You’re welcome, by the way, for dragging you back here. I had a couple offers to sell you and almost considered it.”“Intriguing. For how much? ”“A bag of gold, the ability to make thunderstorms go to sleep. Something else. Five goats? ”“Just five goats? I’m worth at least ten. Plus a cow.

Did you steal that fruit? ” I asked.“Of course. I want nothing more than to steal apples. I’ve also always manifested the ability to travel through time, and at night I turn into a beast and only your kiss can break the—”“I get it. That’s a no.

When I stepped outside, Vikram blinked a couple of times. “You are surprisingly lovely.” “You are unsurprisingly insulting.

You’re certain that rakshasi fruit is out of your system?” asked Vikram. “Yes?” “Good.” He took a deep breath. “Because, once more, I told you so.” “You do realize that I don’t need the enhancements of demon fruit to knock you to the ground?” “I do. But I concede that some bodily harm from you is inevitable. I’m just trying to minimize the damage.” “How very wise,” I said, rolling my eyes.

Since you can’t respond yet and since you have no claws left, I will take this moment to remind you that you thought eating the demon fruit would be a bad idea. It was not. To which I say—” He drew a deep breath. “—I told you so.” “Fool,” muttered the vetala. I snarled and with one last burst of strength, swiped my paw behind Vikram’s knees and sent him tumbling. He gasped. “I will,” he wheezed, rolling onto his stomach, “take your silence as a form of agreement.

I can’t believe you didn’t have a real weapon on hand,” I said. “I have my mind,” he said. “You should thank me.” I raised my chained hands. “I am bursting with gratitude.

Is there a reason why you seek every opportunity to annoy me?” “It’s fun. Your scar flashes when you frown. It almost looks like a dimple,” said Vikram. “I’m still waiting for your face to turn red with anger. It might make you look like you’re blushing. Or perhaps I am making you blush?

I thought you were going to stay away from me," she said.He looked at her, this princess who seemed so dangerously sharp that he might cut himself just brushing against her shadow."I don't know how.""Then don't.

In the end, I did whatever I could to stave off her nightmares.