Page 103 of Dance With Death

“Dashiell can run. He’s a shifter. The wilds won’t bother him.”

“But you can’t.”

Tears well in her eyes. “I know, but Dash will be free.”

“How, exactly, Holly? Dashiell either betrayed a sadistic witch or he may still know something that said witch doesn’t want sharing.” I grip the knife tighter. “Magic exploration of minds isn’t infallible.”

She ignores me. “Once Dash escapes, I’ll wait, and he’ll find me. We can hide together.”

“Good grief! Listen to yourself, Holly. You’ve lost all your instincts for self-preservation.”

Her voice rises. “Dash is the only person I feel safe with.”

“Does that place me in the unsafe category?”

“Yes,” she whispers. “Dash protected me and saved my life.”

I blink at her. Why do Holly’s words feel as if she stabbed me with the knife? “I’m protecting you now. You're safe here.”

“From Dorian?” she laughs. “Be honest.”

“My father would not hurt you.”

“He’s terrifying!”

Hairs prickle on my neck. “What did Dorian do to you?”

“Nothing, but everything about him feels… wrong. His vibe. It’s darker than yours.” She swipes at her face.

“Have we not had this discussion about vibes, Holly? They’re imaginary. You’re suffering mentally after your experience, that’s all.”

With a shake of her head, Holly stands and struggles with the immovable black door handle. “Do you have a key? Can you break the wards?”

“There is no key, and I will not break the wards.” I say stiffly. “I am not allowing you into that room.”

I step back in alarm as Holly’s sob echoes along the hallway, tears now streaking her face. “Please, Violet. Dash isn’t safe. Dorian plans to kill him!”

“He does not!” The deluded girl lunges at me, attempting to take the knife, and I grab her wrists. “Holly!”

Breaths saw in and out of my friend, and I stare in horror, loosening my grip as she falls to her knees again, wailing. I’ve never seen anybody in this state. Ever. Even when Ollie ended their ill-fated relationship, Holly never turned into a hysterical mess.

“Haven’t I been through enough?” she sobs.

I crouch down. “You're under a spell,” I say and tentatively touch her warm hand. “How did you know where to find Dash, Holly? Magic. That’s what’s causing the infatuated need to be with the shifter.”

“No!” she responds. “We’re in love!”

“Good grief!” I half-shout. “Holly!”

“Dash loves me.” She sniffs loudly, and I grimace at the mucus running from her nose. “Ask him!”

I stand again and look down at Holly. “If Dashiell is in that room, he is remarkably quiet for somebody who can hear the girl he loves in distress.”

“You expect me to hammer on the door and shout? That’d upset her more.”

Holly’s head jerks up at Dashiell’s disembodied voice. I take a sharp breath as she leaps to her feet and places her palm and cheek on the door. “Dash! Are you okay?”

This ludicrous situation ends now.

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