Page 114 of Dance With A Devil
Tonight… we don’t just celebrate.
We make themremember.
We burn our mark into the flesh of this city.
Webaptize them in blood.
The Devils of Cliffside are no longer in the shadows.
Wearethe shadows.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Athens
We’re knee deep inNew Moon, and I haven’t stopped laughing since the opening credits. Not because the movie’s a comedy. BecauseRyanwon’t shut the hell up.
“These aren’t vampires,” she growls, tossing popcorn at the screen like it personally offended her. “They’re glitter-drenched fairies on a bender. You expect me to take that shit seriously?”
I snort. “Unicorns are always naked, too, but no one questions their existence.”
She turns to me, deadpan. “Unicorns don’t stare into the sun and announce, ‘This is what I am.’ My god, Edward. You sparkle like a fucking disco ball and sulk like someone stole your eyeliner.”
“You sound jealous.” I grin. “Would you rather he came out with blood dripping from his mouth and a ‘welcome to the show’ bow?”
“Hell yes. At least then I’d respect the fangs.”
“You’re just mad you couldn’t play him better.”
She scoffs. “Iwouldplay him better.”
“Uh-huh. Sure. And I’d be a billionaire if sarcasm paid rent.”
She goes quiet after that.
Too quiet.
I glance over. Her eyes are locked on the floor, shadows deep in her stare. “You’re right,” she murmurs. “If I’d gotten out sooner, maybe Iwouldbe living a better life.”
“Ryan-”
She cuts me off with a bitter laugh. “Instead, I’ve got a stepfather who watches me like prey, and a mother who’s too busy sucking him dry for painkillers to care.”
The air thickens. Every muscle in me coils, ready to hunt.
“I’ll kill him,” I whisper. “Say the word, and I’ll-”
“No.” Her voice is sharp. “Don’t you dare pity me, chica. We’re both drowning in the same blood, you’re just lucky your monster’s already in the ground.”
She’s not wrong.
“I’m not pitying you,” I say, serious now. “I’m offering you a way out. Move in here. With us. You’ll be protected. You’ll be free.”
The war behind her eyes flickers. “I don’t run, Athens. I fight.”
“How long’s this been happening?”
She shrugs. “Long enough to stop counting. But this isn’t about me. We came here foryou, remember?” She smirks. “Let’s not turn this into a therapy session for the damned. Oh shit!”
