Page 15 of A Kiss From Death (Oath of Vengeance #1)

“ W ake up, sunshine! Today’s the big day.”

The mattress around me dips and lifts as I’m drawn to consciousness. My head is slightly groggy from last night’s Fire Water incident, and I make a mental note not to touch the stuff again for a while.

My memories come back to me in flashes, parts of the night now clear—including me touching a very unfortunate place on Hade. If I wasn’t hyped up on Fire Water at the time, I think I may have died of embarrassment. Alcohol is a wild thing.

A foot connects with my side, and the wind is knocked out of me. “Oww!” I glare up at the culprit.

“Empress, sorry.” Des smiles sweetly as she continues to jump on my mattress like a child.

After getting to know Hade more intimately than I would have liked to last night, he walked me the rest of the way to my room and threw me on my bed…literally. The man has zero manners or chivalry—or maybe that only applies to me.

I remember most of last night, but some parts are still fuzzy. One thing I do remember is having the weight of grief lifted off my shoulders just enough to breathe for the night and loosen up. Today, though, that blanket of grief feels as if it’s doubled in weight.

“Not again,” Des grumbles and plops down next to me. “Did you hear anything I just said?”

“Yes?” My voice raises an octave, giving me away.

She pins me with a devious glare that, for her, is a big deal.

I hold my hands up in surrender. “Okay fine, you caught me.” I smile sweetly. “You did tell me you love to talk, though, so no harm no foul, right?”

“I really shouldn’t have told you that.” She huffs. “But I could never stay mad at you. Dang soft heart of mine,” she says to herself while tapping her chest like she’s self-scolding.

Des is too good for me and this world, but I am thankful I get the opportunity to know her, even if just for a short time.

“As I was saying, today is very important for you, and we need you looking and feeling your best.” She hums. “I’m thinking something you can move around in but that still makes you stand out.

” She’s tapping her head in thought when her eyes spring open, and I can see the wheels turning in her head. That’s never a good sign.

“I have just the thing !” she squeals. “Let me work my magic while you freshen up.”

She shoves me towards the washroom and slams the door in my face.

I slip my silk nightgown down my body and step into the black clawfoot tub, steam radiating off the top of the water.

After taking a few minutes to relax and soak my muscles, I scrub every inch of my body clean and wash my tangled mop of hair.

Wrapped in a lush robe, I open the door and stride back into my room.

The only way to describe the scene unfolding in front of me is a sparkling sea of death.

“Des...” I gasp in awe. “You’re a mastermind.”

She looks nervous. “You like it?”

“It’s one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever had the pleasure of laying my eyes on.” I beam at her.

“Ahhh, okay, so I already knew it was amazing because I made it, duh, but I’m glad you love it too!

” She plops her hands on her hips, admiring her work.

“I just have a few small finishing touches, and then it will be ready for you. The men are going to have a hard time focusing today. It will be just perfect.”

Des continues to poke and prod the material, making sure everything is just so. “I was going for beauty and protection.”

I inch closer, bending down to inspect the intricate detail, and it’s then I realize what it’s made of. “Diamonds!” I squeal. “Holy shit, Des…that’s a lot of diamonds.”

“One million, two hundred thousand, and six diamond, to be exact.” A devious grin spreads across her face as I stare back at her in shock. She shrugs. “What? I’m good with numbers.”

A black, skin-tight bodysuit sits wrapped around a makeshift dummy that looks like my exact replica. I don’t even want to know how Des made that happen. Every inch of the suit sparkles in the sunlight like an endless sea of glitter.

On closer inspection, the sea of black is actually a million microscopic glittering black diamonds. They are so small, they blend together unless you are pressed up close and know what you’re looking for.

“Diamonds are tough to break and make a great outer shell. They are all stitched with spider silk, making it next to impossible to penetrate. The material is breathable and flexible, so it should feel like a second skin. Plus, it’s sexy as hell.

Simply put, it’s genius.” She smiles to herself, clearly satisfied. “Another win for Des, boo-yah! ”

I slip both arms and legs into the tight sleeves, and it glides on like butter. Pulling the zipper up my front, it squeezes my small cleavage, holding it in place. Des was right—I practically feel naked with how perfect it fits me.

“I also had a Scorch spell the suit, so it’s flame resistant. You will be untouchable out there, girl.”

“How did you even have time to make all this?”

She draws a ball of magic to her fingertip. “I had some help.”

“Right, magic. I’m still getting used to that part.”

“Ohh, I almost forgot.” She leans forward and points to my hip. “I added a little something extra to the side. There should be a tiny zipper that opens into a pocket.” She stares at me. “Go on, open it up.”

Sure enough, a tiny zipper is hidden among the little diamonds, blending in perfectly. I give it a small tug, sliding it down the side of my hip. I reach inside, cool metal gliding against my fingertips.

My heart clenches with the realization, and I snatch the chain immediately. “My dagger necklace,” I breathe out.

Des nods back at me slowly. “I wanted you to have a safe place for it while you compete. Now, it can always be with you and protected.”

I close the distance between us, wrapping her in a suffocating hug. This simple gesture has restarted my aching heart and given me the push to make it through the Crucible. In this suit, I feel invincible. “Thank you,” I whisper in her ear, giving her another tight squeeze before releasing her.

“Now, let’s get this hair braided out of your face and get you on your way, sparkles .”

“Please no more nicknames, especially sparkles ,” I plead.

Tugging my head straight so she can continue braiding she teases, “ Sparkles is it.”

“What am I going to do with you?” Des giggles behind me as we fall into comfortable chatting while she braids my hair.