Page 86 of The Sorcerer of Shadowholde

Fire raged through her as tears pooled in the corners of Verian’s eyes. He didn’t want to say those things, not to Renatus and not to all the people in this room. Gods, he’d only just told her about his interest in men, and they’d been best friends for years.

“What a sweet boy you are,” Renatus cooed, running his hand over Verian’s cheek. “Such a submissive little pet, just like my dear Vita. Should we tell some of your guard friends what you’d like to do to me and see what they think?”

Despite the tears spilling down Verian’s face, he seemed to lean into the touch, which only infuriated Vita even further. He had feelings for Renatus, who was choosing to take advantage of them, just like he’d done the same to her.

Playingwith them.

“Enough,” she growled, tearing his hand away from Verian.

He didn’t appear surprised when he glanced her way, just a pained smiled plastered on his pale face. With a final glare, Vita grabbed Verian’s arm, dragging him away from Renatus.

No more games.

Verian didn’t question it as she pulled him through the room, ignoring the continued scenes of debauched euphoria. She didn’t even bother to look for Petran and Aurora, just dragged him up the stairs and towards the front door.

“Where are we going?” he finally asked, mumbling as if still partially under the High Consul’s spell.

“I don’t know,” she replied through gritted teeth. “Anywhere but here. I’m done with him.”

He stopped, shaking his head. “Done? You’re leaving?”

With a groan, she turned back to him, still clutching his hand. “Yes! I can’t stay here anymore… withhim. This has all just been a silly game.Youdon’t matter,Idon’t matter. None of us do! And I’ve had enough.”

They stood in the entryway, the heavy wooden door and a confused servant the only things standing in their way.

“You don’t want to grab your belongings?” Verian asked, concern etched in the timbre of his voice.

“No,” Vita said quietly, then turned and tugged on his arm once more.

He reluctantly acquiesced, letting her drag him through the door and into the dark night.

What did she even have worth taking? Her fairy stories? Foolish tales for little girls, of love and romance and all manner of senseless things. No, it was time to grow up, time to start over and stop expecting more than others were willing to give.

Power welled in her body, and she realized it was happening. A surge. It had been weeks since one had come over her, not since before Aurora’s lessons began.

She paused in the middle of the bridge, releasing Verian’s hand so she could clench hers together in tight fists. The flames of magic coursing through her body only ignited her anger further.

Vita was mad. Mad at Renatus, mad at herself, mad at the world.

Power and fury cascaded over her, tingling her skin with electric tremors. Finally, when she could take it no longer, she let out a bloodcurdling scream and threw out her arms, the flames coming close to overwhelming her. Two bolts of lightning shot from her hands, hitting two different flaming torches and turning them to dust.

And then, a blessed chill as the power waned, Vita sighing a deep breath.

“Are you alright?” Verian asked, a tentative hand at her shoulder.

His brows were threaded with concern, and she let him pull her into a hug, taking in the scent of mint and the warm embrace. They stood there for a few moments in the middle of the bridge, finding comfort in each other’s arms.

It was over.

She was done with Renatus, done with the palace and the thralls. She didn’t know what she’d do now, but at least she was free. And Verian was with her, loved her as she loved him. Everything would be alright.

She tried to believe the things she told herself, but deep in her heart she wondered if she’d ever truly be able to rid her thoughts of the High Consul’s fiery gaze, his icy touch.

“Let’s go to the tavern,” Vita whispered in Verian’s ear and he laughed, that hearty chuckle she so loved to hear.

CHAPTER 36

Vita

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