That Dangerous Kiss

I stare at the fear etched in Aiden's face. I don't want to be right, but it all makes sense: Aiden's an addict too. But of a spell?

But he told me there were no consequences.

I don't know whether to laugh or cry as it comes home to me that it's entirely possible I've dropped out of the frying pan, straight into the flames.

"Binding someone else is a rush," he continues. "You don't get high, but channeling feeds you. It's awesome. I had to stop doing it because it kept making me itch to be bound."

"B-but you . . . I mean, you said there was no—"

Footsteps sound in the hallway and Aiden sinks to the back of the alcove, pulls me with him. We freeze in the shadow until the steps fade down another hallway.

I can feel him from my shoulder to my knees. His breath flutters in my hair. Goosebumps prickle on my arms.