Before I Wake
Page 72

Wheres the other one? That feisty little mara? Thane said. Is she going to jump out of a closet somewhere and yell boo?
Are you going to deliver whatever threat Avari sent you with, or are we going to have to start guessing? Tod said. I gotta warn you, Im insanely good at charades.
Theres no message. Im jumping ship. But I need your help.
Why the hell would we help you? Nash demanded as I edged around them for a better view.
Because I know what Avaris doing, and how hes doing it.
And, what? I said. Youve reached the limit on how many secret evil schemes you can keep a lid on? Were supposed to trust you because you conveniently show up with answers when we need them most?
Thane set the chip bag on the counter behind him and shrugged. Youre going to trust me because Im all you have. Unless you want Avari to keep picking off your friends and family one by one until he gets what he wants.
Start talking, Nash growled, but Thane shook his head slowly.
Im not saying a word until you swear youll help me.
Help you with what? I asked, arms crossed over my chest. I wasnt convinced he wasnt just playing another of Avaris games. But I believed that he hated the hellion as much as we did, and that gave us a common goal. Potentially.
He has my soul. I want you to swear youll get it back for me.
Why would you trust us to do that? Nash said.
I wouldnt trust the two of you to hit the pot when you piss. I trust her. He pointed at me, and they both turned to follow his blank-eyed gaze. If she gives me her word, she wont break it.
How do you know that? I asked.
Because youre trustworthy and you have a hero complex. Thats why Avari wants youyoure everything hes not, and he doesnt understand that. You protect people with lies, and he manipulates people with the truth. You keep saving those whove hurt you his empty eyes rolled in Nashs direction briefly and he hurts people whove done him no harm. Avari wants to dissect you, physically, mentally, emotionally. Thane shrugged. I just want to offer you a fair exchange of services. My information for your help getting my soul back.
Hes lying, Kay, Nash said, fists clenched at his sides. Hellions cant lie, but we all know reapers can.
Careful, pot, Tod said. Someone might notice your resemblance to the kettle.
Tod only shrugged when I tried to scold him with a frown. He startedit. As for this clown he glanced at Thane, then back at me Im with you, whatever you decide.
I didnt want to rescue Thaneor his soulfrom Avari. There was a large part of me that thought he deserved to be tortured for all of eternity for all the poor souls hed condemned to that very fate. And for killing my mother when it wasnt her time. But Thane was our best shotmaybe our only shotat stopping Avari from going through everyone I knew or loved to get to me.
Okay, I said at last, and Nash groaned. Ill help get your soul away from Avari. But there are conditions. The first is that you have to help yourself, too. Im not doing it on my own.
Thane nodded eagerly. Maybe a little too eagerly.
Second, you tell us everything you know first. Right now.
He shook his head and leaned against the end of the short kitchen peninsula. Thats not how this works. You give a little, I give a little.
I cant give you a little of your soul, and Im not going after it until I know exactly whatll be waiting for me. So start talking now, or well take our chances without you.
Thanes brows rose. Someone woke up on the wrong side of the grave.
I shrugged, afraid to admit that I wasnt sure Id woken up yet at allmost of the past month felt like a nightmare. Whats it gonna be?
Fine. But I have a couple of conditions of my own.
Hell, no. You dont get to make up the rules, Nash said.
Thane ignored him. First of all, keep your assorted collection of authority figures out of it. Levi will kill me the minute he sees me, and I dont trust Madeline. Theres something in her eyes
I believe thats integrity and dedication to her job.
Yeah. Its disturbing.
What about my dad?
I dont know how much help hell be in the Netherworld, but sure, bring him along. Thane shrugged. If he gets hurt, thats all on you.
I had no plans to take my dad to the Netherworld, but he and my uncle could be helpful on this side of the world barrier. If I could keep them from tattling to Levi and Madeline.
Secondand youre gonna want to pay attention here, Thane said. If you go back on your word and Im stuck with that hellion bastard, I will help him torture and kill everyone youve ever even said hello to.
Thats a big threat, Tod said. Someones compensating for inadequacies.
Do we have a deal?