Page 147 of Sweet Venom

I stepped forward, my heart racing with a blend of awe and disbelief. As soon as we crossed the threshold, the world aside those gates disappeared. The beautiful park unfolded before me—twisted towers rising in jagged silhouettes, reaching toward the sky, each one painted in every shade of blue—electric, cobalt, indigo—a magical dream in the daylight.

Blue.

It was all blue and it was quiet. There were no amused voices, no laughter, no bustling crowds. It was just us.

“Welcome to Venomous.” Azariel looked down at me while spreading his arms wide, welcoming me into what looked to be his property.

Venomous World.

I didn’t know much about it, but I knew everyone else did. This was the largest amusement and theme park in the world. My little brother Cassian had mentioned it once in passing, but I didn’t really give it much thought at the time.

If I’m honest… I don’t like rollercoasters. I’m a big baby when it comes to heights. Maybe that’s why I never had an interest in knowing more about the park.

Azariel’s words from earlier echoed in my mind.My heart.

“What did you mean when you said, “your heart”, Azariel?” I asked, my voice quiet, almost hesitant. His grip on my hand tightened just slightly, as if sensing the shift inside me.

His gaze softened. “Look around you, Poetry… this is you. All of you. My heart.”

Then I reluctantly looked away from him and took in the park around us.

Blue.

The exact shade of my hair.

Thud.

Thud.

This can’t be real.

He can’t be real.

How could someone who’s seen so much darkness be able to create something so magical for me? How?

I closed my eyes and silently prayed to anyone who might be listening, hoping this was real, that I wasn’t just dreaming. And then, I felt his large hands cupping my face, his fingers brushing my skin as he pulled me in for a kiss. It was rough, not so sweet, and when he finally pulled away, we locked eyes. For a moment, everything else faded.

He whispered softly, “Welcome to the world I created for you. A world of only blue. My favorite color.”

I couldn’t help it.

Tears welled up and spilled over. I cried— quiet, messy sobs—while he looked down at me, smiling so much love in his eyes. He didn’t have to say he loved me. I saw it.

My heart raced, fluttering in my chest, and for a moment, I couldn’t breathe.

“You…” I began, but my voice faltered. “You made all of this?” My heart hammered in my ears. “For me? This must’ve taken years…”

Years.

I was in his heart for years…

Azariel’s eyes flickered to our feet for a moment, his usual confidence wavering, like he couldn’t bring himself to meet my gaze. And just like that, my heart tripped over itself again… I couldn’t handle it.

“Every corner, every shadow, every ride… all of it,” he murmured, his voice low and steady. “It’s all for you. You inspired every single part of this world. I had it built with you in mind. I know sometimes the world outside this place can overwhelm you, but here…” He gently took my hand and pressed it to his chest, where his heart beat strong and steady. “You’ll always be safe. Always.”

Tears kept falling, but I didn’t bother to wipe them away.

“Azariel…” I swallowed hard, struggling to find the right words. My heart was a storm inside my chest, wild and chaotic. His gaze was searching and full of love—harsh yet tender, cold but warm. It was everything. “143.”

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