Then I’m nowhere.
???
It’s not quite pitch black.
I’m still holding Cosmo’s hand, and when I move, I realize the only illumination is coming from my own skin.
After a moment of concentration, I increase the glow so that I can see properly.
And what I see is living smoke rotating around Cosmo’s wrist—like a hundred tiny eels.
Or hyenas circling their prey.
Then when I look at his face…oh shit. The smoke is also swirling behind his eyes.
—Keep fighting off the darkness—
A shudder runs through Cosmo’s frame.
—Trying—
Like Amirene told me, I follow my instincts.
If she gave him a speck of her essence, then surely I can do the same?
I visualize the lilac sparks dancing inside my body, but when I command them to go towards Cosmo, they’re reluctant.
Don’t blame them.
This man has been nothing but awful to me. Why should I help him? Moving closer, I stare up into his beautiful, cruel face. His exterior is so at odds with his poisonous interior.
And his horrendous upbringing does not excuse his sadistic, evil behavior.
The Elite is staring at me with desperation in his eyes. It fills me with pleasure. I hate him so fucking intensely.
Why am I still holding his hand? Ugh.
When I release the hold, he lets out a tiny sound of sadness. A deep gloating settles in my gut, and I step into the endless darkness that surrounds us, walking a full circle around my nemesis.
Cosmo stays frozen on the spot, but his eyes follow me as I move.
A growl leaves my throat, and my jaw clenches so hard, I almost crack a tooth. Cosmo Fucking Drakeward. This man has tormented me, had me on my knees, belittled me, and ridiculed me—and now he is so desperate for my help.
Maybe I’ll help him, maybe I’ll hurt him first.
Hurt him. Hurt him. Hurt him.
Suddenly, it’s like a bucket of icy water is thrown over my head.
Fuck, that poisonous smoke is trying to work its way into my body too. Looking down at my body, I notice my glow has dimmed.
No, this is not going to happen.
I close my eyes and imagine an eruption of lilac fire and molten gold searing through my veins, forcing the smoke away.
—Get out of me—
Then with all the force I possess.
