Page 255 of Venom Sweeter than Honey
“We can’t both be Azrael,” he grumbles in retort.
“Fine, we’ll ask Violette and Levi to choose.” I don’t bother to stifle my grin. I already know what they’ll decide.
He glowers, rolling his eyes because he knows it too. “Fine.”
His scowl deepens.
“It’s just a name. I don’t care what they call me, so long as they’ll have me.”
My heart squeezes. Softens.
“So what are we going to do about Abyrion?”
He heaves a bored sigh. “Kill him, obviously. Or at least protect our little seraphim while she does it, if she wishes to have that satisfaction herself.”
Our little seraphim.
That’s going to take some getting used to.
I grunt in an assent. He continues.
“Somnus gave Levi the invitation to his carnival.”
Oh, fuck.
I’d forgotten about that gaudy charade of debauchery.
“Shit.”
He sighs. “Yes, excrement does sum it up.”
It’s been at least two centuries since I attended.
It was theonlytime I attended.
“At least the masks will work in our favor. Though he’ll no doubt recognize our magic..."
I scrub a wet hand down my face.
He grunts in agreement, staring into the distance.
Memories of my experiences there filter through my mind: debauchery, bargains, executions... Vague images of nude concubines on leashes.
“... Does he still require the guests of those invited to wear a leash and collar?”
Apalladiumleash and collar.
He snorts. “I’m going to hazard a guess, and say yes. Can’t risk the staff starting a revolution..."
A realization blossoms in my mind.
My gaze slides to other Azrael’s. His eyes meet mine at the same moment, widening slightly. Brightening as if gifted the same epiphany.
This might be fun after all.
VIOLETTE
When Azrael and... Azrael walk out of the bathing chamber, with towels tied low at their hips, it takes conscious effort for me not to drool. They’re discussing something; looking oddly fraternal. I can feel Levi’s gaze burning a hole into the side of my face from where my head rests against his shoulder as we lean against the headboard. I lower my lashes to sneak a glance. He does indeed have a smirk on his lips. I turn in his arm to pinch his mouth shut the moment it opens. He grins, lips escaping my grasp and stealing my heart all over again. His words are soft. Teasing yet reverent.
