Page 78 of A Steeping of Blood (Blood and Tea #2)

FLICK

Flick stayed back. She wanted to watch Lady Linden’s face when the explosion went off and terror froze her features. The lords and ladies of society were pointing fingers. The Council was turning their scorn toward her. Would they oust her on the spot?

What would she do?

Flick’s answer came soon enough. She almost laughed when Lady Linden pulled out her tiny revolver, the very same she’d killed Jin with.

What was a pistol against the masses? But Flick knew better than to underestimate the woman she once called mother.

The Ram had killed Arthie’s parents and Jin’s, she had ruined Matteo’s life, destroyed Laith, stolen a mother from Flick.

She wouldn’t let her ravage anything else.

As the Ram’s black-clad forces fell upon the guests, and the Athereum vampires launched into battle, Flick threw herself at Lady Linden.

She screamed, but Flick held on tight, struggling until she toppled her to the floor.

Lady Linden jabbed her elbow into Flick’s ribs, digging deep until Flick was gasping for air, turning a pained and panicked gaze to hers.

Her mother faltered for the barest second. She looked different, somehow. Younger, almost, than when she’d lather on every cosmetic before ever leaving her room. As if her makeup worked in reverse, painting her older.

No, she looked like she was sculpted from stone. Realization sank into Flick’s chest, throwing her off-kilter.

She tried to move, but Lady Linden yanked her again with staggering strength.

The revolver was trapped between them. Flick wrenched away, struggling with both hands to stop Lady Linden from pulling the gun free.

She wrapped her legs around Flick’s, flipping them so Flick was on top of her.

Then she threw Flick off, brought her finger to the trigger—

And fired.