Page 113 of Dance With Death

He makes a soft noise in his throat. “Never. But Violet, you would change.”

“How could you know that?”

“Look at your father and how blasé he is about killing people, as if that’s the easiest way to deal with problems in his world. I thought you didn’t want to become like Dorian?”

I don't blink. I already am. “Eloise killed too.”

“Randomly? Frequently?”

“I’m telling you that killing won’t change me.” I pause. “But if you want to reduce the likelihood, do not join Rowan and Grayson in any plans to follow me. I would kill to protect any of you without a thought.”

“You’re intending to kill Viktor, whether we’re with you or not. Violet, the witch will be prepared this time.”

I seal my lips. How else would I permanently end the spell link between Viktor and two people I love? Individuals I’ll keep safe in any way I can? “Promise me that you won’t tell Dorian or follow.”

“Dorian, I promise. Following, I can’t promise.”

“Leif. Viktor controlled you the night at the house. You’d surely stay away for that reason alone.”

“Okay. Then agree to tell me when and where Viktor wants to meet as soon as you know. Allow us to stay close by.”

“But Holly…” I whisper, glancing at my sleeping friend.

With a sigh, Leif presses his lips to my forehead. “Don’t expect Rowan to agree. You know he’s compelled to protect you. And Grayson killed for you.”

“I never asked him to. Grayson killed that witch out of fury.”

“Because he loves you, Violet.” Leif tips my face up. “We all do.”

“And I will kill because I love you all too.”

Leif’s eyes don’t soften as they usually do when I express my affection for him, nor does he release my face. “Don’t kill Viktor. Subdue him. Make him pay by taking away his freedom for the rest of his years. That would kill the arrogant bastard.”

But isn’t that my other alternative? Not imprisonment by Dorian, but something else. Viktor would have no freedom as my construct.

40

VIOLET

Grayson insists that we take turns sitting outside the basement door or with Holly. I’m perfectly aware that they’re watching my movements, but while Holly sleeps, I’m going nowhere. I shall be with her when she wakes and ask what she wishes to do. I’ll then ignore that wish and insist she returns to Scotland. I’m hesitant to contact Eloise or Dorian just yet because I don’t want to lie to them about Viktor a second time.

All of which means that I’m not alone in the kitchen when my phone sounds at 4AM—too early for Dorian or Eloise to notice we’re missing.

Rowan’s eyes train on me before I’ve even taken the phone from my pocket. Pretending the message alert never happened won’t work since we’re sitting in silence as he drinks another coffee. “Go on. Look at Viktor’s message.” He nods at my pocket.

“Could be somebody else?” I suggest as I pull out the phone.

“Uh huh.” He takes the phone from me and places it between us on the table.

Leif is at my property. Are you all there? Can you tidy up? I have new tenants arriving soon to work for me

“Viktor. He is still in Leif’s mind!” I say through gritted teeth.

“We knew that.”

“Which is why Viktor needs to die.” I slide the phone across to type a reply.

I have Dashiell

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