“Braega was right. I can’t even use the stupid magic book?” She groaned. “I’m carrying around a fucking paperweight that’s going to get me hunted and killed? Why did you even bring me here, then?”
“I had little choice.”
“Oh, thanks!”
“You did ask.”
Ava glared at him in silence.
Serrik shook his head, took a breath, and tried again. “I can provide to you the means of accessing the power within that tome, Ava.” He took a step toward her, and then another. “A witch may be made, if they have a patron willing to graft their power unto their mortal frame.”
She grimaced and took a step back. “So my options are to…be powerless in the Web, wait until something eats me, or wait until the ‘wardens’ come for me. Or to side with the creepy asshole who is the reason I’m trapped in the first place, and…let you become my so-called patron?”
Serrik moved closer, the scent of rain and lightning following him, mixed with that strange scent of citrus, herbs, and something else she couldn’t name. His glowing golden eyes were hypnotic. “Personally, I would have not chosen those words. But, regardless of how you found yourself here, I am promising you a path toward life. All other paths lead to a painful and miserable death, some centuries of suffering into the future.”
“Well, when you put it like that, how could a girl refuse?” Her voice dripped with sarcasm, but her mind was racing through possibilities, each more unpleasant than the last.
“Quip all you like. Even now, they sense your presence. The two who came to your ‘rescue’ will prove to be dangers to you. Be wary, once you awake. Your arrival will draw much attention from the others.”
“More fae?” Ava wasn’t looking forward to that. “Friends of yours?”
“I have no friends.” Serrik’s voice was flat. “Ibin and Nos. Do not trust them. Do not trust anyone. Especially those who offer protection or kindness. It is false.”
“Right. Because you’ve set a sparkling example,” Ava muttered.
“Because unlike myself”—he ignored her sarcasm—“they will lie. They aremadeof lies, Ava. They will promise freedom while binding you tighter. They will speak of safety while leading you to your destruction.”
“And I should trust you on this because…?”
“Because I have shown you exactly what I am.” He spread his golden-nailed hands. “I have made no pretenses of any kind.I offer a contract of mutual benefit, nothing more. I offer you my power and freedom from this prison in return for my own release. That is all.”
“I don’t know.” She frowned, taking a step back from him. The world felt funny. Was she waking up?
“You must choose soon.” Serrik moved closer, his voice urgent but controlled. “They will try to turn you against me with truths and half-truths about what I am, what I have done. They will speak of my cruelty, my ambition, my bloodstained past.”
Ava stepped back, bumping into the table. “And will it be true?”
Serrik’s golden eyes gleamed. “Every word. But remember this—they want to control you. They will turn you into a puppet, dancing on strings of false friendship until you have served their purpose. They will trade you away for their benefit, just the same as Braega threatened, mark my words.”
Shadows were creeping in around her vision. She felt dizzy. It was hard to keep her eyes open.
“Time to wake up, Ava.” Serrik’s breath was warm against her ear. “When next you dream, I expect an answer. Contract or no contract. Heed my warning—those who come whispering words of friendship come seeking a power they have coveted since before your ancestors knew written words.”
The library began to dissolve, books and candles blurring into streaks of light. The last thing Ava saw was Serrik’s expressionless face and his final warning?—
“Trust nothing, my little butterfly.”
CHAPTER FIVE
Ava jerked awake with a start, thrashing. Someone was over her. “Get away!”
“Easy! Easy! We’re not going to hurt you.” Whoever they were sat back, hands raised. “You’re safe now.” It was a woman speaking.
“Safe.” Another voice. A man, from farther away. He huffed. “You needn’t lie, Ibin.”
“Come on, Nos. I’m trying to keep her from panicking.” The woman paused. “Worse.”
Ibin and Nos. The dream was real, and Serrik wasn’t lying.Fuck.Great. Awesome.
