"My gods. How do you know this?" Deidre's words were barely audible.
"I ..." Darkyn's mate blinked rapidly, as if near tears.
"You figured that out after a week, and I know nothing after thousands of years," Deidre whispered. "If you weren't blood-bound, I'd give him to you now."
Darkyn's mate said nothing but managed to shake her head. Deidre knew it wasn't possible, not with the girl before her blood-bound to the Dark One. But she couldn't help feeling as if she'd never truly known the man she loved until someone else told her what she missed. Her distress toppled into full blown despair.
"If I can win over the Dark One, you can win over Death," said the mate of Darkyn. "You have the advantage that he already loves you."
No one could love her after all she'd done! Deidre said nothing, pensive. Gabriel was bound to her by Immortal Law. He needed time. Deidre didn't have time. Maybe it was poetic justice that her soul was doomed.
"Not sure why you're trying to help me," she said.
"I want to see Gabriel happy," was the simple response. "You are the only person who can do that."
"You really believe that?"
"I do."
"It's not going to happen in a week," Deidre said, pacing.
"No."
Deidre waited for her to say more. The Dark One's mate appeared uncertain once more. Deidre didn't press. She felt guilty enough being there.
"Are you allowed to leave Hell?" she asked.
Darkyn's mate nodded.
"If I don't fuck up everything and wipe out the world or die-dead in three days, I think I'd like to talk to you more," Deidre said. "If you're interested in being the friend of someone like me."
"I might need some time for that. I can forgive you, but I'm not sure I can ever trust you."
"Trust must be earned," Deidre said. "I get it. I'm learning that with Gabriel. I thought this was the first step. I'm just asking for the chance, from both of you, to make things right. If I even can."
"I'll think about it," Darkyn's mate said. "I'm gonna go. Um, I guess you know how to call me if you need anything."
"I do, thank you. Deidre, I really am happy that you're okay."
Darkyn's mate nodded, turned and retreated through the portal back to Hell.
Deidre let the tears fall that she'd held back. She covered her face with her hands and cried. She'd never hurt so much, even knowing Darkyn's mate was okay. The chill of the shadow world made her shiver. She padded to the glowing portal and stepped through.