Page 119 of Obsession

I just stare. “And what happens when you get upset again and I go right back in here?”

“That won’t happen. Come now, let’s leave.”

“What’s the point? I go out there and watch you kill people again?” I cross my arms over my chest. “No, I’m not doing that.”

He studies me for a long moment, the light from the sconces flaring and dimming with the rise and fall of his chest. Finally, he says, “What if I promise not to harm your world anymore?” He pauses, then amends, “Unless the humans provoke me.”

“Why would you do that?” I scoff. “And what about Jaegen and your quest for revenge?”

“I no longer need to harm your world to best Jaegen.”

Is this another trick? What would be the point? If he wanted me to go with him, he could just grab me. Instead, he is patiently responding to my questions. My consent appears to matter.

I look away, rubbing my arms. He’s right; our prides have been hurt, and staying here doesn’t seem like the best way to deal with it. The decision comes reluctantly.

Aris holds out a hand, and, hating myself, I take it.

His fingers fold around mine neatly, securely… too tightly. It fractures my heart, serving as a reminder that I’ve really lost him. I’ve lost every bit of ground I gained and catapulted myself back to the beginning of our story.

Who he was before is never coming back.

Chapter twenty-eight

The lawn of the Denmark castle appears beneath my feet. It’s a cool night made colder by Aris’ presence. I take a moment to marvel at being outdoors, sucking in fresh air, before we keep walking, Aris leading me through familiar front doors.

He hasn’t let go of my hand. Though it’s a twisted reminder of everything I’ve lost, his touch still comforts me. I appreciate it as we go inside; I need comfort—the place is crawling with the Following, every member shooting death stares at me as I pass. Aris has probably informed them of my actions, which are more than enough to earn their hate. Still, the openness of their rage takes me aback. They weren’t so obvious before—especially when Aris was with me.

Notably, Aris does not reprimand them. We just pass by silently, as he leads me to the entry hall. Only the fireplace in the corner helps me remember what this area originally looked like, because it’s now been converted into a massive gathering space. In the center is Aris’ throne on a constructed dais.

There’s already a large crowd here, who bow in increments, making waves as Aris passes.

Aris leads me up a dais and takes a seat on his throne, then releases my hand. I awkwardly stand beside him, not sure what to do. The eyes of everyone make me uncomfortable, especially after being alone for so long. Especially with their open hostility.

What happened to getting tea and finding somewhere relaxing? What happened to discussing how I was “made,” or has he already given up on that ridiculous idea?

I follow Aris’ gaze, shrinking back at the sight of Ryan. Ducking as he enters, he looks like an adult entering a playhouse. He doesn’t have his ax, but he is weapon enough.

Elizabeth trails behind him, with a few others—Nora included.

Aris? I say in my mind, waiting for some kind of explanation. This looks like an assembly. What is everyone gathering for?

Aris ignores me as I shift on my feet, growing more nervous and puzzled.

A few more cultists dressed in black trickle in before the doors swing shut and Aris stands from his throne.

Immediately, the room’s murmurs abate.

“You know of Mary. Once my host,” says Aris, “and then consort.”

My face wrinkles at the word, eyes narrowed and fixed on Aris’ back. He’s wearing a dark jacket that’s fitted to reveal his lithe, powerful form. I hadn’t noticed the details in his outfit before—the embroidered gold and shining buttons. He looks like a king, and, indeed, every face in the crowd stares at him with ardent attention.

“You are aware,” he continues, “that Mary took me from you. She colluded with Jaegen and used magic to warp my mind. For months, she kept me restrained.”

I go still as the expressions of his followers change, morphing from love to hate. Their eyes flit past their god to glare at me.

What is this?

Aris? I push again.

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