distance, but not mine, thank fates. My inner self was locked tight. It had taken years of practice to achieve that protection, but I considered it time well spent.

She could see into my mind if I permitted, and only if she were touching me. Even then, she couldn't see all the way. Rather, her skills helped me unlock memories that were long forgotten.

“There is a place in Guild City with a past that I might know more about.” I explained everything that Carrow had told me and that I had seen, including information about the book. “I believe I know something about it, but that information is beyond my reach.”

Genara nodded, all business now. “Of course. I can help you access it.”

I leaned toward her slightly, and she raised a pale, slender hand. Golden bangles clanked at her wrist, the gems sparkling under the glow of the lamps. Her eyes met mine. “May I?”

“Yes.”

As her hand moved toward my temple, I looked at Carrow. She watched, interested. She seemed to have forgotten her coffee.

Genara’s cool fingertips touched my temple, and I forced back a shudder of distaste. Carrow’s touch I enjoyed…but only hers. Everyone else’s was a burden, even Genara’s.

“Focus on what you want to know,” she murmured.

I felt her magic flow from her fingers into my mind, sparking through my head as her power attempted to unlock my memories. It took all my will not to fling her away. The beast inside me did not appreciate the riskiness of this endeavor. Connection with anyone—particularly connection through the mind—was dangerous.

But I was more powerful than the beast. These days, at least. I forced it to quiet, letting Genara’s magic flow through me as I tried to recall the past that was locked up tight.

Nothing came.

I frowned and tried harder, thinking of everything that Carrow had told me and everything I’d seen. That should have acted as a road map pointing me toward part of my mind that I’d forgotten. With Genara’s help, I should have been able to unlock it.

But I couldn’t.

Why not?

Carrow set her coffee cup down, her hands twitching as if she wanted to try again now that there was someone who could teach her. The interest in her eyes glowed more keenly.

“Would you like to try?” I asked. “Perhaps Genara can show you.”

Genara’s eyes widened. “And give a possible competitor