Chapter Twenty-Four

I absorbed page after page of Death's spellbook, finding many of the things he had taught me within. Not spells, but things about Death. Such as the way it was a part of everything, even immortals. How it was integral to life. There was even that thing about learning Death's music in there—how listening to the magic would show me its secrets. I began to wonder if Death was truly separate from his magic. If so, could I master the Death Magic and use it against him?

It was an intriguing thought. I couldn't share it with Ara until later that night when we retired to his room again. But even after we were alone, it had to wait. With Death's withdrawal, I instantly regretted what I'd done earlier. The dancing. The seduction. I'd been flirting with Ara all day—leaning close to him as we read the book together, giving him long looks, and whispering in his ear. I had never flirted so wantonly with anyone and the fact that there was no emotion behind it made me sick.

"Ara, I'm so sorry about today," I said.

"Why?" Aranren asked. "We were just playing our parts. I know that."

"I think I took my role too far."

"No, you were a lovely companion." He took my hand and led me to the couch before the fire. As I sat, he bent over the little coffee table before me.

One of the Corrupted had brought us a tray with our hot chocolate. No alcohol this time. Instead, there was a plate of cookies. I took a cookie as he poured.

"Thank you." I accepted my cup, then waited for him to sit beside me on the couch. "I have to admit something to you."

"What is it?"

"When Death is in me, I become more calculating." I grimaced. "I've had thoughts of making you fall in love with me so I could be sure that you would let me rule."

"Let you rule?" he whispered.

"Yes. I still want to conquer Death when he's in control, but not to escape. I want to rule Varr." I made a disgusted sound. "I'm sorry. But at least if you know, you can—"

"I like your flirtation, Ember," Aranren cut me off, then his fair skin flushed. He lifted his cup and sipped to cover it.

"You like it? But I just told you it's self-serving."

"What does that matter?" He set the cup on its saucer, holding it on his lap. "I know that this is the real you." He grimaced. "Partly. And this you isn't trying to seduce me into becoming subservient."

"I can't believe what a power-hungry maniac Death makes me."

"Oh, I can." Ara made a huffing sound. "I was drunk on power for many years. It helped, to tell the truth. When I felt as if I were Death's partner instead of his prisoner, it was easier. But eventually, I accepted the way things are and my grand plans ceased to be."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be. You're here with me now, suffering the same fate. For that, I'm sorry."

"At least I'm not alone. You had to endure it by yourself for so long, surrounded by proof of Death's evil."

"You mean the Corrupted?" Ara lifted a brow. "Yes. Seeing them, having them staff the fortress and guard it, is not pleasant. But it's not as if I can forget who I am."

"You forgot a little while tonight." I grinned. "You're a very good dancer."

He inclined his head to me. "It returned to me quickly under your tutelage." Then he went serious. "Ember, thank you for that. For this. For being kind. You have brought me joy, and even if we don't escape, that is precious to me."

"If we don't escape, we will find joy together every day," I vowed. "We will create it for ourselves if we must."

Ara leaned forward and pressed a kiss to my lips. I stared at him as he leaned back.

"I won't apologize for that," he said primly. "The moment required a kiss."

I chuckled. "That it did. Now, let me tell you what I've thought up while reading Death's book."