“But I have the codex. I’m keeping it safe for you in my library. Isn’t that enough?”
On reflex, I grab Lincoln’s hand. The codex is on the island; Prescott admits it! This fiasco is so close to being over, I can taste it. Well…Over except for the bit about Lucifer’s coin and opening up a gateway that could end the world. That part still bites.
“What more do you desire?” asks Prescott. The guilty look on his face says that he knows damned well what Acca wants.
“Please. Lucifer’s coin is still hidden on this island. You’re some kind of expert on Lucifer.”
Prescott lifts his chin. “I know about all archangels.”
I roll me eyes. Sure, you do.
“You don’t know enough to find Lucifer’s coin. Perhaps the Lady overestimated your skills in archangology.”
I have to admit, Blaze is right on that score. What Prescott knew about my father was zip.
“I’ll find the coin,” insists Prescott.
“I know you will. That’s why you’re here.”
Prescott puffs out his chest. “That, and because my Lady loves me.”
Riiiiiiiight. It’s too much of a coincidence for some Lady to fall for an archangologist when Lucifer’s coin is missing. Not that love makes you too logical. I’ve seen it myself with Connor and Octavia.
“We’re not having this conversation again,” says Blaze. “Find it.”
I glance over to Lincoln. He sits still as stone, a sliver of moonlight outlining his masked profile. I can’t see his face, but there’s no mistaking the waves of rage rolling off my guy. Lincoln is furious, and he’s not the only one. Both my hands are curled into fists. It’s one thing to suspect your own people are plotting against you. It’s another thing to see it firsthand.
This betrayal really pisses me off. Right now, I should be snuggling with my guy, eating demon bars, or planning my wedding. Okay, the wedding-planning stuff isn’t my favorite thing to do. That said, my point remains. These losers have me sneaking around a random island instead of living my life.
Prescott scrubs his face with his hands. “I’ve done everything I can think of. I’ve searched the island from end to end.”
“Look again. If you want to see your Lady, you’ll find it.”
“Yes, that’s right. I will find it. I’ll do anything for her.”
Something about the look in Prescott’s face reminds me of how he acted all creepy and handsy in the boat. A realization rattles around the back of my mind, so close to coming to the forefront. I lose it before I can bring it to light, though.
Blaze gestures to a pile of books on the floor. “We got some new volumes in today. Take them back to your library. See what you can discover.”
I turn to Lincoln. “Tell me you know where his library is.”
Even through the mask, I can tell my guy is smiling. “That I do.”
Sweet.
Prescott rushes over to a pile of leather-bound tomes and scans the bindings. “These are good. Very good. Some Greco-Roman histories.” Prescott scoops up the books and sets them against his chest. “I have a good feeling here. These books will be the key to finding Lucifer’s coin. I know it.”
“Then, you better find it soon.” Blaze’s voice takes on a menacing tone. “If you want your Lady back, then this is the only way it happens.”
Prescott rushes to stand before Blaze. “I do. You know I do.”
Blaze stands, and it’s clear that he’s a half head taller than Prescott, even if you don’t count the man-bun. “My brothers and I don’t like hiding out here. We’re not allowed home without the coin, and every day that passes, it becomes less likely that we’ll be able to return.”
Prescott’s eyes take on a wild look. “You mean the young usurper? The man who stole away the throne from your people?”
A weight of dread tightens through my insides. The young usurper. He means Lincoln. How many thrax really believe this to be the case? I mean, I knew Aldred thought that Rixa stole the crown from them. But what about the rest of Lincoln’s people? How deep does the betrayal go?
Blaze nods. “Before our enemy gets locked up, he could cause a lot of problems for those of us in this room.”
Lincoln shakes his head. I know my guy well enough to guess what he’s thinking. These five are totally screwed, no matter what Prescott finds.
“I won’t fail you, Blaze.” A bead of sweat rolls down Prescott’s cheek. “Believe me.”
“You have until tomorrow. We need the coin by the coin by Friday; it’s as simple as that. Our master has something special planned for the usurper this Sunday.”
Sunday. Our wedding day. And Aldred plans to ruin it. Yet another reason to hate him.
“I…I’ll do my best,” stammers Prescott. “What will you do with the coin once you have it?”
“That’s for my Master and your Lady to decide.”
Those are the words that come from Blaze’s mouth, but the dark look in his eyes? That tells a different story. That warrior knows exactly what will happen when Aldred gets the coin.