Page 99 of Nocturn

Egan studied me, his jaw ticking.

“I do not want to greet death, Egan,” I whispered. He wilted, gaze flicking away from mine.

“Where is the Vessel?!” the booming shout echoed from the distance. Egan’s gaze dropped to the grimoire.

If Cassiel saw it, would he label me a traitor?

If I gave it to Egan, and he took it to his father, I was dead.

Both options were pathetic. I needed time to convince Cassiel I was not lying when I approached him with the truth.

I had run out of time.

Tossing myself before Egan, I pulled open his coat and shoved the book into the warmth. I had just gotten the edge of it tucked into his belt when the sound of steps thundered into the hall.

I stepped in front of Egan, so close I could breathe him in. His nostrils flared, and he swayed closer, blinking dazedly.

“Please keep this safe for me,” I whispered, tugging the edge of his jacket so it hid the spine.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

Enough

“Vessel!” Cassiel roared, the resounding echo pounding against my ears.

“Go, I will stop him.”

Egan had turned multiple shades paler.

“Step. Away. Vessel.” Cassiel’s hiss sent chills up my spine.

With a final insistent look at Egan, I collected the long skirt of the scarlet dress and whirled. I kept my chin up. He slowed, eyebrows furrowed, as I bolted toward him. It took him only a moment to snap back to the present. His upper lip curled high again to display his lethal fangs.

I collided with him, hoping with all my will that Egan had left.

“I have warned you once before.” His head cocked. “Any who touch you will forfeit their lives.” He leveled a cold glare at me. No, I could not allow him to make me cower.

I gripped the lapels of his black velvet coat with my fists.

“Enough, Cassiel!”

There was only stillness and ringing silence.

I clenched my fingers harder into his coat. I refused to cower.

He grabbed my jaw in a harsh grip.

“You belong to me, mortal.” His sweet breath wafted against my senses, intoxicating me. He straightened, towering as he studied me in silence.

Anger flared, and I shoved his immovable chest.

“No, my body will be.” I lied through my teeth. “But not me. Never me.”

“You dare?”

His unreadable features remained harsh as he unwound his belt with quick jerks, the straps smacking against each other. Every one of his movements was a threat. I lunged to one side, but he was there to block me. I was no match for his speed. Digging my palms into his chest, I desperately tried to shove him, but he did not budge.

“Do not act as if you care,” I scoffed, no longer able to hold my anger. “You dropped me with your harem after having your way with me. You ignore me when we are in the company of others. I know where I stand with you.” I squeezed the front of his black tunic.