From Slave To Queen (Athena and Michael) novel Chapter 154

Chapter 154

*

I focus on his eyes, looking for exactly what he’s described, and indeed, that rosy gaze similar to Ciro’s lacks the brightness of a living person. It has a thin film over it that makes it look dull. Almost like staring into the eyes of the dead.

“Are you so ashamed of your looks that you have to take others?”

“You seem pretty interested in finding out what I really look like. And here I thought you might have feelings for Cassian…” He takes a step back, and I notice for the first time the sword hanging from his hand. “I assure you, I have nothing to envy in anyone. Not even my brother, blessed by beauty.”

“Forgive me if I don’t believe you.”

“How about we make a deal?” I tilt my head, watching received some lessons… good. We’ll meet here every day at this hour, and I’ll teach you even more. And if you manage to make me touch the ground, I’ll show you my real face. Now you know when it’s real.”

him more intently, curious about whatever it is he wants to propose. “You say you

“That’s an unfair deal, I won’t be able to make you hit the ground.”

I cross my arms over my chest and for a moment, I think I’m pouting like a little girl who’s been denied something. I quickly erase that expression and try to appear determined and serious.

“I trust you’ll manage.” He moves so fast my eyes barely catch it. I feel his breath behind my ear. “After all, you have two Pures eating out of your hand. That’s a lot of power for a human.”

1 turn around, more than ready to tell him off, but when I do, there’s only empty space. No trace of Abraxas. Damn vampires and their way of vanishing. I spend several more minutes trying to spot him until I give up. Clearly, I’m alone here and he has no intention of coming back. I lift the hems of my dress, which despite being meant for garden walks, is still elegant. It’s a shame to stain the bottom of such a dress. I head back to the mansion, already planning to return tomorrow and start learning to defend myself again. I wonder why Abraxas thinks that’s a good idea. Maybe he plans to use it against me–or his brother–someday. I suppose he thinks that even then, I won’t be much of a threat. He shouldn’t be so sure of that.

I haven’t even taken a step inside when Ciro bursts into view. Today, he’s not wearing one of his vests. In fact, I’m surprised to see his shirt wrinkled and the bowtie at his neck undone.

“Well, here you are.” He smiles at me. “I was wondering if you’d like me to show you the art gallery.”

Truth is, I’m not that tired, so I nod with a smile at the idea of having something to do beyond being in my chambers and driving myself mad trying to control–or at least understand–my gift. He offers me his hand, which unlike Cassian’s, is ungloved. I slide my fingers into his, cold to the touch, though not as much as they were when my supernatural side was suppressed.

“Sorry I wasn’t around to keep you company today,” he says as he leads us through several hallways.

‘Don’t worry, I understand. I went for a walk.”

“Anything interesting?”

He might already know I ran into Abraxas–after all, they’re brothers, and according to Ciro, he’s his inost trusted man. I wouldn’t be surprised if they told each other everything, although our encounter happened just minutes ago. I choose to be honest; it’s not like I did anything wrong.

“I found Abraxas training and.. I didn’t know anything about his gift. It’s incredible and terrifying at the same time.”

Ciro’s laugh sounds like a pleased cat’s purr.

“Tell me about it. The first time he manifested his gift, I ended up staring at an exact replica of my own face.”

He opens a door with gold–plated adornments and a sturdy look. When I step inside, there’s no other word to describe what I see but beauty. So very Ciro to have a place like this, dedicated to the praise of beautiful things, whether perfect or imperfect. Like the painting closest to me, where the artist’s brushstrokes are indecipherable on their own, but together form a piece that, despite being strange, fits perfectly and feels harmonious.

“There’s not much art being made anymore,” he says beside me, his voice tinged with regret. “Humans are too busy trying to survive, and we’re too busy giving in to our vices.”

I turn slightly to get a better look at him. I wet my lips while giving his appearance a quick once–over.

1/2

Chapter 154

*

“I think being a painter would suit you.”

He raises his eyebrows, not even trying to hide his surprise. He looks at me closely and slowly gives me one of his charming, signature smiles. At no point do I feel that his disheveled appearance–disheveled only by his standards, since on anyone else it would look formal–detracts from his attractiveness. I won’t lie: maybe his beauty doesn’t affect me like it does others, but I’m not blind.

Ciro is a very attractive man, with a dangerously smooth tongue, and if he had a year instead of a month, he might even manage to stir doubt in me. It’s not like I don’t already harbor other kinds of doubts about Cassian Draven constantly. I’m afraid this may be a fleeting feeling–because then I’ll have eternity to torment myself with the memories.

“Why do you think that?”

“I don’t know.” I shrug. “I guess it’s the way you look when you observe this art. You seem a bit… happier.”

“Just because I can appreciate art doesn’t mean I’m capable of creating it—just like someone who knows how to love isn’t necessarily loved the same in return.”

It would be easy to let silence settle between us, to be just another person here. Instead, I can’t bite my tongue, and pant

all these days, I dare to touch on a topic I had forbidden myself from bringing up.

“Do you really think Neera loved you?”

I think neither of us breathes for a few seconds.

for the first time in

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