Page 108 of House of Malice
Everything was in slow motion, the range of emotions that went over Alatar’s face. He didn’t expect it, and that was the only reason why Alecto had managed to do what she did.
When Alatar’s body hit the water, there was a splash, but it was soon swallowed by the dark ocean crashing into the rocks.
If she was lucky, he would have hit the rocks the moment he fell into the water, and soon he would be at the bottom of the ocean.
Alecto clasped a hand over her mouth and turned to Blaze. He was watching her with wide eyes, his lips parted.
“Is he dead?” Blaze asked after a moment.
“I hope so,” Alecto said, and then she laughed.
She felt free. For the very first time in her life, her chest was light.
A smile bloomed on Blaze’s face, and Alecto ran into his arms. She wrapped her legs around his waist and kissed him.
“Wait,” Blaze said, pulling away. “People will miss him. And they will miss us too.” His gaze was worried while he searched her face. “We need an alibi.”
Alecto couldn’t care less. Even if she had to serve fifty years in Kelthazane, she would gladly do it.
Alatar was gone. It was worth it.
“It will be fine,” Alecto said, holding his face in her hands. She smiled. “We will be fine. I’m free. I’m fucking free.”
Blaze smiled back and kissed her again. The comfort of having him with her right now was intoxicating. Alecto didn’t want to let go. She wanted to tell the whole world that Blaze was hers and she was his.
“Let’s go back,” Blaze said after a few more moments. “Let’s find the rest of the Inner Circle and fill them in about what happened.”
Alecto nodded. He took her hand and led them back to the house. Instead of taking the same path towards the back garden, they took an alternative route.
When they arrived at the entrance, Alecto paused to put her shoes back on. To her surprise, Blaze took her hand again and led them inside.
“Blaze, your father will see us,” Alecto said, pulling on her hand. He didn’t let go.
Blaze stopped and cupped her cheek with his other hand. “I don’t care. We are not hiding anymore. You are a free woman, and I am not going to hide you from anyone.”
“But—” Alecto’s voice cracked. She blinked, her eyes burning.
“I will deal with him,” Blaze said. “Trust me. And I won’t let him hurt you.”
Blaze gave her a forehead kiss, and then they walked into the lounge.
The party was still in full swing. Witches were dancing, drinking, and laughing. Some played traditional handfasting games, and from the back yard came the live music from the band.
“Where have you been?” Val asked, coming over to them. Behind her were Andro and Gael. “We have to talk about things. Now.”
Alecto glanced up at Blaze and giggled. Blaze smiled.
“What is wrong with you two?” Val asked. “This is fucking serious. The Dean left after that conversation. He’s probably ready to kill us all.”
“We need to talk,” Blaze said. “Let’s go somewhere private. We are going to get Jolene and Leigh.”
Val nodded and walked out of the lounge, Andro and Gael going after her. Alecto looked around the room, trying to spot Jolene and Leigh. She found Galliermo instead.
His dark gaze was scorching as he eyed Alecto and Blaze, their hands linked, even from the other side of the room.
Alecto’s heart dropped, and she swallowed hard. “Blaze.”
“Jolene, come over here!” Blaze shouted and waved at Jolene and Leigh, who were dancing.
