Rebel Witch (The Crimson Moth, #2)

by Kristen Ciccarelli

She wasn’t sure what was more upsetting: that Alex had loved her, or that Gideon didn’t.

Instead, he’d found this Rune. His Rune. A total mess. The basest part of him wanted to tilt her head back and kiss her until she told him why she was crying.

“I may not know Rune Winters,” he whispered, his mouth an inch from hers. “But I know the Crimson Moth. And she is no caged thing.”

“A long-lost sibling.” She smiled. “Unfortunately, I don’t know who or where they are. All the sibyls in my employ can’t See them. Someone’s concealed them with an ancient spell—for now.” A missing Roseblood heir? Dread filled his chest like lead. Cressida alone was one thing.

Rune was only half here; the other half of her was in the powder room.

“How dare you touch her.” Gideon knew better than to open his mouth. But he couldn’t help himself. “At least she likes it when I touch her.”

old memories surfaced: reverent glances; whispered promises; the feel of his hands and mouth and body on hers, skin to skin. How what once lay between them was a potent kind of magic … Warning bells chimed in her head. It was a lie. She fought the memories down, locking them away. Every second of it.

She glanced up to see Seraphine lift her fingers to a scar near the base of her neck, tracing the raised lines. It was a habit Rune had witnessed dozens of times in their spell casting lessons. It meant she was concentrating hard on something. Seraphine’s clothing normally hid the casting scar’s shape. But the thin straps of her evening gown left it exposed tonight. Rune recognized the form of a bird, shining like silver against Seraphine’s brown skin. It was the same bird as in Rune’s grandmother’s seal. The one Nan used to stamp her letters with. A kestrel.

“Rune,” said Seraphine, stepping toward her. “Buy passage aboard a ship and take it to the other side of the world. Hide yourself somewhere she’ll never find you. Run and don’t look back.” Rune had a better idea. A plan was forming in her mind. A dangerous one. “Rune.” Seraphine’s hands gripped her shoulders. “Promise me you’ll run.” “Okay,” she said. “I promise. I’ll run.” As soon as I complete one last mission

Gideon would prove his loyalty by killing the Crimson Moth. But if Rune wasn’t bluffing, her death wouldn’t prevent a war; it would incite one. He couldn’t risk that. But a truce with the very witch who betrayed me? He couldn’t risk that, either. Unless I betray her first. An idea sparked in Gideon’s mind. What if there’s a way to use her to my advantage? “I need some assurance that you won’t betray me again,” he said. “I betrayed you?” On her feet now, Rune scowled at him. “It was the other way around.” “We’ll have to agree to disagree.”

Gideon had no reason to believe Rune’s feelings had been sincere. So it shouldn’t have surprised her that he believed she was in love with Alex. She was still wearing his brother’s engagement ring, after all. There’s no point explaining it to him. He’d never believe her. Even if he did, it wouldn’t change anything. She was a witch. Nothing Rune did could ever change his mind; her inherent, unalterable essence revolted him. She finished her wine in one gulp. “Poor, innocent Gideon. Deceived by a witch.” On an empty stomach, the alcohol hit fast. Her face grew warm, and the chatter dimmed around them. “What a victim you are.” Her anger flared and she reached for the wine bottle, pouring herself another glass.

that night in his bed. Before he knew what she was. She wanted to take off her gloves. To feel his skin against hers again. No. That’s the last thing you want. She needed to keep her wits about her. She could never, ever trust this boy. No matter what, she mustn’t let down her guard. “How could I possibly have been myself with you?” she whispered, letting the rancor in her voice give her true feelings away as he gently stroked her hand. “You hunt people like me. You would have hung me up for the crime of my existence and cheered while my enemies cut open my throat.” His fingers stopped tracing as some dark emotion flooded his eyes. But it was there and gone before she deciphered it. “So yes: I lied to you. I lied to everyone.” “Not Alex,” he said, as he touched the place where a ring still rested on her finger, hidden beneath the glove. “No,” she whispered, withdrawing her hand and curling it in her lap. “Not Alex. Your brother didn’t hate what I was.” “And for that, he’s dead.” The words made Rune’s eyes burn.