[ Rafa’s feelings on Messina are mixed. He had never known happiness there, but that had not been because of the weather. Now, he does not live there. One of his armies continues the war, but his home is elsewhere, and he is keen for that war to stay confined. That is why he must hunt down those who escaped, and why the Door in Aureton must be closed again. He will not allow Aureton to become another Messina, and he will not allow the fae to spread further than they already have.

Still, he shrugs, and with a languid air, he moves back to the bed. ]

I could. Believe that if you wish. It is not your war. So long as they do not get what they came for, I do not care what you believe.

[ He’d not have mentioned any part of it if Adam had not asked. He thinks Nikolai would have disapproved of him saying anything at all, unless he planned to bring Adam into their fold.

And perhaps Nikolai would be right. He often was. Rafa is easily drawn in by fragile, vulnerable looks, and stubborn personalities, and apparently by freckled innocence as well. If he could, he would spend all his time flitting between persons of interest, exploring and seducing them and generally entertaining himself through them. Unfortunately, he still must work to stay alive. The war is not yet won. ]

Speak of yourself instead. I know you are not from here. I heard your accent change, when you were less coiled and more honest.