Page 23 of Bloodween

Which meant when I drained him, when I took everything he was into myself, I’d be unstoppable.

I was Armisha Devane, descendant of the Bound. A Crimson Witch who’d waited years for this moment.

And I would always choose power.

I would always choose me.

The Crimson Elixor pulsed in agreement, sealing my resolve.

I would say I’m sorry, but it wouldn’t change a thing.

My hand moved through his fur one last time, slow and deliberate, memorizing his warmth and weight.

“I really did have a lot of fun tonight,” I whispered, pulling my hand away.

He didn’t stir. Didn’t even twitch.

Funny how all this could’ve been avoided if he hadn’t kidnapped me.

That was his first mistake.

His last: trusting me.

Mine—letting myself feel it.

But that was temporary. My ascension would be permanent.

The ache in my chest cooled to nothing and I reached for my phone with steady hands.

6:44 a.m.

Four hours and forty-five minutes left.

My thumb hovered. One breath. Two. Then I typed.

Me

Starting.

I stared at the screen, waiting. My thumb pulled down my notification bar and the last message from Renna caught my attention. I glanced at Varek’s sleeping body and then Dorian’s phone still charging on the nightstand beside him.

I grabbed his phone and whispered the unlock spell. Thirteen unread messages—all from Renna. Anger. Worry. Anger again. Then, desperation.

Eww.

I skimmed the thread, caught his usual tone, and typed the lie he’d planned to tell her.

via Dorian’s phone

u were acting like a brat so I ain’t feel like talking. My phne died and u did way too much. I’ll be home later, we can talk then. Chill.

Send. Done.

One less loose end.

Before I placed his phone back, mine vibrated in my hand and with a deep breath, I checked it.

CMV