Page 76 of The Cursed and the Broken
“My darling Fate, what a web of lies she spins with her needle and thread.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Foolish girl,” he remarked, still chuckling. “It is true the cultists’ dark ritual can revive Sylvie from her grave, but it takes little more than a cup to bring her back.”
“Gods,” Margit said softly. “But my vision … I saw Kitarni. She was bleeding on an altar.”
Death turned to her. “Visions are not set in stone. Your little trick today has altered the course of your futures.”
Relief washed over me, lifting a weight from my chest. “I’m not going to die?”
“That remains to be seen,” he replied flatly. “But no, you needn’t die so that she may live. Your blood is strong and like calls to like. Her essence will latch on to the power in it, drag her back to the living.”
“Why? Why would Fate lie about that?”
“It would seem my spider has several plans up her sleeve. Do you not see, little witch? She was using you for her own gains. You were naught but a shovel to dig for her spoils, a gift for an unlikely ally.”
My nostrils flared and I gritted my teeth. “So she planned to cross me, have me killed so I wouldn’t stand in the way of her game.”
Death watched as I paced around the circle. “Should you survive the ritual, Fate will do everything in her power to ensure your death. She needs the crown to rule hell and what better friend to keep than the most powerful witch of your time?”
“Someone to commandeer the Middle World,” I said softly, catching on. Halting, I stared at him incredulously. “She wants to rule Earth as well?”
Death nodded once. “A goal threatened by the last living witch with blood magic in her veins. She cannot touch you on this plane. While you live, she is powerless to intervene. But Sylvie is not.”
“Holy fuck,” Margit breathed.
I twisted a curl around one finger, chewing over this information, already scheming my next moves. “I’ve a proposition for you.”
Death waved a bone finger and, if he had a mouth, I’d bet it would be grinning devilishly now. “Go on.”
“When Sylvie returns, what say I find the crown for you? You will have the means to keep Fate in check and remain ruler of the Under World. Earth will remain safe and almost everyone has a happily ever after. What say you?”
“I’d say you’re quite possibly my favourite witch.”
I snorted. “Of course I am. Your assistance has been enlightening. Thank you, Death. I trust a continued alliance is mutually beneficial, then?”
He sighed. “I will refrain from skewering you in the next life, if that’s what you’re asking.”
I grinned. “You are a saint, truly.”
“Angels would weep to hear you say that,” he purred. “Now let me out of this blasted chalk. I’ve schemes to plot and a wedding to plan.”
THIRTY-TWO
The wind howled, tearing atmy shawl as I stood upon the balcony of Dante’s suite. The evening air was chill, biting at my skin, but I didn’t mind. It reminded me I was alive, that the blood running through my veins still thrummed with life.
His chamber was located on the south-east wing, providing a clear view of the lavender hills and the woods. The purple flowers were stunning in the setting sun, kissed with pinks and oranges in a swath of golden, silky sky. But I stared upon the treetops now. Deep within, cultists writhed in snake pits, venomous and volatile. They would taste my blood on their lips, drain me dry if they could.
But I knew better now. My heart felt lighter after Margit’s and my meeting with Death, and a sly grin curled my lips. It couldn’t have gone better. The horseman himself had given me hope I’d not been able to muster. I didn’t need to die. I didn’t need to—
Fuck.I could dare to dream after all. As I gazed upon the sprawling woods, a flutter of hope brushed featherlight strokes in my chest, easing the tension that had burrowed deep.What might I do with my life?I wondered.What lies beyond the cold clutches of cultists and curses?
I would be a wife, a mother, a lady of a castle. But what of the girl behind those duties? I gripped the cold stone wall, leaning forward, feeling the rush of air upon my face. I could do anything I wanted. Write an epic tale, hone my skills in the kitchen, explore the world beyond our borders.
Yes. I wanted to walk among sands, feel the spray of salt upon my skin, climb mountains, taste delicacies unknown to the Kingdom of Hungary. I wanted it all.
Calloused hands reached around my front, cradling me to a warm chest. I smiled at his touch, the familiar scent of leather and wood, the warm breath upon my cheek. He nuzzled into the crook of my neck and a jolt fired through my body. There was something else I wanted too.Someone.
