Page 68 of Dance With Death

“Dashiell became my focus once he arrived on the scene. Can you believe the ridiculous name Holly gave him? First, she associates with Chase; now she meets Dash. Good grief.”

“But you didn’t get any information from him either—Grayson told me he dashed off.” He smirks.

“Droll, Rowan.” I poke him. “No. Dorian arrived after the incident with Grayson and Dashiell and forced me to leave Holly. I honestly should go back and stay with her until?—”

“No.” He pulls his stern face. “You’ve upset Dorian enough. Holly’s safe.”

“I disagree. I shall return early tomorrow morning,” I say. “The doctors told Dorian and the detectives not to question Holly this evening as it’s late, and not until her health improves. I shall be there when that occurs.”

“And Dashiell? Where’s he?”

My jaw clenches at his name. “In a human cell doubly secured by runes to allow him time to consider his misdeeds.”

“And Grayson?” asks Rowan.

Grayson. I look across the academy. “He assisted in catching and restraining Dashiell, but my father isn’t impressed about the circumstances.”

“Dorian didn’t lock him up somewhere too?” asks Rowan cautiously.

“No, but Grayson is now staying away from me until Dorian calms down.”

“You didn’t see how pissed your father was. I can’t believe you never told him Holly was in hospital straightaway—like, last night.”

“I’ve explained why, and I’m perfectly aware he’s pissed. My father wasn’t exactly friendly to me either.” I turn Rowan’s face to me. “We obviously need to converse regarding your experiences with Dorian. That’s what’s causing you concern.”

He closes his eyes. “Why the stiff sentences, Violet?”

“What happened?” I ask more gently.

“Dorian hasn’t been that physically close to me before.” I look blankly at Rowan, and he lowers his voice. “The shadows, Violet. What if he detected them?”

My eyes go wide. “No. Dorian would’ve reacted.”

“Mmm.”

Rowan’s energy spikes with fear.

“Rowan.” I touch his cheek. “Even if he has, the magic is only mild. Dorian would expect traces of the shadows if we’re bonded.”

“You put me in a dangerous situation by refusing to return to the academy. I wish I’d tried to follow you, not returned here. If I’d known Dorian was waiting, I would’ve stayed at the café.”

“This is the reason you’re annoyed with me?”

Rowan takes my hands and pulls me closer. “I should’ve gone to the hospital with you, not Grayson.”

“Oh. The annoyance is due to our bond. I apologize for my actions, but you would’ve slowed us down.”

He snorts at my excuse. “Partially due to the bond.” His grip on my fingers grows. “The shadows issue concerns me more.”

“As I said, Dorian didn’t detect the magic, or he would’ve responded unfavorably.”

“No, Violet. Not the issue with Dorian.” Rowan releases one hand and places a palm on my chest. I’m wearing a sweater, but his magic touches my skin, and I hastily step back. “That.”

“My reflex move against someone who can stop my heart?”

“Stopping your heart is the issue. We never fully discussed what happened, and you’ve kept your distance since. Physically. Are you worried that I’ll hurt you?”

He frowns when I splutter a laugh. “No.”

---