Page 111 of A Vow of Shadow and Blood

“I want him dead…tonight.”

“I…can’t…I need more time.”

His eyes meet mine, and he blows out a breath.

“Pity.” As soon as the word leaves his mouth, he brings up his other hand and, without hesitation, snaps Willow's neck to the side. Her eyes widen before they remain frozen, and he drops her lifeless body to the floor.

A strangled scream leaves my mouth as I race forward, but something stops me from getting any closer. I fight against the restraints, my hands clawing at whatever stops me.

“Let me go! Get off me!”

“Adina.”

“Let me g—”

My eyes snap open, and my breath comes out fast and panicked. Strong hands hold me down as I fight against their grip.

“Adina.” The familiar voice calls to me, soothing the growing panic in the pit of my stomach. I turn to find the prince looking down at me, his eyes clouded with worry.

“Karius?”

He nods.

My eyes scan the room searching for the signs of Julian, of Willow’s lifeless body, but they are not there.It wasn’t real.The realization sends tears flooding down my face, and my body wracks with emotion.

“It was just a dream,” he whispers, and I don’t resist as he pulls me against him, his hand brushing against my side. My head sinks into the contours of his solid chest, and yet it feels as though I fit perfectly. I’m too tired to fight the pull, and instead, I let myself enjoy the warmth of it as I bury my tear-stained face into him. My hands lay against his chest, pressed between us, and a sob leaves my mouth.

I feel the soft touch of his hand rubbing lines up and down my back, and something about it makes me feel safe, like I belong right here in his arms. I shouldn’t seek this comfort from him, but gods, I need it, and I take it without thought. I can be mad at myself later, but for now, I sink into him.

“You’re safe,” he whispers, and for some reason, I believe him.

I lay there for minutes, hours…I don’t know. I let myself cry until there is nothing left but the shallow sounds of my breathing.

“Tell me about it.” His words carry no playfulness and no anger, just a gentleness that coaxes the words from my mouth.

“Julian was there.” His grip tightens for a moment, and I pause. “He told me that I had to kill you or…”

The words die on my tongue as I see the image of Willow’s lifeless body in my mind. I squeeze my eyes shut, but I cannot clear it away.

“He killed her, right in front of me, and there was nothing I could do.”

He leans back, pressing a hand to my chin and lifting until our eyes meet. He rubs the pad of his thumb under my eye, clearing away the falling tear.

“I will get her back.”

I shake my head.

“I don’t know where she is. I don’t even know where to start.”

“I will get her back.” He repeats.

“Promise?” I say, looking up at him.

He nods. “If I have to bring this entire court to its knees to bring her back to you, I will do it.”

He says the words with such conviction that I know he’s telling the truth.Feel it.And I hate him just a little less for it.

“Ok,” I whisper as our eyes lock in an intense stare. An emotion swirls within me that I push away. This doesn’t mean anything. I just want Willow back.