Page 63 of Death and Desire

A tear slipped free, sliding down her cheek. She angrily swiped it away. “Stay away from me.”

Violet threw the bracelet at him.

He caught it in one hand, closing it in his fist, but his gaze remained fixed on her. For a moment, his mask slipped, and she glimpsed something akin to regret etched on his handsome face. Another tear slipped free.

“Violet...please, let me—”

“No, Anubis.” She held up her hand, forcing him to silence. “Take your heart and go. I never want to see you again.”

His expression twisted for a moment before he nodded. “As you wish.”

A column of black smoke twisted around his legs. Violet stepped out of its reach as it consumed his torso and head. Just as quickly, the smoke vanished, taking all traces of him with it. He was gone.

Violet sobbed as her heart shattered. She clutched the pendant around her neck. The final tie to her mother. If only she were here to offer comfort...advice...anything.

Wrapping her arms around her torso, Violet sank onto the bench and wept. The bond they shared. Her love of Egypt. They’d been intertwined...manipulated.

Foolish, stupid girl, she chided herself.How could you have possibly believed he wantedyou? A mortal. You’re nothing. He is a god.

As the sun set beyond the horizon, the evening cooled around her. Even as lights flickered overhead, she remained in the garden until her tears ceased. The ache remained.

“Violet?” Dina’s voice filtered through the greenery. “Are you there?”

“Here,” she croaked, her voice hoarse and broken. “I’m here.”

Dina appeared from around the corner, her eyes wide. “I’ve been searching everywhere for you.” She stopped short at the sight of Violet’s red eyes and streaked mascara. “Are you okay? What happened, darling?”

She dropped to the bench beside Violet and clasped her hand. “Has someone hurt you?”

Violet shook her head. “I–I thought he cared for me.”

“Who?” Dina asked.

“A—Khalid.” The tears came again as a blade of regret twisted in her chest.

“Darling.” Dina wrapped her arm around Violet’s shoulders, pulling her into a loving embrace. “You hardly know the man.”

“I know, but—” Violet choked on the words. How could she possibly explain it to Dina? To anyone? It was madness, this bond between them. She reached out in the darkness, searching for the tether, the bond she’d assumed was nothing more than a figment of her imagination.

She found only silence and heartache.

“Come. I know the best way to cheer you up.” Dina gave her a hearty squeeze before standing. “Let’s go.”

“Where are you taking me?” Violet asked, slowly rising to her feet.

“Dancing,” Dina answered, her eyes sparkling with delight. “I’m taking you to Club Cairo.”

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