Page 266 of Venom Sweeter than Honey
Toys.
The word is sickening,
What’s even more nauseating is that my admission causes my father’s eyes to gleam with pride as he snaps his fingers.
A lithe fae female dressed in two scraps of cloth steps through the barrier holding a velvet pillow that boasts three palladium collars and leashes. She’s also wearing a palladium collar.
My gaze meets hers as empathy gnaws at my chest.
She gives nothing away.
My father gives me an expectant look. “If you’d be so kind.”
The moment my fingers grasp the first collar, my skin crawls.
With an apology in my eyes, I turn towards Levi first.
Through the holes of his dark mask, his green eyes brighten.
I don’t dare show him an ounce of affection–as we’d previously discussed–lest my father concoct some way to manipulate me through them before we can kill him.
As if it has a will of its own, the palladium collar snicks shut the moment it touches Levi’s throat.
I repeat the task with Azrael and Lazrarus.
Admittedly, when all three leashes are held in my hands and I meet the gazes of my males, I catch myself adoring the sight of them like this.
Collared and leashed before me.
Entirely at my mercy.
I enjoy it too much.
The gleam of appreciation in my father’s eyes is the mirror to my own.
The realization ruins it for me.
My mother’s words echo in my mind.
You have more in common with him than you think.
Repulsion gnaws at my gut, and I force myself to face my father, returning his expectant look.
He grins, satisfied.
“Welcome to Sinsól.”
LAZARUS
The moment we step through the barrier surrounding Abyrion’s city, and beyond, his palace, Violette’s lips part in awe. She quickly snaps her mouth shut as she scans our surroundings—a stunning blend of architecture that reminds me vaguely of Ancient Rome and India. Verdant flora spills out from every facade and crevice, like a jungle in the city. So much so that I’m certain if everyone were to abandon this place, the jungle would reclaim it entirely in a matter of weeks. Animals and shifters alike stalk the streets, along with magical beings from virtually every realm with very little exception. All dressed in explosions of color and pomp to celebrate their nameless king’s carnivale.
Sinsól is, to my begrudging admission, a beautiful place. If you can ignore the disparity, that is. Of course, Abyrion has his guests enter almost directly in front of the palace, which is far enough away from the slums and detritus that one would never guess the horror that lies beyond.
I, however, can feel it. A misery so potent it longs for the solace of death. And tonight, for once, it’s in our favor.
When Somnus came to me at Persephone’s, I was little more than a bald, skeletal mass of re-composing flesh. Naturally,he’d found it hilarious. I’d already had every intention of returning to my sweet seraphim, obviously. Though I hadn’t planned on attending Abyrion’s heinous carnival of hedonism, if my seraphim wants revenge, then she shall have it. Rescuing Somnus and Lucen’s soulbound, however, was not part of my plans.
The female’s soul is beyond saving at this point. It would be a mercy to kill her and let her purge, heal, and repay her karmic debts in Avernus with Mors and Mareina.
