The Crow King's Wife(55)

Finn nodded once and let out a slow breath before leaning toward Seth and folding his hands in front of him. “You say you don’t have a conscience, and I say one was given to you. She had a beautiful smile and in her eyes you were nothing but a hero. You saved her life, and it scared you because you realized there was something you cared about other than yourself. You stumbled, and you don’t have the balls to ask her forgiveness. Let me point this out for you though Seth. Hemlock didn’t seek Yasny’s help just to make you miserable. He may hate you, but not enough to go to those lengths. He did it for a purpose, and I think it was to separate you from Zoey. Hemlock fears you. I’ve seen how fast he disappears when you show up. The only reason I can think that he would want you away from her is so he can kill her without worrying about you showing up.”

Seth’s eyes locked on him and the Assassin stiffened in his seat. His expression shifted from resignation to confusion then to anger in under a breath. “Why in the hell would he want Zoey dead?” he demanded.

“Good question. Can you think of another reason he would want you away from her?” Finn asked.

Seth frowned before nodding slowly. “She is Undrae. Hemlock is old enough to know what that is. If he can corrupt she would be a useful tool.”

“Either way you danced to his tune nicely and Zoey no longer has your protection.” Finn replied with a shrug and cocked his head at Seth. “So are you still waving the white flag or have you found a bit of motivation now?”

A look of pure frustration filled Seth’s eyes and he shook his head at Finn. “It doesn’t matter if I did find motivation. She won’t even give me the chance to apologize. At the first glimpse of black feathers she hides. Zoey hates me now, Finn.”

“Regardless of what you think I sincerely doubt Zoey hates you, but I will let the topic rest for now and give you time to think on it. We have a few more things to cover and then I have something to attend to.” Finn began as he felt a tug on his power. It was the second time in less than a breath, and he couldn’t ignore it much longer. It was a summons, but it wasn’t from the Divine, it was from someone much more important in his eyes. For her to summon him it had to be important, and as much as he wanted to save Seth he would drop anything for her. “First, you will make amends with Jala. She didn’t do anything wrong beyond having faith in her friend. You acted out of anger and you know it as well as I do. Second, you will visit Sanctuary on my behalf. I know the Aspects have a sort of truce with the Immortals to remain out of their affairs, but that is coming to an end. I want you to speak with Symphony on the matter. This is our world as much as theirs and I don’t approve of what they are doing with it. There will be a council amongst the High Lords next month and I fully intend for the Divine to have a seat on that council.”

“They will never agree to that. The Divine will object as much as the High Lords will.” Seth informed him with a quick shake of his head to emphasize the point.

“Let me worry about the Aspects and you worry about talking with Symphony. Simply present the idea to her, and let me worry about the rest. As far as Jala goes, I expect you to make things right with her by the end of the week. I don’t trust anyone else enough to send them for my son. I depend on you for that service and it makes it rather difficult when you are refusing to be around Jala.” Finn said as he rose from his chair. He could hear her voice calling him again and it was growing more insistent.

“How can you still trust me after knowing I was planning to betray you?” Seth asked in disbelief.

Finn glanced down at him and smiled. “When you spoke at the council of Aspects you said you would only serve me. Did you mean that?”

Seth nodded slowly and studied Finn’s expression with confusion. “I did. I would kill whoever they chose to replace you and take the power myself.”

“Why just me Seth?” Finn pressed.

“Because…” Seth’s voice trailed off and he looked away. With a sigh he rubbed his jaw and looked back to Finn grudgingly. “Because you are my friend even though I have tried to keep from admitting that. If it had truly come down to it I don’t know if I really could have followed through with my betrayal.”

“And there is your answer Seth. I trust you with my son because you are my friend. You aren’t a very damn good friend to be sure, but you are learning, and you are getting better at it. I cut you slack because I know I’m one of the few friends you’ve ever had. You are still learning how to treat them, and more importantly how to trust them.” Finn winked at him before turning for the doorway. “I will be back later. I don’t know how much later, but this requires my attention. Do your best to find your balls, Seth. Zoey will have need of you in the future regardless of what you think and saving her again will be great practice for becoming a hero for the rest of the world.”