Page 65 of A Curse So Vile

“But never from an innocent.” She scrunched her nose. “We only harvest from those who seek to harm our people.”

“Then we might as well harvest the world and let their essence flow freely.”

A part of her wanted to like the monster. She’d be lying if she said she didn’t find his beastly nature alluring. Denithian women were quite aroused when their lovers transformed.

But with Constantine, it was more than that. He was well mannered for an Ossorian, and his sense of humor was wickedly delightful.

And for whatever reason, he wantedher.

She had to remind herself that he was no gentleman, and it wasn’t uncommon for the Ossorians to dine on children, which was reviled by her people. As it should be.

“I’ve heard enough of your drivel,” Brenna said. “Either say what you have to say or kill me now.”

“You think that you’re cursed, but the truth is far more complicated. Your line isn’t what you think it is.”

“And what would you know of my line?”

“That your grandmother hailed from Cresite Terras.”

“I see your ears are better than I gave you credit for. I hadn’t realized my ancestry was such a hot topic.”

“It is when you are descended from a lone wolf.”

Brenna scrunched her brow at the term that wasn’t often used by her people. It spoke of a third line long forgotten.

“My grandmother was wholly human. They would have known otherwise.”

“Something dampened the powers of your line, allowing them to pass as human. At first, I’m sure it was your ancestor’s survival instinct that caused the ruse. Their kin were dying, and instead of running, they hid in the center of the storm. Which is admittedly bold.” He took a drink and cleared his throat. “And somehow, over time, knowledge was forgotten. Your grandmother made her way back to the Dusklands. Perhaps the ancient blood sang to hers, and she didn’t quite understand it at the time. She ended up at the Den, and eventually, after your mother, you were born. One of the strongest of the ancient blood to walk this world in centuries. And on your twenty-third birthday, you will bloom under the light of the blood moon, which will act as the spark to ignite your inner beast. You will be glorious, and your lust for blood, insatiable.”

A chill traveled up Brenna’s spine because while she knew that what he was saying was impossible, she couldn’t deny the logic of his words.

“That’s…that’s insane!” She thought back to her childhood and family and all the ways he was mistaken. Sure, her father’s line was strong, but her mother was weak, transforming later than most. “Besides, why would a blood witch speak such a lie and tell me I’m cursed?”

“Witches are known to wield manipulation as a way to achieve their desires.” He circled to her rear, breathing in her hair. “Tell me, Brenna. Have you not felt it? Your raw power?”

“It’s the curse…”

Suddenly, she wasn’t so sure she spoke truths. What if he was right?

For as far back as she could remember, she’d been stronger than her peers. Ever so quick and early to change when many of the other Denithians struggled.

“In three days, under the light of the blood moon, we will join and begin our conquest of the land.”

“Conquest of the land?”

“First the Dusklands, then the whole of the Dreyléon. Maritimas will be easy; Cresite Terras, not so much. But I’m getting ahead of myself. First, we must make it to our wedding. Don’t worry, plenty of your friends will be in attendance. I’ve made sure of that. They’re to be the feast.”

“You’re mad. Absolutely mad!” she spat, but deep down, under the layers of uncertainty, she realized for the very first time that there was more to her than what she knew.

And it was utterly terrifying.

20

COLE

The Dusklands were not what Cole had expected.

When he’d first arrived, he found small, terrified towns and villages rife with superstition. But there was more to the land, more darkness and more light.