Page 105 of The Fate of Black Hearts

“It’s all different over there. I swear.”

With a dismissive wave, Dom continued. “Can you remember anything before your training, or even of your training?”

His eyes flicked upward. “All business all the time.” He examined his hands. “I remember Mariktelling me I’d graduated.”

“Before that. Do you remember your master?”

Dojin’s dark eyebrows squished together, barely creating a wrinkle on his forehead. He turned to stare out over the cloud abyss. There he remained for endless seconds.

Dom distracted himself by staring at Dojin’s long black hair, which he’d somehow woven into a complicated bun. He wondered if he could figure out how to do that.

Eventually, the other mage faced Dom again. “Nothing before that.”

“Nothing? The memory loss doesn’t concern you?”

He clasped his hands together. “I’m concerned you’re here because you knowwhyI remember nothing. Did that demon do something to me?”

“Evie, love, would you mind if I borrowed the pendant you wear for a moment?”

Dojin jolted a step back and faltered.

Dom reached out to grab his shirt and stabilize him. “Let’s not lose you over the edge yet. Once you remember, you’re free to jump on your own.”

“How did I not see her?”

“That’s an excellent question. I, of course, obscured her presence, but you should’ve sensed her here.”

“I should’ve.” Dojin studied Evie in her puffy winter coat, furry hat, and high-heeled boots.

Dom would never get used to the fluttery feeling in his stomach when he watched her brim with confidence. Gods, she was spectacular.

“You’re here with him? Out in the open?” Dojinswallowed hard.

“Why should I hide the fact we’re together? That’s public knowledge at this point. There are secrets that will remain between the two of us. Isn’t that the way it is between any who declare love for each other?” She grinned, her teeth a stark white contrast to the bright-red lipstick on her lips. To Dom, she said, “You didn’t tell me he was so bloody handsome. He’s beautiful, like a K-drama star.” She addressed Dojin. “Have you been an actor on the side? Should I know you? I admit to watching my fair share of K-dramas.”

Dom crossed his arms.

Evie leaned in and kissed Dom. “I didn’t say I wanted to jump into bed with him. I’m just having a moment to appreciate an exquisite form. That’s all.”

Dojin’s cheeks flushed. “Aren’t you worried about the prophecy? Both of you?”

Evie giggled. “That? It’s already come to pass and look…” She held her arms out and spun around. “The world is still here.”

“Whaa…” Dojin put a hand over his chest. “You have…you two…”

“Be gentle, Evie. He can’t handle everything at once. Small bits.” Dom held out his open palm to her. “May I borrow it for a moment to help him remember? I wouldn’t want you without it for long.”

She removed the pendant from her neck. “It’s been a constant companion through difficult times.”

He gazed at the amulet before offering it to Dojin. “Hold this in your hands and think about your training. Think about Kaven.”

“Who’s that?” Dojin accepted the amulet. Heblinked at Dom.

Dom rubbed his forehead and sighed. “Concentrate, for hell’s sake, on the amulet and try to remember.”

“Right…Kaven.” He closed his eyes for no more than a second before they popped open. “I don’t know why this is crucial, but I can’t do this with the two of you staring at me.” He turned away to sit cross-legged on the rock again facing away.

“What’s up with the amulet?” Evie whispered.