Page 49

“That boy, however, well…there was simply nothing there to feel from him. Void of rot entirely. Fascinating…truly,” Layne mused.

“He was nobody,” I said. “Just some nervous guy who came up to talk. Better conversation than I’ve had with you, though.” I grinned slyly at him. “But that’s not really saying much, now is it?”

Layne’s shadows flared, and the smile on his face widened. “Is that so?” he cooed. “You know, I find it quite interesting you speak of the exchange so dismissively.” The orb of magic flashed in his hand, revealing pieces of my memories inside the sphere. The voyeurism of it made my stomach sink: The bar. The glow of the fireplace. Ethan's face. His handshake. Everything I had kept inside me now lay bare before him.

Bastard.

“Funny,” Layne mused, watching the memories play inside the glowing sphere. “He sure doesn’t seem like a nobody that you didn’t give much attention to. In fact, you seem quite…engaged.” He waved his hand, and the orb enlarged. The large grin I’d worn all night stared back at me.

“I’d say you look quite happy in fact.” His voice was mocking, but I detected a hint of disappointment.

“So I’m not allowed to smile or laugh? What is it with men like you? There is no winning,” I sneered. “And for the record, you don't get to dictate shit that I do, Layne.”

The orb pulsed again, the memory shifting to my hand extended out to Ethan. Layne chuckled as the memory replayed. “And…this?” he asked, brow furrowed.

I rolled my eyes. Who the hell did he think he was? He didn't own me. I growled at him, “I was testing him. I couldn't believe there wasn’t darkness in him.” I paused and pointed to Layne. “In fact, I thought it was just another one of your bullshit details that you’d so conveniently left out. Something you seem to love doing. If you can recall, you’re the one who told me everyone had darkness in them.”

Layne smirked. “Yes, well…when you saw that he didn't have any, you still stayed,” He said, brows raised. “You talked. You even gave him your nickname.” His golden eyes pierced into me. “Evie, was it? I thought that was only reserved for⁠—?”

“Oh, fuck off. Simple mistake,” I spat, my jaw clenched.

I’ve about had enough of Layne Murrows for the day, I thought.

“I wasn't going to kill him. There was nothing there to feed on, of course, I wasn’t going to give him my real name.” I said flatly.

Layne’s smirk deepened. “It’s just that it’s an interesting choice for someone who means nothing to you…”

I turned away before my face could betray me. Evie—I hadn't gone by that since Dad died. Why was that the name that slipped out when he’d ask?

My head was swimming, and I didn’t want to hear Layne’s grating voice any longer. “He works at the Willows company. He fucking works with Preston, okay?” The water around me rippled in response.

Layne’s face shifted—amusement turned to a focused, calculating gaze. “Does he now?” The golden light in his eyes flickered as shadows conjured behind him, birthing his throne from darkness. He sat back, eyes locked on mine. “A boy with no darkness, working in a den of snakes.” His smile spread slowly. “How very… interesting.”

“He worked with Jake McKinney,” I continued. “Jake was a useless, idiotic, drunk mess who couldn't give me what I needed.” My gaze snagged on Layne as he leaned forward, ready to call out my misstep from that night, but I cut him off before he could speak. “Yes, I am aware that it was my own fault, Layne.” He settled back, grinning. “My point is that…Ethan’s different. He was honest, even under compulsion. I can use him to get to Preston.”

Use him. The words were rotten in my mouth, but there was a truth to them I couldn't deny.

Layne didn't say anything for a moment. He just sat there watching me, his golden eyes unreadable. I stared back unblinking, making sure he knew that I wasn't asking for his permission.

He finally broke the silence, his voice elevated. “How resourceful, hunting the darkness you’re owed with light—how poetic.” His devious grin widened.

“It's a strategy,” I countered. “Nothing more.”

Layne's gaze lingered on me for a while before he disappeared into a plume of inky shadows that slowly drifted and reappeared in front of me.

I pushed myself back as his body leaned towards mine, eyes peering into my soul. “Of course it is,” he said, his smile fading. “Tell me, though, Evelyn, if you’re just using him, then why did I feel your heart race like it did when he touched your hand…”

He was so close that his breath warmed my skin. God, he fucking infuriating me. Layne didn’t own me, and what he said wasn’t true…right?

No, I thought, clenching my fists tight.

“You’re wrong,” I growled.

“Oh?” he said, circling me slowly.

“He’s a means to an end. That's it.” I whirled around to face him. “I’ll also remind you again, Layne. Just because of our deal doesn’t mean I belong to you, no matter what you say. So I’ll do whatever the fuck I want to do, got it?”

Layne’s eyes softened, and his voice dropped to a gentle whisper. “Yes, Evelyn…whatever you say.” He leaned in close enough to whisper in my ear. “Just remember, no matter what you felt with that boy,” his voice dropping lower and colder, “whatever warmth flickered inside that dead heart of yours—don’t forget it will be the death of him. The curse will make sure of it.”