Page 9 of Eternal

“Yeah, Declan.” Violet nods. “You’ve known him for a while, right?”

I roll my eyes. “Since I was born, unfortunately.”

That’s the downside of being born and raised in Bristal—no escaping your enemies.

“But you two were never close? Not even in elementary school?” Violet bites her lower lip, worry permeating out of her.

“He was always a year ahead of me, and I was smart enough to do everything I could to avoid him. Why are you asking me about Declan? He’s Kole’s best friend. I’m sure he knows him better than I do.”

And hates him less.

But for Violet’s sake, I don’t say that.

“They’re close.” She nods. “Kole trusts him.”

“But…?”

“But I trust you, Teal. So I feel like you’d tell me the truth whether I want to hear it or not. Kole is friends with him, and they’re loyal to each other, so anything he says would be…”

“Biased?” I finish her sentence, and she nods. “What kind of information are you looking for?”

“What’s Declan really like?”

“You mean besides being a sadistic asshole?” I chuckle, but when Violet doesn’t so much as crack a smile, my own fades. “Since when do you want to know things about Declan Pierce? Trust me, he’s not worth it.”

“I learned something recently.” She bites her lip. “You know how I never talk about my father?”

“Yeah.” And I don’t like where this is going.

“Well, that’s because I never knew who he was.”

“But now you do?”

She nods once, barely. “Ian Pierce.”

It takes a moment for my mind to process that name. “Declan’s your brother?”

“Half.” She forces a tight smile. “Apparently.”

“Shit.” My eyes widen, and for the first time, I see the similarities.

The obsidian black hair. Sharp facial features. Eyes so light they’re nearly iridescent.

“I found out a couple of weeks ago, but I’m still processing it, so that’s why I haven’t said anything.” She toys with her sleeves again, tugging them down. “I know you and Declan don’t get along.”

“That’s an understatement.” I snort, feeling immediately guilty about my comment when Violet frowns. “Sorry.”

She shakes her head. “Don’t apologize. I know you guys aren’t on the best terms, which is why I wanted to talk to you.”

“Does Declan know?”

“Yes. He found out at the same time I did. But we haven’t talked about it.”

I’m not surprised, since Declan isn’t one for deep, emotional conversations.

“So, what do you want to know then?”

“I’m not one hundred percent sure.” Violet frowns. “I’m just trying to make sense of everything. He’s Declan Pierce. I know what I’ve heard from the rumors that are spread about him. But now that I know he’s my brother, I’m hoping there’s something I’m missing. We’re related, and he’s horrible… right?”