Page 114 of Dance With Death

I know

“Of course he bloody does,” mutters Rowan.

Does Dorian know?

He knows nothing

Clever girl

I shove the chair back and stand, glaring at the phone as I stand by the wall. I was seconds away from ending Viktor’s smug attitude once before, and we could’ve avoided everything that has happened since. But I can’t look back to what might’ve been anymore. All I can change is now. The future.

“Ask Viktor when and where,” I say. Rowan glances up at me. “Yes. I’ll allow you to know.”

He types, then sits back, dragging a hand down his face as we wait.

Meet at Holly’s favorite place in the woods

Rowan’s expression hardens. “Sick bastard.”

I take the phone.

when? I can’t hide Dashiell for long. Dorian will look for me

Very true. 6AM

“You’ll need blood runes to get to the woods in time,” says Rowan. “And how will you convince Dashiell to go with you?”

I take the phone and type

If you bring anybody else, I will kill them all

I work alone. I don’t trust anybody.

How can that be true? Viktor claims he’s part of a plot against the current supernatural government, and that takes more than one person. Is hiding his identity crucial, and that’s why Viktor has such a small circle of witch friends? Or the friends Viktor does have would never dare reveal themselves to Violet Blackwood?

Liar you’re working with people against Dorian

Why would I risk revealing my identity to others after all this time?

I don’t respond, expecting the phone to ring at any second.

“Do you believe Viktor will come to us alone?” asks Rowan.

I look at him sharply. “Us?”

“Violet. I can’t let you go on your own. Our witch bond.”

“Ignore the bond.”

He chokes out a laugh. “Since when was that possible?”

I can’t say so, but I’m forced to agree with Rowan. My early resistance to the witch bond had no effect, despite my fractious relationship with him and dislike for any type of closeness.

“I have a compromise.” My jaw tightens, now fully aware that whatever I do, the guys will pursue me. My bonded witch also knows the time and place, which removes all chances of slipping away unnoticed. “You can all follow later and stay at a distance that Viktor won’t detect. If you suspect Viktor may bring others, they’d be nearby. Locating and killing them will aid in my safety. That should satisfy the bond’s desire to protect.” A muscle feathers in his cheek. “You’ve seen that I’m capable of killing Viktor, and I will not need assistance if he’s alone.”

The screen lights up.

Will you be there Violet?

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