Page 133 of Eternal Surrender

She shook her head again. “Fabian, is it true you wiped my memory?”

“I did.” He rose and gestured for her to approach him.

“Why did you do that?” she asked.

“You weren’t ready,” he replied.

Her brow furrowed. “How did you do it?”

“You were given a little of his blood to drink,” I said.

Ingrid slammed her hand to her mouth.

“Quick and painless,” Fabian reassured her. “But you’re ready now.”

“For what?” she asked.

“The knowledge of us,” he told her. “Come closer, my dear.”

Ingrid glanced my way for support and then took a wary step toward him.

Fabian reached for her left arm and slid up her sleeve, running his fingertips over her brand. “This encircles a birthmark, see?”

Ingrid peered closer.

“This circle with a small dot in the middle symbolizes a circumpunct,” Fabian continued. “The balance of female and male energy. William marked you his equal.” Fabian kept his attention on her. “Balance is sacred.” His forefinger circled.

“But how did you know it was like that?”

Her birthmark hidden from view.

“I behold what is hidden to all, and in that seeing, bear the burden of knowing.”

Ingrid’s frown softened.

“Change. We fear it but cannot live without it,” added Fabian.

“Why did you put us through that?” She pointed back toward the small chamber.

“To help you face your fear,” he explained.

“Of falling in love?” she murmured, shaking her head, realizing. “That’s. . .”

“Tragic,” Fabian finished her words. “Let me ask you this—” He placed his thumb on her forehead and pressed in between her eyebrows. “Do you want to know?”

“Know?” she asked.

“The night your father died,” he said.

“I don’t understand,” she murmured.

“You went in, Ingrid.” Fabian pressed harder.

She looked puzzled. “No I didn’t.”

“Oh but you did,” Fabian said. “And we need to get that little girl out of there.”

I stood up, daring to defy the ancient who was about to push Ingrid too far.