Page 98 of Taste of Thorns

“Are you telling me Kratos is using too?”

She sniffs. “It seems so.”

Which makes more sense. Kratos has always wanted to be stronger than me. He’s craved power, recognition, dominance. He’d do just about anything to see himself propelled above me. And if he believes Dream Rot would help him grow his powers, surpass my powers, he’d take the risk.

“For how long?” I say, staring down at her face, noticing her dilated pupils, pupils that can’t keep still. I should have seen this. It’s fucking obvious. “For how long have you both been using it?”

“Let me see,” she says, pretending to count on her fingers, then glaring up at me, “about the time you dumped me.”

“I didn’t dump you.”

She sneers.

“We weren’t right for each other and you know it.”

“Look around you, Beaufort. Most of the marriages in this Quarter are strategic. Very few have anything to do with feelings or compatibility. We may not be the best fit together … personality wise, but we always were in the bedroom.” I sniff at that. I barely remember those occasions with Henny, my head has been far too full of Briony. “And we are well matched power wise, family wise. Our alliance would be advantageous to both our families.”

I may not have feelings for the girl. I may consider her half crazed. But I don’t want to hurt her. I turn my hands over, revealing the markings on my wrists. “Fate did not design us to be together, Henrietta.”

“Fate,” she scoffs.

“Don’t tell me you don’t believe in it, because I know you do.

“Perhaps I believe that fate can get it wrong sometimes,” she snipes.

I sigh. I won’t be changing her mind.

“You need to stop taking the stuff, Henny,” I tell her. “It’s dangerous.”

“Maybe for some lesser shadow weavers – ones who have never been any good at controlling or growing their powers. Not for me, Beaufort. It lets me see more clearly, focus more intently, think more creatively. It has the shadows soaring from me like storm clouds. The more I take, the stronger I become.” She smiles. “You should try some, Beaufort.”

“No,” I say.

“You ever think that maybe the stuff isn’t that bad? That she’s banned it, just to stop others from becoming more powerful than she is?”

“Those are treasonous words, Henny,” I warn her in a low whisper.

“You’d be unstoppable. You and your bond brothers. You could rule the realm.”

I try to remember how I used to think before Briony stepped into my life. What was it that I wanted? Where did I crave to belong? What plans and ambitions did I harbor?

Would I have been tempted by Henny’s offer? Would I have been able to resist such an offer? All powerful, all mighty. Stepping into and accepting my destiny. Maybe even ruling this realm one day. If I’m honest, it was the path I saw for myself.

Now I’m not so sure that is my path. I know it isn’t what I want. Fate has given me my two bond brothers. It’s given me a girl from Slate Quarter who can wield light. By proxy, it’s also tied me to a vampire professor.

I don’t crave power anymore. I crave soft touches, sugar-laced words, and sweet embraces.

“You can come off it, Henny. I can find you some help. No one would have to know.”

“I don’t want to give it up. I have no intention to.” She tilts her head to one side. “Are you going to tell on me, Beaufort Lincoln?”

“If I do, will you try and kill me?”

She cackles with laughter. “I’m not making any promises.”

“I won’t snitch on you, Henny.” Although, it’s severely tempting to snitch on Kratos. He is responsible for Briony’s near death – something I can’t forget or forgive. But if I did, he’s sure to implicate Henny and our friendship may be soured, twisted, and tainted, but we were friends once.

Besides, Kratos’ father would start a civil war if his son was banished. He’d have the very excuse he’s been waiting for.