Page 24 of Rebel Witch: The Crimson Moth 2

TWENTY-FOUR

GIDEON

THE SCENT OF CRESSIDA’S magic burned in the air. Vividly, he remembered her pulling the brand from the fire and searing his flesh with it; remembered her activating the curse hidden inside his skin.

Gideon’s eyes flew open.

It wasn’t Rune pushed up against the wall beneath his palms; it was Cressida. Cressida’s lips swollen from his kisses; Cressida’s hair a mess from his hands.

He recoiled, yanking himself away from her. His heart pounded in his throat as he shuddered. He nearly reached for the gun tucked into his belt but stopped himself just in time.

Because the moment he severed contact, the pain receded, and with it, the girl who’d abused him.

He blinked, and it was Rune standing before him again, her illusion entirely gone. Her lips parted in shock. Her gray eyes filled with hurt.

But was it true? For a second, he didn’t know. Could it be Cressida standing before him? It wouldn’t be the first time she’d stolen a girl’s identity.

Rune pushed past him, disappearing into the crowd.

No . He ran a shaky hand through his hair, coming to his senses. Cressida and Rune were impossible to confuse. They were as different as poison and its antidote.

Gideon would know . Of that, he was certain.

Remembering the spy in their midst, he went after Rune, but quickly lost her in the fray. When he came out the other side, he scanned the room. The only sign of her was the faintest whiff of magic. It was a scent he recognized now: like a breeze rolling in off the sea.

Rune’s magic.

He made for the hall, but it was empty.

His brand throbbed. His whole body trembled from the shock of pain. He rubbed at the aching scar through his shirt, trying to remember Cressida’s words.

I left something here, the day I branded you. A spell I intended to activate long before now, but never got the chance.

Gideon recalled the times he’d touched Rune since then. Grabbing her gloved hand. Unlacing her dress. Taking off her shoes.

It was never skin-to-skin contact… until tonight.

Tonight, he’d cupped her face. Run his fingers over her jaw. Kissed her mouth.

Suddenly he knew what Cressida’s curse did.

And he’d never hated her more.