“You’re kind. You always have been. And yes, I know this. I’ve known you for your entire life.”
Yeah, I was going to ignore that. “Do not mistake my kindness for weakness.”
“You see the good in the most rotten beings, demand fairness for the least just, and believe in second chances for those who would only waste them. You’re not like Seraphena.” He spat her name with venom as a foot of space disappeared between us. “You’re not conniving. You don’t seek retribution. You’re not a murderer like she is. So, do not act as if you are.”
A sharp, stifled burst of air escaped from my nose.
His crimson-streaked gaze narrowed. “Is there something you find funny?”
“You think you know me.” I spoke as I crossed my arms so my left hand was near the hook on the forearm sheath. “Clearly, you do not.”
“Do tell?”
“I do tend to see the good in those others only see the worst in.” I flicked the hook. “I do demand that even those who are unjust are due fairness. And yes, I refuse to live in a world that doesn’t believe people can be better and change if given a chance to do so.”
He leaned back with a low laugh. “It sounds like I do, in fact, know you.”
“But I can also see when there is no good left. I demand justice for the wrongs committed by those who thrive on inequality. And I believe second chances are earned, not freely given.”
Kolis arched a brow in challenge. “And?”
I stepped forward. Only two feet left between us. I slipped my fingers under my sleeve. “But when I do seek retribution, I am more vengeful than those whose blood I share.”
The essence pulsed in his eyes. It wasn’t the only thing I saw in him, though—in the part of his lips. There was also interest. Lust.
“How vengeful?”
Less than a foot. I curled my fingers around the dagger’s hilt. It immediately warmed to my skin. “Trust me,” I said. “You don’t want to find out.”
“I don’t know about that.” His gaze slipped over me as crimson shadows appeared in his flesh. “I think it would be quite enjoyable.”
No, you won’t, I vowed silently.
Kolis’s smile returned, widening. “Attes?” he said, erasing the space between us.
I held myself still as he stared at me. I didn’t breathe in his scent. I didn’t flinch as he folded an arm around my waist. I didn’t vomit in his face as he tugged me against him. I didn’t let myself dwell on the feel of him against my stomach.
“You may want to look away,” Kolis instructed.
I focused only on the dagger as his head lowered. I was so focused that I didn’t feel his lips on mine. I was nothing but a weapon—the blade I withdrew as my lips moved against his. His groan was ragged, and I let my lips curve into a smile right before I bit down hard on his lip in the same instant I thrust my right hand out.
Kolis jerked.
Letting the eather rise, I slammed both hands into his chest and shoved him.
He flew backward, crashing into the side of the dais. He hit the floor on his ass, bracing himself with one hand as his other hovered over his chest—near the dagger I’d shoved straight into his heart.
My heart racing, I wiped the back of my hand over my mouth as Attes shot to my side, the bone dagger in hand. His attention was on Kolis as I lowered my hand. Black and crimson streaks rippled out and spread across Kolis’s chest.
“Ancient bone,” Kolis rasped, lifting his head. There was nothing in his expression. Nothing at all.
“Not just any Ancient bone,” I said. “You should recognize it. After all, it is the dagger Seraphena promised you she would hand to me. Too bad she’s not here to see this.”
“Yes.” Blood trickled from his mouth. “Too bad.”
Kolis gripped the hilt.
I tensed.
