Total pages in book: 169
Estimated words: 156210 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 781(@200wpm)___ 625(@250wpm)___ 521(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 156210 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 781(@200wpm)___ 625(@250wpm)___ 521(@300wpm)
Vinia stomps her heels like a frustrated child throwing a tantrum and lets out an angry scream. “Mother, do something! Those are all lies!”
A woman as tall as Vinia’s long-haired brother steps forward in all her midnight-blue glory. Her pale blue eyes are like twin stars surrounded by nebulas of sparkly eyeshadow. “You are no daughter of mine. You put all of us in grave danger.” She then turns to Kyran and bows. “Do what you need to, my Prince.”
Vinia stills, as if the frost of the woman’s voice has made her bones brittle. She opens her mouth, but no words come out. The reality of her position seems to dawn on her at last.
No help is coming.
Kyran stops next to one of the thrones and nods when the backs of my thighs touch the edge of the seat. He holds both my hands as I settle, then presses kisses to my knuckles, and no amount of cynicism can stop the flow of warmth in my veins.
I don’t yet know what punishment Vinia will receive, but no one has ever avenged any suffering I’ve been through, so I can’t help the bloodlust throbbing in my gums.
“So how about that lucky charm?” Kyran whispers with a smile ghosting over his lips.
The decision only takes me a second. I’m dressed in extravagant finery, but just one thing I’m wearing matters. I take off the little lobster pin and attach it over Kyran’s heart like a Lady giving her beloved knight a handkerchief before battle.
I can’t take my eyes off his as I do so, searching for answers. I don’t know what he will need luck for, but he’s my protector in the Nightmare Realm. Whatever it is, he needs to stay safe.
His expression softens, and it almost seems like he wants to speak to me again, but then his gaze strays to the courtiers gathered to witness whatever ceremony is coming.
Kyran rises and speaks up. “Vinia Octavia Nightweed. For the crime of betraying the Nocturne Court and the attempted murder of a future Dark Companion, you shall die,” he says, facing the room.
Kyran takes two steps down from the throne, giving me a good view of Vinia’s pale face, but my mind is empty.
Die.
He did say ‘die’.
Maybe he means it metaphorically. Like, taking away her shadow power, or stripping her of her title? Maybe she will be dressed in rags and made to work in a pigsty? I’d appreciate that.
I have most definitely often fantasized of cruel punishments for those who’ve hurt me. But not about their death. Not even for the teachers at my boarding school. I’m too stunned to find my voice again as Kyran descends the steps toward her.
“But I shall be merciful, since we share blood. I’m going to give you a chance to fight for your life. A duel. May the best win.”
In one of the mirrors on the walls, I see Kyran’s smile widen, and even his teeth seem sharper than usual in that predatory expression.
He will kill her and enjoy it.
But will I?
I don’t know, but while my heart thuds with each step he takes, I don’t try to stop him or beg him to forgive Vinia. Maybe that tells me more about myself than I’d like to know.
Chapter 21
Luke
Ican’t believe this.
This man, whom I spent last night with, and who saved me from certain death is about to choke the life out of someone, and not even in a moment of desperation. Cold and calculated, he will make an example of Vinia in front of everyone. She might have the slightest chance of fighting back, but the grave expression on Sylvan’s face as he approaches a spot on the edge of the impromptu arena tells me she’s doomed. For all intents and purposes, this will be an execution.
I might have an interest in all things dark and morbid, but I’ve never seen someone die. I also usually run from violence, not toward it.
Under the watchful eyes of the guards, Sylvan pulls out a narrow rapier from a sheath at his side and hands it to Vinia. He whispers something to his sister, but he’s pushed back into the crowd soon enough.
The guards standing between the courtiers and the empty arena in the middle present their swords. It seems like an empty ceremony at first, but moments later, a bright blue glow emerges from each hilt, creating a domed shape around Vinia and Kyran. With my gaze focused on the broad back of my prince, I’m startled when I sense a presence close by, but the moment of worry is gone when I realize Tristan and Sabine flank me on both sides.
I get self-conscious sitting while a pregnant woman stands, but when I offer Sabine my seat, her eyes go so wide it’s like I’ve grown a second head.