Page 58 of Revenant

“I wouldn’t dream of it.” Her feet pad against the floor, taking longer than necessary to cross the small space. She gets dressed in no time, but I make it a point not to laugh when she gets aggravated when the material won’t go on with ease.

“If this is another trick to get me into that stupid cult…” she warns, daggers shooting out of her eyes.

“Like I said, no games. No tricks. I just wanted to show you something. I actually think it might bring that smile I enjoy so much back to your face.” A rosy pink color creeps up her cheeks, and I can tell she’s trying not to let it show. Most likely aggravated with herself that it was so easy to slip back into the comfort of our conversations.

Despite my…apprehension in the beginning, I hate to say that I’ve grown quite fond of the little witch. And I hope after this gesture, she’ll return the sentiment.

We walk down the hall side by side; she keeps a reasonable distance, even though all I want is to scoop her in my arms the same way I did the last time we were alone. But the wall she’s built I helped create. The silence chips away at me, growing more intense the closer we get. She stops at the threshold, looking back as if to make sure we’re not being followed.

“I’m not supposed to go into the west wing.” Her voice is soft, almost like a whisper. She crosses her arms tightly around her body, like attempting to shield herself for what’s to come.

“You’re with me,” I state. “If the others have a problem, they can take it up with me.”

“As noble as that might sound, I’m afraid…someone will find a way to make me regret it.” She’s talking about Eryx. The fucking bastard that wanted nothing more than to leave these forsaken grounds, and yet, has done everything in his power to push her away.

I hold my hand out in offering, willing her to trust me. Even though I—and the others—have done nothing but make sure she doesn’t. To my surprise, she takes it, interlocking her fingers in mine. And it feels…good, like the pains from the week have vanished by her touch. It reminds me of how I felt when lying in her bed. She did everything to stay as far away as possible—as far as one can in a single bed. But ultimately, her body sought out mine, fitting together like it was made to do so.

Then I remember that she’s currently wearing Bastian’s shirt, which leads me to believe he hasn’t been keeping quite as much distance as he has claimed. Clearing my throat, I tug her into our wing, listening closely to make sure nobody’s following us into the archives—our personal library.

I stop in front of an old bookcase, looking over at her with a wicked gleam in my eye. “I don’t recommend coming here alone,” I caution, urging her to understand the gravity of this situation. “If you would like to come back, let me know and I’ll escort you.”

“I don’t need a babysitter.” Stubborn as ever. Even with fear coming off her in waves, she still doesn’t let it show.

“As true as that may be, I still would feel better knowing you’re safe.” Reaching out, I pull one of the books forward, the creaky lock unlatching itself. “This is one of my brother’s favorite places on campus.”

Alicent’s eyes grow wide. “I can’t say I’m surprised. Given the secret tunnels and hidden passageways.” The bookcase swings open, a cold draft hitting us instantly. It’s been ages since I’ve personally been down here, and I have half a mind to turn around. Have Pryce attempt to make her forget I ever showed her, and we can go back to how things were. Cordial.

However, the last time he tried to compel her, it didn’t work. And even if it had…would I have really wanted her to forget? No. I thought I did. It was a shock to my system seeing her march over to us at the bonfire. My body locked up on instinct, and there was a brief moment I thought I’d completely gone mental.

It didn’t take long to realize she wasn’t Veil. Anybody who knew her callousness could sense it. Where Veil was calculated and dishonest, using us all for her own ambition, Alicent wants nothing to do with us. With the curse or the power she could hold.

Where Veil cared too much, Alicent couldn’t be bothered. It’s refreshing. I feel like I can be myself around her, tell her things even if she’s half asleep. I know she’s still listening. Not because I’m feeding her the information she craves—but because that’s just who she is.

Veil’s beauty was surface level; everything underneath was hideous. Alicent’s beauty shines from within, like a beacon of hope. Not just for our curse—but for every possibility after.

Whatever that looks like.

My fingers itch to touch her, curling in and out at my sides. I reach for her hand before I do something else stupid and derail any progress we’ve made thus far. She doesn’t recoil; there’s only a slight hitch in her breath.

I lead her down the tunnel after pulling the door shut, guiding her through because one wrong turn and you could be searching for the rest of your life.

The tunnels were designed that way—by us. A way that we could get to and from without being seen; somewhere we can safely guard all our secrets.

Most of them, anyway.

The closer we get, the more anxious I become, and I know Alicent can feel it. Her steps slow just a touch, causing mine to match hers.

“Elias, I don’t mean to be a baby about this…but this is really starting to freak me out.”

“We’re almost there.”

“See, that cynical, vague answer isn’t really helping.”

I smirk, shaking my head because though her voice sounds even, her escalated heart rate is a dead giveaway she’s frightened. But I’m not sure if it’s me—or who could be waiting on the other end of the tunnel.

She hesitates again after a few more steps. “Hey…can I ask you something?”

“That depends on the question,” I mutter.