Page 35 of Slay Me

Apollo leans in and grips my forearm and whispers, “Think about it, okay?”

When he pulls away, I nod.

Uma comes into view, wearing her typical black cloak. “You two ready for tonight?”

Apollo beams at her. “Always.”

She returns his smile, clearly enchanted by his charm. They all are. Honestly, if I weren’t so twisted by my past, I might feel the same. But in my years of life, I have learned that the biggest monsters aren’t those who wear the danger on their sleeves.

No, it’s the ones who charm. Those who appear completely enamored by you. They are the true betrayers.

“This is the first night you won’t be shifting in a few years, right?” she questions, and he nods with a glance back at me.

“My life is in Liv’s hands tonight.” With a wink, he dusts his hands and claps the excess off. Below, the crowd roars, and I glance down as the Ringmaster steps into the spotlight.

My muscles begin to quiver. Taking a deep breath, I do my best to focus.One hour, and then I’ll be able to step out for fresh air.

Sixty minutes.

I can do this.

Still, my stomach seizes once again.

“Good evening!” he calls out, deep voice booming. The bastard is grinning, likely the only genuine smile he ever displays. “Are you ready for three brand new shows?”

The crowd erupts.

“Tonight, we have a very special treat for you. But only if you dare to face the unknown, stare danger in the face, and—” He trails off and tips his face up toward me. I swear our gazes lock, his copper eyes brightening so I can see them clearly. He continues, “Be willing to take the leap even if it means dancing in the flames.”

I swallow hard as the cramps let up for just a moment. Why the hell does that feel so heavily weighted toward me?

The Ringmaster holds up his palm then snaps. Flames burst to life, and I gasp, gripping my lyra even more tightly as the sparks flitter up into the air above him.

“Fucking-A. I’ve never seen him use magic before. Guess shifter’s off the table.”

I turn to Apollo. “What?”

“We were betting he’s a shifter of some kind, but if he’s using fire magic, he must be a fae. Maybe a phoenix.”

Or a dragon.“Oh, yeah, he must be.” I turn back toward the ring just in time to see Valentina fly down and land beside him.

The audience cheers as she wraps an arm around his waist. My hand tightens on the lyra as blinding jealousy overtakes my rational senses and pisses me the hell off.Whydo I care? Why should I care?

The Ringmaster raises one hand and continues, “Just remember, stay in your seat. I’m not responsible for what happens should you choose to step into the ring.”

The lights go out, plummeting the tent into darkness. When they come back on. The ring is empty, and Valentina is depositing the Ringmaster onto the metal balcony across from us. His gaze finds mine. Then he dips his head in a nod and turns to leave.

“All right, partner, you ready for this?” Apollo questions as he comes to stand on the edge of the railing.

No.My vision swims. “Yes.” Knowing how important it is to remain focused, I force my thoughts to clear, picturing the performance ahead of us so I don’t get either of us hurt—or worse. Gripping my lyra with both hands, I step off the balcony and plummet below.

The wind rushes past me, all while I flip up and place both legs into the hoop. Then I release the lyra with my hands so I dangle down. Everything happens in a matter of seconds, and by the time I’m swinging back toward Apollo, I’m ready to catch him.

He leaps.

I grip his forearms, and he grins up at me as we soar across the top of the Big Top. Below, the crowd cheers. I deposit him on the other side in the same place Valentina left the Ringmaster. Then I swing back and grip my own balcony.

Breathing still level, I rush up another set of stairs until I reach the very top. Here, a metal balcony much like the one I just vacated hangs, though this one runs the complete distance of the tent.

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