A Court of Stars and Memories

82. Bartering Forgiveness

The next day passed in endless hours of preparation and anxiety. Mitsi spent most of her time at Lysander's side, ignoring the worried looks he threw her way. Her nerves had melted into nothingness, but that wouldn't shake her resolve.

Her siblings were right. They had to succeed and rid themselves of their father and Julian once and for all, and they had to ensure that Eliana and Hollis would be safe. At last, the afternoon hours waned into the brief moment before sunset.

Mitsi finished lacing the sides of her Illyrian leathers and sheathed her dagger at her waist. She drew her hair back into a braid, then cast a glance at Lysander. He sat on the edge of their bed watching her intently.

He'd already donned his own leathers complete with his seven glistening emerald siphons. His sword and dagger were sheathed in their usual places, and he looked every bit the fierce warrior that she knew he was.

It drew a smile to her lips, knowing he would turn that fierceness and those skills to help protect her family from harm. Mitsi approached and draped her arms around his neck. Lysander's hands settled on her waist while he peered up at her.

"You don't have to go," he said once more. "Ask and I'll take you as far from here as you wish."

"I know." She smoothed a few straggly locks of ash-brown hair from his forehead. "But I won't abandon my family now."

Lysander's hazel gaze reflected pride and admiration. "Send your father straight to hell, Owl."

Mitsi gulped at the thought. "I don't know if I can," she murmured. "Kill him, I mean. I know Mina and Micah won't hesitate, but...how could I kill anyone, least of all my own father?"

"He is your father in blood only, nothing more. He's not the one who raised you. He's not the one who cared for you. That one good memory you have of your father carrying you on his shoulders isn't even about him, is it?"

Mitsi smiled weakly. "No." Colette had confirmed it that morning, when she'd recalled her intention to ask about the memory.

It was true; Cyrus had been the one carrying her during a brief visit that he and Colette paid Anya, the old housekeeper. That confirmation had eased some of Mitsi's hesitation about today, but not all.

Lysander took her hands in his own and massaged them gently, not breaking her gaze. "Even if you're not the one to deal the killing blow, you can at least help send him on his way. He deserves to suffer at your hand for all he put you through."

He lifted one palm to her cheek and Mitsi leaned into his touch, drinking his scent deeply. "If it helps, don't think of it as killing your father. Think of it as avenging yourself and your siblings. Your mother."

Mitsi swallowed again, her mouth running dry even as she nodded. "As soon as we find Eliana and Hollis, I'll be back by your side," Lysander promised. "But even while I'm gone, you won't be alone."

A soothing touch rippled across the Bond and Mitsi returned it. She could sense Lysander's own split emotions regarding their plan. It grated on him, not being able to go with her and shield her from what she was about to face.

Mitsi squared her shoulders and drew a steady breath. "Protecting Lia and Hollis is the best way you can help me," she said.

"Then that's what I'll do. I love you." He rose and touched his lips to hers in a soft, but deep kiss. Mitsi closed her eyes and wove her fingers through the ends of his hair, losing herself in the moment for as long as possible.

This was what she was fighting for. Lia and Hollis' safety, and the chance to live happily with her mate. The freedom to leave her father in the past and never fear him again. Mitsi drew back only when a knock sounded at the door.