Page 80 of The Fate of Black Hearts

“It’s not that simple. There are rules to his movement. But I wasn’t talking about him following you. If he’s worried about crazy mages, then watch your six.”

“Lyra is in danger?”

“Yes. Later.” She hung up.

Her phone lit up with texts. The only one that made her smile was Flynn.

Flynn:Figuring you got your memory back too. Let me know if I need to dig a hole for Dom. I’m all in on that one.

She had only one person she needed to text.

Evie:Did you know about this amnesia spell for the past SIX years?

Cora:I picked up that he cast it the first time I asked something about him and none of you remembered. What made me go along was Lyra.

Evie:Did you shield her from him somehow?

Cora:There’s a prophecy.

Evie:I know. Now that I remember I know.

Cora:She’s a unique and special child. I’d do anything to protect her.

Evie:Thank you. I’ll see you later.

A half hour later while standing just outside the kitchen, she heard Lyra say, “I wish you could be my father.”

“Teacup, have I not always been here for you?” Efrem asked.

“Yes. Mom has been so sad for as long as I can remember. I used to wish you’d mate her so she could be happier. I thought if you did, it’d fix her.”

“Do you think she needs fixing?”

“She’s missing a big piece of her heart. I found the piece last night. Then I tried helping him so he can fix her.”

“You tried by doing what? And to whom?”

“After Mom saved him last night in her dreams, I broke the stone.”

“Tell me more about this stone and the man in her dreams.” She recognized Efrem’s tone as one meant to lull the other person into divulging their secrets, but beneath the sweetness lurked a viciousness to find the source of whatever intended to hurt Evie.

Annddd…that was her cue. “Good morning.”

Efrem started in an flash of guilt that transformed to concern.

She gave him a double eyebrow raise.

Efrem asked in a deadly calm tone, “I was working on that project you requested yesterday, but it seems this morning I recall pertinent details that make its completion moot. Do yourememberthose now too?”

“Yes.” As she sat down, she picked up Lyra to hug her. Her little one wrapped her arms around her neck and dropped her head on her chest. “Darling, it was dangerous to do what you did. I’ve told you I don’t know if I can protect you in that state.”

“I know. I’m pretty strong, though. I broke that thing, didn’t I?”

“You did.”

“His power felt warm to me. No, that’s not the right word.” She sat up straight and twirled the end of her hair around a finger, a habit Evie wished she’d stop. It damaged the ends and caused so many knots. “Felt like I knew it.” She rested her head against Evie’s chest again. “He was so bright. Like the sun.”

“The stone was bright.”