Page 205 of Venom Sweeter than Honey
Scrubbing a hand down my face, I begin to pace the length of the room, willing myself to calm. Forcing breath into my too-tight lungs as I attempt to come up with a plan that will protect Violette.
“You will still come with us to Selcarim.”
I shoot him a glare, half expecting him to argue.
Instead, he tips his head in assent. “And you will still take my blood before we leave.”
Cutting words rise to my lips, but his words incinerate them.
“If you wish to ensure that you will be able to protect Violette against every potential threat—against her father—you will take my blood, and you will give me yours.”
I give him an incredulous look. “You said it might not even do anything.”
He arches a brow. “But what if it does?”
A possibility I can’t reject.
“You will not speak of your deception. At least not untilafterher father is dead. She needs a clear head.”
Azrael remains silent for several moments, watching me pace. “Shouldn’t she remainclear-headedwhen she accompanies you to kill your own enemy?”
I wave my hand to dismiss the idea. “She doesn’t need to be there. I can do it alone.”
Azrael swipes away his tears as he rolls his eyes, giving me a look like I am still very much a human, and just as much an idiot.
“I’m sure she’ll besopleased. A brilliant way to begin your union, excluding her from the get-go.”
I grind my teeth.“Fine...And what of your enemies? Are they as duplicitous as you?”
Azrael’s frown returns, though he manages to keep it from quivering.
“No... I have no enemies.”
I scoff just before he adds, “None that I care to slay, at least.”
He heaves a long-suffering sigh. “If I am to complete that particular ritual, I will have to confront Persephone and Mors.”
I stop pacing to meet his gaze as a nonsensical tendril of jealousy coils through me. “Well, considering that’s not a life-threatening task, you will tell her the truth beforehand. And then she can decide whether or not she wants to try and convince you to complete the tasks.”
Azrael gives me a sad, pitying look as though I’ve missed the point.
“Even if I do, I would still have to sever your bond in order to live.”
I can’t help but laugh. “You really do think you’re so clever, don’t you.”
Azrael rears back. “I... I don’t know what you mean.”
“Azrael, I was there.”
He hesitates for a moment, and I don’t find the surprise I expect.
“Your vow to Violette mentioned nothing of severing any bond. In fact, you’ve doneexactlywhat you’ve vowed to do.”
The words—that moment, that trauma—is forever seared into my mind.
Azrael’s expression is unreadable. “I think I know what I did and didn’t vow?—”
I close the distance between us, bringing us eye level post-transformation. My face is only inches from his as I taunt him with his own words.
