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“Very well,” the sorceress said. “If you give me a list of provisions in the morning, I can try to outfit you, and we will wish you all the luck in the worlds.” She turned to Silt. “What about you? Will you continue on with your travel companion?”

Leaving this place would be lunacy. But if Kosmina was set on going, he couldn’t force her to stay. He’d have to send her on her hopeless way.

Forgo her. Forgo revenge. Break the chain of pain.

The idea felt like reaching for a handful of sand and gripping ash instead. The only other option would be to follow her. He stared at Kosmina’s resolute gaze.Something mysterious binds us.“I will—” A scent hit him, and his muscles went rigid.

Demons had retired to a nearby balcony to share a pipe. Smoke slithered up from the bowl, curling in the still air like a viper’s trail over sand. “Stay.” Silt cleared his throat. “I will stay.” Not because he planned to relapse, but because he simply didn’t share Kosmina’s urgent need to leave.

The princess flashed him a look of confusion, but what else could she expect? Revenge couldn’t outweigh survival.

“Then we should welcome you to your new home in style, sorcerer,” Enti purred. “Perhaps with an after-dinner smoke? Our opium is the finest in all the worlds.”

He’d decided not to let down his guard near another powerful Sorceri. A decision had been made. But one small inhalation didn’t mean instant ruin.

Fucking does!A hit would turn into oblivion, and he knew it.

In a challenging tone, the princess asked, “Yes, Silt, will you smoke?”

He narrowed his eyes. He’d been proud of matching wits with her. He’d been proud of the erection he’d thrust while cradled between her soft thighs. Opium would rob him once more.

But could he remain here for his entire sentence and never falter again? How else would he pass the years? Maybe he ought to follow the princess to the gallows?—

More smoke wafted over him. It wove a tapestry in his brain, promising to temper all his unfamiliar emotions—so many of them centering on the vampire.

Just one taste. To find my footing . . .

Though he hadn’t answered, Kosmina looked disappointed in him. She rose and told Enti, “Thank you again. I’ll draw up a weapon plan tonight, and we’ll talk more tomorrow.”

“Of course. Sleep well, princess. Ring the servants if you need anything.”

Silt stared at the doorway long after she’d strode out of sight. Then he turned back to face yet another threat within Nightside.

Himself.

Twenty-Eight

So I’m going to die even sooner than I expected.

Mina’s shoulders fell once she’d exited the banquet hall. She’d disguised her anxiety about her future in front of the others, even when it felt like tiny needles stabbed her chest from the inside.

Her options were all dire. Disaster awaited her in the ghoul queen’s hive. Should Mina somehow survive without being turned—and escape Nightside—then a barter with Dorada awaited her.

No, Mina could never surrender her freedom to that sorceress. So without the wishgiver, how long would she have to search the worlds for a cure?

How long?

How long?

What if she escaped this place only to become a danger to those in the mortal realm? The tiny needles were back in force. Seeking comfort, she reached for her sword but grasped air.

Maybesheshould embrace the mindlessness on tap here. As soon as the thought occurred, she grew ashamed. In fact, she felt as if she’d betrayed the sorcerer by leaving him behind—as if she’d abandoned a wounded ally in hostile territory.

The feeling confused her. His impairment could only help her protect Mirceo. And more, shelikedEnti and her crew. If they needed pleasure-seeking and parole fairy tales to get through the nights, then maybe Mina shouldn’t judge them.

A sudden vibration rumbled beneath her feet. Surely, she couldn’t be the only one concerned about these quakes.

When she reached the stairs, the foursome on the steps had escalated their pursuits in number, nudity, and intensity. She veered around the growing orgy, trying to ignore them, but the desperation in their touches struck her. Shewasn’tthe only one concerned. They sensed this place was on borrowed time, yet they didn’t dare fight for a different ending to their story.