NINE TIME MACHINES: Do you want to undo your entire life on planet earth?

CHAPTER 193

"It's simple; because he did."

"If he did, how on earth did we end up living with the hopefuls, for goodness sake?"

"Ebony found your aunt there. Let's just say Leer Island has certain property laws."

"How did we even survive in that place? A woman and a child alone among wolves?"

"Reputation isn't everything, Mary. The hopefuls never hurt you. They helped."

"This is way too much to take in, being imprisoned by a snake, and all."

"Just a while longer, my dear. At any rate, this should teach you a lesson."

"Which is?"

"You need me. If for nothing else, for those memories you lost. And much more, I tell you."

"Are we done here? I really don't like being pinned down, Andromalius."

"Okay. That's enough!" he says to the snake, and then to me. "Are you ready for a merger?"

"That depends. What else can you bring to the partnership?"

"More than you, for certain."

"If that's how you see me, then step aside let me pass."

"Remember, Mary. I'm the one with the throne."

And the silver throne reveals itself, its magnetism drawing me in until it plonks me down onto itself, almost like if it's transporting me to a new prison.

"Andromalius!"

"All right. I'm done playing with you," he chuckles. "But you like the feel of it, right?"

"It feels good," I say begrudgingly. "Would feel even better if I was free to make the choice."

"Sorry about that," he says, and the throne releases me.

"I'd say thanks but I feel as though you should be apologizing."

"Still want to know what else I can bring to the partnership?"

"I asked, didn't I?"

"That you did, my dear," he acknowledges. "What would you say if I told you I can lead you to old money?"

"How old?"

"Treasure buried good and proper."

"Sounds good to me. Anything else?"

"Ever heard about prevention being better than cure?"

"Go on."

"I can stop all your hidden enemies in their tracks before they even think of taking you down."

"You're that good, huh? Okay." I say and he approaches the throne.

"Ready to form that merger now?"

"Become one with you?" I ponder a while. "Yes, I think I'd like that."