Page 80 of Death and Desire

Violet mulled over the words, her breath catching when she realized the implication.

The person who holds your heart would be immortal.

Anubis’s attention shifted to her, his golden eyes flashing.

You allowed me to hold your heart. Why did you not take it back the moment I arrived in Cairo?

The tension in Anubis’s shoulders eased, and his gaze softened.I could not take it back by force, nor could I tell you the truth. Remaining by your side was the only way to ensure it remained secure. You earned my trust and adoration. Therefore, my heart belongs to none but you.

Bast’s brilliant green eyes flickered between them, her feline lips curling in a smile.

“What are—?” Seth spun Violet to face him, his grip on her arm punishing. He searched her face and scowled for a moment before surprise lit his grotesque features. “Impossible.”

“What?” Violet asked, stunned by the shifting emotions playing over his face. “What’s impossible?”

“You can speak to each other mind-to-mind.” He shook his head. “Such an ability is extremely rare and limited to the divine.”

“Divine?” Violet stumbled over the word before laughing. “Are you sayingIam immortal?”

“She’s mortal.”In possessing my heart and surrendering it willingly, we share a unique bond. Fate has blessed us.Anubis’s reassurance echoed in her head.

“Enough of this nonsense.” Seth pulled her against him. “Thisbelongs to me.”

Violet squirmed as his fingers slid across the inside of her wrist until they encircled the gold bracelet. Seth’s hot breath warmed her neck as he leaned closer and wriggled the bracelet over her hand. His other palm encased the plump curve of her breast and squeezed as he drew the jewel away.

Anubis growled, low and menacing, his hands clenched in fists. Fire blazed in his eyes. As still as a predator stalking his prey, he watched his nemesis with cold calculation. Violet pushed aside all thought of Seth’s touch, words, and presence, focusing solely on the vengeful god before her, passion and retribution simmering to the surface of Anubis’s calm exterior.

With the jewel tucked safely in his palm, Seth released her. She stumbled, and Anubis caught her. She turned to see a cloud of burning embers envelop Seth. Laughter churned inside the swirling ash as he disappeared.

“Ani, we should go. She’s been here too long,” Bast murmured.

“I’m fine,” Violet insisted as she swayed, her legs weak, head pounding. She clung to him, her fingers stiff against the gold plating on his shoulders.

“Come.” Anubis swept Violet into his arms, and the familiar comfort of his scent settled around her in a warm embrace.

She leaned into him and closed her eyes.Don’t leave me.

“Never again,” Anubis vowed.

Violet met his gaze and held it, savoring the heat of his desire, exchanged without declaration or fanfare.I love you.

Black smoke consumed them in darkness, and a weight lifted off Violet, lost to the void of the world between worlds.

---