Page 130 of Live To Tell

“I'd heard the rumors that you're the true killer. Your father has covered up your crimes,” he remarks, gaze still fixed on the immobile shifter. “How long have you stalked me, looking for Trent?”

“We never knew Trent was with you. We’re looking for Viktor Whitegrove. Trent was an added bonus.”

Eyes on him, I focus my mind for any sign he’s hurt my bonded witch, but my thoughts won't stretch from my head, a leaden barrier blocking the way.

In my head or the room?

“You’re Viktor Whitegrove,” I say. “Your father is Cornelius Whitegrove, and he assisted in removing you from records and memories due to a crime,” I continue, as he watches me impassively. Still, no reply. “You've used necromancy on Trent—and Rory. Now you have one of them chained to a bed!”

Viktor pivots and crosses to me. The thickness of his magical aura grew since earlier, more seeping out around him, invisible but as encompassing as Rowan's shadows.

“I know you’re a necromancer,” I say harshly. “I sense the death in your magic.”

“Like you and your mother? I guess it takes one to know one.” He smiles. “What are you and your little boys hoping to achieve here?”

“Help Trent and restrain you until authorities arrive.”

“He’s beyond help.” My teeth grind at his mocking laugh. “I see your rune on him. Won’t you finish the job, Violet? After all, Trent wants to kill your beloved witch.”

“Let him go,” I demand.

“That's a rather stupid request,” he sneers. “Me and a construct versus you? Even that’s too much for a hybrid without her back up.”

“You think?” I snarl. “Try me.”

He laughs at me again. “I won’t need to.”

I jab a finger at Trent. “Why bind him? If Trent’s your construct, he'll always do what you tell him. He's no danger to you.”

Viktor shrugs. “What can I say? I like to be in complete control, Violet.”

“By killing people and using them? That’s sickening.”

He leans forward and whispers, “You’ll change your mind once you realize it’s the only way to stay safe.”

“I will never use necromancy on a person.” The words fall from my mouth without a thought, and they’re true. My life’s ambition diminishes with each new connection I make to the world and people I meet. My curiosity, and later the desire to show how powerful and unique my magic is, doesn’t fit who and what I’m becoming.

How can a necromancer ever be anything but the creature Viktor is, once they’ve taken that step?

“Then you’re weak. Although it has come to my attention that your hybrid side weakens both sets of powers, Violet. You don't know who you're playing with here,” he says.

“Oh, I'm very aware how Viktor Whitegrove excels in mind magic, but I'm not weak. Especially with my friends.”

“They won't be any use.” He smirks. “The shifter-in-denial who thought he’d hidden himself might be more help to me than you.”

An icy sensation slushes my blood. “What? Have you touched Leif?”

“No need.” He taps the side of his head. “His mind was easy to shatter that night. Has the guy put the pieces back together yet?”

“You're admitting you're involved in Wesley and Rory’s deaths!” I say in triumph. “Viggo’s. The plot against Kai.”

“Yes, because you can’t and won't do anything about that.” He slants his head. “Did Leif find the missing pieces yet?”

“You screwed with his memories. I know that.”

A sardonic smile covers his face. “No, Violet. I screwed with his mind.”

Chapter 44

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