Oh. Dear. Gods. Here we go again. Shaking my head, I scrubbed my hand over my eyes. Alex
Marcus stiffened. Ive had time to come to terms with it. I cant say that Im surprised, though. He glanced at me, scowling. If theres a rule, youll break it, Alex. But I didnt expect Aiden to be so
Irresponsible? she supplied helpfully, and I rolled my eyes. And such a bastard to take advantage of meyour poor niece who has been through so much? He took advantage of me. Used a compulsion on me. He forced me.
My hand dropped to my side. Horror rolled through me, leaving me reeling. She didnt just she had.
Hes a bastard, Marcus responded coolly, but I doubt he took advantage of you or used a compulsion.
Thanks, I muttered.
Alex shrugged as she drifted toward us. He broke the rules. Shouldnt you be more upset?
Honestly, out of everything that is going on, thats the least of my worries. Marcus smiled, and her eyes flared a heated tawny color. And really, if we are going to make a list tallying up how many rules have been broken, I think you top it.
But he used compulsion on a pure.
And you killed one. Tit for tat, Alexandria. Although this wasnt the first time wed had this conversation with Alex, it never failed to amaze me how calm Marcus remained through it.
Then you should punish us. She leaned into the bars, but kept her hands to her sides. Rules are rules, Uncle. Take us to the Council.
Were not letting you out, I cut in. Move on to something else, Alex.
She pulled her lips back and made a very real-sounding hiss. How about you come in here?
I flashed my teeth at her. Youd like that, wouldnt you?
Her hands flexed at her sides and she moved back from the bars, keeping her eyes trained on me. Id love it.
The door opened, spilling light down the concrete stairs. Marcus turned, but I kept my gaze on Alex. There was a challenge in her starea dare. She wanted to fight, and even with her elemental powers lagging, shed be a hell of an opponent. More skilled than the last time Id goaded her into fighting me. Thinking of that, I was reminded of how that fight had ended.
Alex had kissed me.
My stomach tightened, even though I knew it wouldnt end that way this time. If she got her hands on me, shed try to kill me. I had to keep reminding myself of that. When connected to Seth, she wasnt the girl Id admired when Id seen her around the Covenant, or the one Id fallen in love with.
Marcus? Aiden? Solos called from the top of the steps. You guys down there?
Dont come down here, I reminded him, eyeing a suddenly alert Alex. Halfs were more susceptible to compulsions, and she packed one hell of a punch.
Wasnt planning on it, he replied. You guys are needed upstairs. Apollos back.
Marcus shot me a look full of meaning, and then glanced at Alex before heading up the stairs. Apollos arrival hopefully meant hed found something to break the connection threading Alex and Seth together.
Alex shot toward the bars, gripping them. Dont you dare leave me.
I heard Marcus footfalls stop at the top of the steps. I thought you were tired of my face, Alex.
Closing her eyes, she pressed her forehead against the bars. I hate it in here. I cant take it. The silence I hate the silence.
And I hated the razor edge of real pain in her voice. You didnt answer my question.
The skin around her eyes crinkled as her brows knitted together. Fine. Leave. I dont care. I hate you anyway.
Approaching the bars, I slipped my hand through. My fingers brushed aside the tangled mess of hair. Alex was so still I wasnt sure she was breathing as I found the chain and gently tugged it up so that the crystal rose was cradled in my palm.
She sucked in a sharp breath but didnt bolt.
If you hated me, you wouldve destroyed this.
Give me time and I will.
I laughed and let go of the rose. She opened her eyes, watching me warily. No. You wont. As long as you wear that, I know there is still a part of you in there. That there is still hope.
Alex reached for the necklace, gripping it in a fist as she backed away. Instead of ripping it off her neck, she held onto it and retreated back to her mattress. Sitting down, she leaned against the wall and pulled her knees to her chest.
Hope grew like a fragile seedling, and I guarded it carefully. I pushed off the bars. Ill bring you something to eat and drink later.
There was no answer, and I knew I wasnt going to get one. Pivoting around, I hurried up the stairs. Marcus and Solos waited in the narrow hallway.
She still hasnt eaten? Solos asked, rubbing his hand along the jagged scar that cut down his face from eye to jaw.
Walking past them, I shook my head. Her not eating was a huge concern. Apollyon or not, she couldnt last much longer like this without lasting consequences.
Solos snapped at my heels. We could always hold her down and force-feed her temperamental butt.
You come within a foot of her, and shell have you hanging yourself from the rafters in the basement. Marcus shot the half-blood Sentinel a dark look. Dont even think it.