"Then you know I can't help you."
"I sense physical weakness. Are you ill?" His head was titled to the side, as if he was trying to determine what was wrong with her.
"I am," she confirmed. "I have a terminal brain tumor."
"Death will not let you die-dead."
"He can't help me. No one can."
"No one?" A smile crossed Darkyn's face. "I can."
"Not that I doubt you, but um, I really don't think so," she said. His predatory smile made her pulse fly. "It would kill me to take this thing out of my head, and Gabriel and all his … uh minions … aren't allowed to kill me. So I'll just die slowly over the next few months." She rubbed her face, overwhelmed by her day. "Wynn couldn't help me. Gabriel can't. You can't either."
"Wynn. I know this name."
"He's my surgeon and the best there is." She looked him over, silently dismissing any notion that this creature spent much time in the mortal world. He appeared normal, unassuming, but there was something otherworldly in his eyes that warned her he wasn't normal. The chances he knew her surgeon were negligible.
Darkyn's gaze turned considering. "My magic is of a different kind. May I touch you?"
She swallowed a refusal at the expression on his face. Deidre retreated, but he took one arm before planting a hand on her head. He tilted his again. Cold energy shot through her.
Shuddering, she backpedaled. Darkyn released her.
"I can fix it," he said. "But you are uncertain as to whether or not this is what you wish. I can kill you, too, if this is what you decide."
She listened. The longer they talked, the deeper the clammy shadows sank into her.
"You're correct. Gabriel will not be able to take you, and he won't be able to cure you. The decision is yours."
"My goal has been to enjoy what I have left then …die."
"A worthy goal. Can you do it before Gabriel falls in love with you? Before you hurt him in this life as you did in your previous life?" Darkyn asked. "Before you start to deteriorate and your body gives out on you?"
"I don't know," she whispered, wondering how he knew exactly what she feared. "I ask myself that a few times a day."
"When you know the answer, come here. You only need to say my name to summon me. Whether you choose to live or to die, you will need my help."
"That's it? You'll just help me?"
"That's it."
"Feels like there should be a catch."
"Find me, love, when you're ready. We'll discuss terms then."