12
Bronywyn
“I’d rather die.”
Tarnley’s words just before he disappeared are branded into my memory. He’d rather torment himself, dying a horrific death, than drink from me.
He hates what you are because it scares him.The voice inside has been all but yelling into my mind, but what bothers me the most is that it’s starting to make sense. Terrifying, horrific sense.
They’ve been trying to get me to get rid of the magic ever since I saved Elijah. And why is that, I wonder? Is it really to save me? Or is it perhaps because they’ve become accustomed to being the most powerful of the bunch?
I snort as I pour myself another drink. It had never been about saving me. If it had been, they would have realized long ago that I am no damsel in distress. Knight in shining armor? No fucking thank you. I’ll save my damn self.
Except, I don’t need saving. And soon, they’ll realize that, too.
The whiskey burns my throat, momentarily dulling my senses before my metabolism burns through it within seconds. But that thrill, that one moment of bliss, is what I’m chasing and why I continue to burn through this bottle.
I told you that it is just us. You and me, Bronywyn—we can rule the world. All you have to do is let me in.
I’ve been denying it control ever since I brought it into my body. Giving in to the shadow only when I’m in desperate need. Even then, I don’t give it full control because the thought of doing so terrifies me. What would happen if I stopped clinging to the part of my soul that hasn’t been blackened by the magic?
You’ll stop being weak. That’s what. You’ll be better. Stronger. Invincible.
The view from my new home is not nearly as mesmerizing as the balcony of my old house, overlooking a highway in the distance rather than the sprawling gardens of my estate. Going back there is out of the question, though. That’s a place that exists in the world of me before I became what I am now.
It’s where I thought I knew who I was.
“Miss?”
“Huh?” I turn toward my butler—a man whose name escapes me now. He stands just behind me, hands clasped in front of his body.
“There’s a witch here to see you.”
“Name?”
“Magnolia.”
My smile is instant. “Send her up.”
The elderly man nods then disappears. As soon as he’s out of sight, I take a seat in one of the high-backed chairs facing the doorway. It’s less than a minute before a cute little blonde is pushing into the room.
Having just reached nineteen, Magnolia is still new to her magic, and like the flower of her namesake, she’s completely and totally breakable. A single tear would destroy her, which is precisely why I need her here.
“Bronywyn!” Cheeks flushed, she rushes forward and wraps both arms around me. The gesture would have pleased me before, but now it just makes my skin crawl. Still, I return it anyway.
After all, Magnolia is incredibly powerful, and absolutely someone I want on my side as I make my name known throughout this damn city. “I’m so glad to see you, Mags.”
She pulls back. “Where have you been? We’ve been so worried about you!”
“Did you tell anyone where I am? That I contacted you?” I take a seat back in my chair, and Magnolia sits across from me.
“Of course not. You asked me not to.”
“Not Lauren? I know you’ve been training with her.”
“No, not anyone. No one knows I’m here.”
Arching an eyebrow, I study her, trying to decide whether or not I believe her. “Not even Drexel?”