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He brought his mouth closer to his ear so he could whisper. “Because you have found yourself on a Dragon’s hunting grounds.”

Then, once this Witch proved what he was to all, Geryon made sure his death was swift so he couldn’t unleash his magic against the humans. He didn’t risk drawing it out, in case the Witch got free of him. If he’d managed to somehow overcome him with his witchcraft, he would have killed many.

After Bradwick complimented him, people began to clap like it had been nothing but a theatrical show. The festivities would continue, and it would be nothing more than an interesting conversation. No one cared for the lives of Witches.

Eventually, soldiers would come to remove the body while servants would clean the blood.

His eyes fell on Cecily, concerned for her wellbeing, as well as why this Witch wanted her.

Her mask had slipped enough that he could see she was shocked. Shocked enough that she didn’t react when he grabbed her wrist and pulled her along until they were in a hallway.

He could justify his actions easily.

“What do you want?” Her voice was higher pitched than usual.

“Are you alright?” He released her wrist and took a step back, so they didn’t appear so informal. Yet, he wanted nothing more than to reach forward and cup her face gently, to stroke her cheek with his thumb soothingly. “What did he want?”

“He–” she stumbled, averting her gaze before it quickly darted back to him. “He knew I was here for King Bradwick. I think he wanted to use me against him.”

Geryon’s nose crinkled, an uncontrolled growl slipping from him that made her flinch. Sometimes, he forgot he couldn’t make such noises in front of humans.

Since they were in a relatively quiet space, only a handful of people loitering the hallway, he could hear her heart rate spiking.

“Are you alright?” he asked again, beginning to frown when he saw her hands were shaking wildly. “Cecily?”

Suddenly, he scented a reek of fear. It was growing by the second as she stood there with him.Is she frightened of me?He stepped forward to grab her gently, unable to resist doing so, but she quickly shuffled back, her heart beginning to pound. The scent worsened.

Her eyes darted down his body, at the blood covering him. He winced when he realised it was no image for a noble lady like herself to see.

“How did you know he was a Witch?”

His head reared back. That was a strange question to ask him.

He cooled his expression. “I have keen senses. I have come across them before and have learnt to spot them.”

“But you were so far away.” Her breaths came out strangled. “You killed him so quickly.”

He hadn’t expected this reaction from her.

“I thought you were quite comfortable with death and blood, since you said you’ve been to the prison cells at your family estate,” he pointed out, his confusion growing. “You know I am a guard. This is something I have been trained to do.”

Then... her mask fell completely.

Her eyes were stark, her brows furrowed deeply. She wasn’t just simply afraid; no, she was completely petrified. She stepped further back until her back knocked against the wall.

I do not understand.He stepped forward, lowering his voice since no one was walking past at this moment. He didn’t dare touch her with his blood-coated hands.

“I was hoping to come to you this evening.”

He wanted to spend time with her while she was dressed like this, court her like he could extend the ball in her rooms. He wanted to dance with her while she looked like a magical snowy princess, wearing a bright red ribbon around her throat for him.

Geryon wanted to woo her before he played with her.

“No,” she said without hesitation, her eyes widening further. “Do not come to me.”

Then she fled, and she didn’t return to the ballroom.

I should not have asked her.He could have snuck into her rooms after she calmed down. He was fresh from a kill; he was sure he was frightening.Now I cannot. She has told me no.