Page 120 of Cursed

“I remember,” I said. “I wanted to figure it out for myself.”

“And how is that working for you?” His question was casual as he sauntered toward the vanity.

“It’s— it’s working fine. But— Why would you want to help me?” I asked, as suspicion coiled around me.

Maybe hewastesting me.

“Because,” he said as his fingers trailed over the edge of the vanity. I winced as he paused—my blood stained the wood from where I’d cut myself to reveal the grimoire’s secrets. “I know what it’s like to be wound up in the darkness of this book. But you don’t need to struggle with it— My brothers and I, we’ve stained these pages with our blood, too.”

In that moment, something shifted within me and I thought I saw a flicker of vulnerability in his expression—a crack in his cold exterior—and then it was gone.

All at once, an image flashed through my mind—I had imagined it, dreamed of it—my father’s last moments and his desperate pleas for mercy as Lucian stood over him.

“I don’t need your help,” I snapped.

My heart thudded violently against my ribs. If I let myself entertain his offer, if I acknowledged the spark of empathy that ignited in the depths of my heart, I’d risk everything.

But I couldn’t stop the swirl of longing and dark lust that being near him awakened in me.

“Let me prove myself,” he said as he stepped closer.

As he approached, a new awareness rose over my shoulders—I could sense his emotions… His intentions… And I couldn’t ignore the sincerity that was woven into his words. But there was something else, too. Desperation.

My eyes narrowed.

But why? What did he really want?

Could I use this against him? For my own ends?

I had used him once—all of them. I had used their lust for me to get what I wanted.

Could I do it again?

The notion was both thrilling and terrifying.

If I could harness his guilt, his magic, perhaps I could shift the balance of power in my favor. The thought sent a rush of adrenaline through me.

“Help me decipher it— There has to be more in those pages. More than what I’ve already unlocked… And then maybe I’ll consider…” I trailed off and Titus’ eyes narrowed.

“Maybe you’ll consider what?” he pressed. A challenge flared in his eyes, embers of something deeper that threatened to ignite between us.

“Maybe… I’ll consider trusting you,” I replied, though every fiber of my being screamed against it. “But I have to think about it.”

I expected him to argue, but Titus only nodded and walked toward the door.

The whispers of the grimoire rose in my mind—as though it applauded my decision. I wondered if Titus could hear them, too.

Manipulating my stepbrothers had already brought me more power than I could handle— But maybe they would be the key to what I truly sought…

Freedom.

Freedom from this place.

From Lucian.

From everything I feared.

* * *

---