Page 161 of House of Pain
“I don’t see a point in confessions,” he admitted after a moment of silence. “But I do believe in the power of a good proposition.”
“Are you going to ask for my hand in marriage?” Alecto asked, bringing her hand to her mouth as if she was scandalized. “I think it’s a bit early. We at least should meet each other’s parents before we commit.”
Her words almost won another smile from Norse, and it was then Alecto started to wonder whether Val’s words had any truth to them.
“Marriage between a Dragon and a Snake?” Norse asked, shaking his head. “That would be the scandal of the century.”
“Indeed.”
Norse’s face grew serious. “It’s not too late for you, you know? Don’t get me wrong, you’re hated just as much as the rest of the Inner Circle. But you being half mortal earns you forgiveness points. Most witches think you’re under the others’ spell, just doing their bidding.”
Alecto recoiled inside, ready to lash out. But she held herself together, only tipping her head to the side.
“And what do you think? Am I just a poor little pawn in their cruel game?”
Of course, leave it to witches to think a half blood was so different than them.
“I’m not stupid to think that,” Norse replied. “I think you’re more than capable of the worst behavior all on your own. And because people overlook you, it makes you even more dangerous. So, as I was saying, it’s not too late for you.”
“Too late for what?” Alecto asked, curiosity urging her forwards.
Norse’s lips curled, but it wasn’t a kind smile. “To choose the winning side. Having you would be my pleasure.”
It was a warning.
Alecto’s stomach flipped, uneasiness coming over her. It was as if she was missing something very vital, very important, but she couldn’t figure out what it was.
“I’m already on the winning side,” she teased.
Norse brought the glass to his lips, draining the liquid before placing it on the coffee table.
“Not for long.”
IV. VANITY IN DEATH
52
Another family dinner to attend. Another evening of snide witches and warlocks to entertain.
At least, this time around, it seemed as if the usual crowd of thecrème de la crèmeof Avalon Hills had returned to the Leveau penthouse, politicians, socialites, and even a few celebrities mingling around.
Galliermo’s business dealings were the last thing Blaze gave a shit about, but there’d been something suspicious about his father since the auction.
And his mother still hadn’t returned.
Blaze brought his glass to his lips, sipping on amber liquid as his eyes focused on the sunset in the distance.
“Listen, I think we need to lay low,” Andro argued.
He never attended Blaze’s father’s dinner parties, but today he and his mother decided to grace them with their presence.
Blaze was grateful his best friend was here, occupying Val, because tonight Blaze’s mind was further away than ever.
“Andro, sweetheart,” Val said, her voice sweet as honey. “As someone who’slegacyand is part of the most powerful House in history, you’re a fucking pussy.”
“Call me a pussy however many times you want. I call myself the only sane one amongst you psychopaths.”
Blaze lifted a finger to say something, but Andro beat him to it: “You are probably the biggest psychopath. Some days I don’t even think Val comes close to you.”
