Alexis's POV
Accepting Asher's icy hand in mine, I allowed him to draw me into the castle. The hall was brightly lit, casting shadows along the cobblestone floors as I trailed in his wake.
The amethyst necklace began to warm against my skin. I prayed it was offering the protection Professor Annenberg had promised.
I prayed for a lot of things as he guided me along the corridors, the touch of his hand barely a whisper at my waist.
I knew that he was evil. Of course I did. But there was something seductive about him, and for a fleeting moment, I found my traitorous body responding to his touch.
"Alexis, you and I have more in common than you might think," Asher whispered as we entered the dining hall. The long banquet table from my previous visit was gone. A small, round table for two had taken its place. A bottle of wine and two crystal glasses stood waiting for me.