Page 51 of Court of Evil

“You could use him, you know,” the fae says, and I glance over, frowning. “You need all the strength you can get for what is coming. I’m not big on sharing, but this might be beneficial.”

“Get to the point,” I hiss.

“I could tether him to you and make it so you are linked, then he couldn’t kill you without killing himself. Survival is something everyone understands, even animals like him.”

“He would hate me. I would trap him like they did.”

“It’s a different kind of chain, and it’s better than death. Your choice,” the fae offers casually, as if he doesn’t care either way.

I glance back at the man. Could he be saved if I have enough time? Could we free him of the madness clearly plaguing him? I hate that the fae is right. We should give him a chance. If I don’t, I’m no better than Black.

We have all killed for survival.

Maybe if someone offered him a shred of decency, kindness, or a chance, he would be different. Killing him feels wrong.

“Fine, let’s do it,” I state.

“Magic comes with a price,” the fae warns.

“Of course. What price?” I mutter as I stare at the man, swearing I see his fingers twitch.

“I want to explore your past in your mind, unchecked and uncensored. I want to feed on it,” he explains.

“Fuck that,” I mutter.

“What’s your choice?” he counters.

There’s a mechanical whir, and we all turn to see the man straightening, gearing back up, and as we watch, he reaches up and pulls the blade from his neck, tossing it aside. The skin and wires stitch back together, and his eyes blink, like a computer coming back online. “That’s not good.”

The fae grins. “Better decide quickly.”

He turns and flashes fangs at me. He seems pissed. “That was rude, I’ll admit, but you were being unreasonable,” I tell him, but he appears to be done with talking.

He storms towards me, his intention clear.

He wants to feed on my blood.

Ducking under the man’s arm, I avoid his meaty hands again. “Fine! Deal!” I roar as my back hits the wall, and he comes barrelling towards me. I’ll kill him if I have no choice, but I want to be different than them.

I have to be.

Besides, part of me understands this monster.

Betrayal leaves its mark.

It can make you into an animal.

The fae appears behind him, and his claws plunge into the man’s chest before the fae dances back as he whirls with a roar. Lifting his bloody hand, the fae offers it to me. “Blood exchange to seal the tie.”

I glance at the big bastard blocking my path. I have to get past him, and it’s clear the fae won’t help.

Fucking fae asshole.

Glancing at the big man once more, I roll across the floor, avoiding his hands, and come up before the fae, grabbing his wrist with a wince before I suck his fingers into my mouth, swallowing the creature’s blood.

“Now make him drink yours,” he says as he steps back.

“Wait, how—” I am yanked backwards, my back hitting a chest as I glare at the fae.

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