Page 109 of Sweet Venom

“That’s actually a good idea. I need to add that. Maybe he can hide the corpse of the heroine’s cousin in a rose bush.”

Not going to lie. That didn’t sound so bad for a twisted plot.

Artemis’ eyes narrowed. “That’s not funny.”

I laughed, but it didn’t quite drown out the way my stomach turned when I noticed that something about her looked off. She didn’t laugh. My dark humor usually makes her crack a small smile.

I brought the screen closer to my face, that’s when I saw her eyes were duller than usual. The spark she always hid behind her uncaring facade was still there but dimmed. Her sarcasm sounded more like a shield than a joke.

“Hey, you okay?” I asked, lowering my voice.

Her ice queen smirk faltered just for a moment. “Me? I’m fabulous. Drowning in men, money, and the existential dread of being my parents’ pride and joy.” She winked. “Thanks for asking, though.”

Lies.

I leaned in. “Artemis.”

She exhaled, looking away from the camera and brushing her hair off her shoulder. “I-I’m fine, Poe. Just tired. Not everyone gets to waltz through enchanted blue rose gardens with a walking Greek tragedy in expensive suits and demonic tattoos.”

She said it lightly, but the bitterness was unmistakable. Not jealousy. Something heavier. Sadness. Tragedy.

Shit.

Artemis was… well uniquely her. She guarded her heart like a lioness ready to tear apart anyone who got too close. I love my cousins dearly and we joke and even tease each other but nothing will ever change the fact that I would do absolutely anything to not see them sad and right now it’s hurting me because I know she won’t let me in. She doesn’t let anyone in. Not even her parents.

I watched her carefully. I’ve known Artemis my whole life. She could charm, distract, and deflect with terrifying ease—but not from me.

And I could see it now.

Something inside was breaking. Badly.

She just would rather die than let me see the cracks.

I wait regardless, I wait for her to crack just a little and let me in. But she was a fortress, and right now, her walls were higher than ever. She wouldn’t budge. Not to me at least.

So, I didn’t push.

Instead, I leaned back in the chair, the sun setting behind the window, and said softly, “You don’t have to tell me anything now. You don’t have to share with me what’s hurting you. ButI’m here, okay? I’m always here for you, Art. If you need to talk. Or scream. Or burn something down. Or bury a body. I’ll help you.”

I would too. No hesitation.

Artemis’ expression twitched a little, like my words had hit a place she didn’t want me to see. Yeah, my cousin was hurting. There was no doubt about that.

She looked away for a second, then back, her voice quieter now. “I know,” she said. “I know you are.”

She didn’t give me much. But it was something and it was real.

I’ll take it. Because it’s Artemis. Whatever she gives, I’ll take in a heartbeat.

She at times reminded me so much of Azariel. They’re both perfect to the world but deep down they have cracks they won’t let anyone see.

A soft knock on my door pulled me from the moment with my cousin.

Artemis noticed the knocking. Her eyes flicked sideways with no trace of that vulnerability I saw moments ago. “Is that your brooding boss?”

I smiled faintly. “I don’t know.”

She sighed dramatically. “Tell Dark Daddy I said hello, and that I still think he’s probably a serial killer on the loose.”

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