Page 12 of A Vow of Shadow and Blood

Even with my blade against his throat, amusement paints his features as though this is just some game we’re playing.

“You’re not going to kill me.”

“You sure about that?”

Uncertainty fills his eyes for a moment before his arrogant confidence returns.

“Oh, I’m very sure because I’m the only person you know who can make what you need. If you kill me, then your supply goes with me.”

Heat crawls up my face, my fingers twitching with the urge to sink my blade into his jugular. But he’s right, and his eyes catch the instant I surrender to it.

“Now, if we can be done with this knife play, unless it’s a kink of yours you want us to explore?” The corner of his lips curves upwards, and I scoff before stepping away.

You could just torture the information out of him, you know, then you wouldn’t need anyone,Athriel suggests.

He’s too stubborn for that. He knows it’s the only thing he has over me, so he’ll never give it up.

Shame, I’d so love to see the little vermin bleed.

You and me both.

“You know, you always look like you’re deep in conversation with yourself, it’s so fascinating to watch.”

“I don’t give a shi—”

A knock at the door snaps both our heads toward it. When I look back, his face is pale—and this time, I know it isn’t an act.

“Shit, shit, shit. They’re early.” His eyes widen as he stares at the door before he starts pacing back and forth.

“Who’s early?” I whisper.

He whips his head in my direction as though just remembering I’m still here.

“You can’t be here, Adina. I’m not kidding. They cannot know someone else is here.”

“Open the door, Finn, we know you’re in there.” A deep voice rumbles from the other side.

“Adina, please.”

Something in his eyes shows a fear I recognize all too well. He scrambles across the room, but my attention is still on the door. Who the hell has him so afraid?

“Here.” I turn to find him shoving a small vial into my face. I push his hand away from me. “I need you to drink it.”

My eyes take in the green liquid floating around inside it, and I push it back in his direction.

“I’m not drinking that.”

“You have to. Gods, do you really think I would do anything to hurt you? I’m trying to save your life here.”

I almost argue until I see the look in his eyes. All amusement is gone, and real fear sits in its place. A fist pounds against the door again, and I finally relent.

“If I die, just know I’m coming back to kill you.”

“Great. Fine. Whatever. Just drink it.” I pin him with a look. “Please.”

My fingers wrap around the cork, plucking it out before I down the contents. A warm bitter flavor fills my mouth, and I almost gag as it slips down my throat. I squeeze my eyes shut as the sensation sweeps through me, a strange tingling racing over every inch of my body. Another loud bang forces me to open them.

“Open the door or I’ll kick it in, and neither of us wants that kind of attention, Rouke.” The deep male voice rumbles through the door again, and I can tell he means what he says.