"I wanted to know if Deidre is still alive," she said.
"How is that your concern?"
"It's not necessarily," she admitted. "I simply want to know."
Darkyn's gaze never left hers. He was assessing. She willed her mind not to betray her, aware he could read her too easily now that she was human.
"For now," he said.
Deidre wasn't certain if that was good or not. Was it worse to be alive in Hell at his mercy or slaughtered by the Dark One?
"She's … okay?"
Darkyn smiled coldly. Deidre swallowed hard, images from her nightmares returning.
"You can ensure she stays alive and relatively okay," he offered. "How important is it to you?"
"No," she said quickly. "No deals."
"So it's not important to you that the woman Gabriel loves stays alive," he said.
Deidre bit her tongue to keep from taking the bait.
"I find it fascinating that you and Wynn profess to care yet aren't willing to deal," Darkyn mused. "Must be some emotional failing."
"Self-preservation, I think," she said. "If I thought you'd give me a fair deal, I'd consider it."
"Maybe you prefer her dead," he continued.
"No," she said before she could stop herself.
"It would remove the obstacle between you and your mate."
"You answered my question. That's all I wanted to know."
"Very well." He turned as if to leave then stopped. "I wonder. How is your deal with her going?"
"How is that your concern?" she asked mockingly.
"I have an interest in the outcome."
"Not until the deal is up," she said.
Darkyn circled her, pretending to consider. She did her best to stay cool and detached, the way she would have if she were still a goddess.
"You are doing well at ensuring my mate wins," he stated. "I don't think you need my help in that area."
The human side of her hated his tone and the truth of his words more. She was fucking up without the help of the Dark One that wanted her to lose.
"Then again, I'm known for ensuring I win at all costs," he added. "Would revealing your secret to him make him pity you or drive him away?"
"Whatever you want from me, you won't get it," she snapped. "I'm not making a deal with you. Ever."
"Maybe that tune will change when you lose your soul in four days."
"You also know Gabriel won't kill me even if I do lose. You will have to wait for my soul to come to her." Deidre glared at him. He was pleased with himself.
"What if something happens to you at the end of the deal?"