Total pages in book: 247
Estimated words: 248926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1245(@200wpm)___ 996(@250wpm)___ 830(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 248926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1245(@200wpm)___ 996(@250wpm)___ 830(@300wpm)
“Why?”
“Because when one enters a dark enchanted forest, they go through a journey that has them leave as a new person.”
“How does Emily end the war?”
Baba gestured to the cards. “Let us see.”
I quickly grabbed one from the pile in front of me and flipped it over.
A sliver of a moon peaked over a massive mountain. A small man played a violin by a campfire.
A violin? This better not have anything to do with the Butcher.
I read the words, “Mutable Moon. Someone is near that can help you.”
“Hmmm.” Baba took a sip of her vodka.
“That is quite enough drinking for now.”
“The moment you can tell me how much I drink is the moment you have gained several years over me.”
I scowled.
She set the glass back down. “This card deals with the Butcher.”
“Goddamn it. Does the card at least mean that I can kill him in Italy.”
“Kazimir it says help, not kill.” She picked up the card. “However, I do not think this means that the Butcher is the one that can help you.”
“Good.”
“But, he knows who could.” She tapped the card with her finger. “A campfire warms you from the cold, but it also can burn you.”
I groaned in annoyance.
“Have patience, Lion. I am trying to understand this.” She rubbed the edge of the card over and over. Then, she looked at the ceiling. “The Butcher knows the person that can help, but perhaps. . .there is some fear that this person can be more harmful than helpful.”
Who is this person?
Baba looked at me. “You must go to the Butcher and ask him about this.”
“I would rather kill him.”
Baba rolled her eyes. “You do understand that the Butcher as well as Paolo will be integral in helping Lunita heal.”
“Oh really? Now the Butcher? How long is this list going to be, Baba?”
“Very long.”
“I do not want the Butcher around my mouse.”
“We are discussing Lunita, not Emily.”
Sighing, I considered what she had already said. “But. . .Emily will heal from our keeping Paolo around?”
She nodded.
“And I will have to work on healing myself through accepting Paolo?”
“That is also correct.”
“Pavel’s ghost is haunting me—”
“I did not say haunting.” She raised one finger. “I said he follows you around, hoping you will do the right thing.”
I pointed my finger at her. “No more marijuana during our readings.”
She rolled her eyes again. “Let us not forget that Emily will end this conflict.”
Unease spread through me. “But, will she be safe?”
“The white mouse eats cheese.”
I shook my head. “Whatever that means.”
“I am tired, Lion. Let us go to your last question. It was about Paolo surviving in Moscow.”
“Yes.”
“You know the answer to this question, Kazimir.”
“I do not. He is a traitor’s son.”
All the lights on the candles flickered.
I stiffened.
Pavel? No. I do not believe in ghosts.
Baba spoke, “When you appeared in Paris, I was worried for my grandson. I had already heard the stories about the Lion. Then, I began seeing the visions. And to my surprise, I saw you dressed in a tuxedo and kissing Emily on a roof, she had flowers in her hair and—”
“What?” Cold shivers ran through me.
She blinked. “I believe this vision was of your future wedding.”
So cold with terror, I hugged myself.
“Are you okay, Kazimir?”
“When did you see this?”
“While you were in Paris. I also saw the vision of the lion being ridden by the mouse—”
“Back to the vision of my kissing her on the roof. . .”
“O-kay.” She raised her eyebrows. “When I saw that, I must say that I was surprised at Emily’s brown complexion. I remember the old days of the Brotherhood and their many prejudices. Your relationship would have never happened in my time.”
I placed my hands in my lap, still unable to get the idea of my kissing Emily on the roof out of my mind.
Flowers in her hair?
Baba continued, “When I saw that vision, I knew that my grandson would be safe. You did not have the mindset of the ones that came before you. I told David to help you as much as he could and make sure that the Lion’s lover returned immediately.”
“David did a good job.”
“Tell me, Lion.” She leaned her head to the side. “When you fell in love with Emily, did you ever worry about what the Brotherhood would think or even how they would react to your relationship?”
“Not for one second. If anyone had a problem, I would kill them.”
“Yet, you’re second guessing Paolo’s survival as if you are not the Lion.” She frowned. “I believe you are using the Brotherhood as an excuse.”
I groaned in annoyance.
“Most of the Brotherhood has accepted your love and even respect the strength of your mouse. She has proven herself to them through violence and death.”
I didn’t want to smile, but I did. How could I not? Surely, Emily’s strength and deadly nature would garner respect amongst killers. That was one of the things that made me fall in love with her.