Page 64 of A Hint of Delirium

Alec took another couple steps into the room, maintaining his distance. “You have the power of all the elements, Violet. It’s a rare gift and valuable beyond measure.”

I frowned. “What are you trying to say?”

He sighed. “My brother wants to hide you. If he continues down that path, I guarantee you will die once the UnseelieandSeelie learn about you ... and theywill.”

“I know that,” I said irritably.

“Exactly. So why don’t you let me help you survive?”

I did a double take, not following this sudden turn of events. “What?” I choked out.

Alec took a couple more steps toward me but maintained a respectable distance. His reticence to be near where I stood spooked me more than I wanted to admit. He peered at me earnestly.

“Allow me to teach you how to wield your powers, Violet. Become an asset to the Unseelie King. If he thinks he can use you in some way, he’ll keep you safe in return. And in doing so, you’ll keep Ansel safe in the process.”

I frowned. “What?”

“Haven’t you thought about Ansel’s part in all of this? What will happen to him if you’re caught? With the option I’m giving you, he’ll be completely safe and out of harm’s way, and you’ll be safe under the Unseelie King’s protection,” he said calmly.

I furrowed my brows. “You mean in return for keeping me safe, he’ll use me like a weapon.”

Alec shrugged nonchalantly. “It’s better than dying.”

I shook my head. “Why? Why do you want to help me? Us?” Nothing came for free;thatmuch I knew. Call me cynical, but after the foolish bargain I made with him, I wouldn’t fall for another one of his slick tricks.

“I have my reasons, but that’s nothing you need to worry about right now,” he replied cryptically.

I crossed my arms, exhausted from keeping up with this verbal back-and-forth. “It does if you’re trying to trick me like you did with the bargain last time.”

He laughed. “I promise, this is no trick. Just a friendly gesture.” He bowed slightly.

“Friendly gesture, my ass,” I grumbled. “Where’s Ansel? I’m not making any decisions without him.”

Alec wagged a finger at me and tsked. “Sorry, darling, but this is one decision you’ll have to make without my dearest brother. And like I said earlier, he’s a bit tied up at the moment.”

My stomach dropped, picturing an array of scenarios, each more horrible than the last. “What did you do?”

He grinned. “He’s busy dealing with some Unseelie friends of mine.”

I glowered at him. “If you hurt him …” I threatened.

“You’ll do what?” He raised a taunting brow.

I gritted my teeth. “You’ll be the first one I kill once I master my powers, so watch it,” I growled.

He smirked. “Touché.”

I hated making a monumental decision like this without Ansel’s counsel, but Alec was right. If I followed Ansel’s plan, I would be on the run for the rest of my life in the hopes no one would ever find out about me. Did I want to live that way? The answer was a resounding no. And at least this way, Ansel would stay out of the line of fire. No one had to know he was involved.

At least with Alec, even though it was a huge risk, I would secure a slim chance of survival. The only problem was that I didn’t trust him as far as I could throw him, which wasn’t far. Alec could turn on me at any moment, or else he could be toying with my emotions and testing my loyalty before delivering me to the Unseelie King. Even so, it was a risk I had to take. It went against everything I believed in, but for a chance at survival and protecting Ansel, maybe it was worth it.

I jumped down from the cot and stared at him silently, trying to detect the lie. “So, how is this going to go? How do you plan to convince the Unseelie King that I’m an asset to his people?”

His wide smirk grew. “Easy. I’ll take you to the Unseelie Court so he can see you himself.”

My eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. “What?” I shrieked. “I’m not leaving the human realm!”

He shook his head as if my fear was unfounded and ridiculous. “How do you propose we convince him, then?”

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