Page 163 of A Vow of Shadow and Blood

“True.” He smiles. “I’m just thinking back to that first night when you tried to escape. There was pure hate in your eyes whenever you looked at us. I wasn’t sure it would ever disappear, but then who can resist my charm?”

I start laughing.

“Seriously, I mean it. You helped me to get Willow back, and I’ll never forget that.”

His eyes soften. “I’ll always have your back, Red.”

“I know.” I suck in a breath. “So, how long does it usually go on for?”

He shrugs. “An hour tops, it’s all pretty formal. There’s a lot of exchanging blood to seal the bond, but once that’s done, it’s all about the celebration.”

He seems way too excited about that. I’m not sure if he senses my nerves, but the rest of the journey is spent in a comfortable silence. When we finally reach the stairs that lead down to the hall, I hold up the skirt of my dress, taking each step carefully.

Two guards stand at the door, their red eyes piercing into me as we arrive. They bow their heads to Ajax and then open it. I almost gasp at the transformation. The hall is set up almost like an old temple, with rows of chairs on either side and a gap in the middle, with a long red carpet laid out. At the top of it is a large dais with a gold bowl on it, and at the head of that is Karius.

I feel his eyes piercing into me as I enter, and I cannot help but look up, yet that familiar tug seems dimmed as I search for it. It almost feels like we have been slipping apart since that night, and I’m not sure why. Then my eyes land on Celeste, and I remind myself that, mate bond or not, he’s not mine. He has sworn himself to her, and they will marry despite our bond. With her standing next to him on the stage while I remain below with Ajax, he has made his intentions abundantly clear.

I feel a soft squeeze against my arm and am thankful that I’m not alone in this. I straighten my back, lifting my head high as Ajax walks us to the front of the hall. I hear the hushed whispers even over the soft lull of the music being played in the background, but I keep my head straight. I will not give them the satisfaction of knowing how truly hurt I am.

My finger brushes against my leg, and I find comfort when the outline of my dagger presses into the pads of my fingers. It’s like a constant comfort in a world that has changed so much.

“Here,” Ajax says, stopping when we reach the front row. He guides me to my seat, and my steps falter when I spot Willow in the seat next to his. She smiles at me, and I can’t help but return it. I’ve missed her. She looks healthier than the last time I saw her, her cheeks flushed with color again, and her eyes a little wider. I curse myself for missing out on spending time with her and make a promise to change that after this ceremony. I sink into the seat next to Ajax and try not to look up at the dais, but my eyes can’t help but wander to the stage, despite my burning need to look away.

Karius steps forward to address the crowd. A strange smile twists his face, but it’s gone before I can even register it, and a part of me wonders if I imagined it. As he steps up to where the golden bowl sits, the entire room falls silent.

“I wish to welcome you all to this century’s blood vows ceremony. As the crown prince of this court, I am honored to see so many of you willing to pledge your allegiance to me for an entire century.”

A tall male with slicked-back hair and olive-colored skin steps from behind him, making his way to the podium. Karius bows his head to him, and a smile passes between the pair. The man looks to the crowd, addressing us directly.

“The history of the blood vows is that of a sacred bond. One where we bind house and power as one. May the forging of a new bloodline be blessed even with the gods lost.”

“With our blood we honor,” the crowd sings out in unison.

“Let no person step onto this dais with a doubtful heart, for this is a commitment of true faith.”

“With our blood we honor.”

“And finally, blessed be the hand that shares of life and magic,” he finishes, turning his attention back to Karius.

“With our blood we honor.”

The crowd’s chant echoes through the room as the male bows in front of Karius before taking his leave. Karius and Celeste return to the front of the dais, both of their eyes on the crowd.

A petite human girl hurries toward Karius with a golden blade balanced on a crimson-colored cushion. As soon as he takes it and bows his head to her, she scuttles off to the back, sinking into the shadows as though she were never even there.

Next to Karius, Celeste stands like the dutiful wife, and I cannot help but imagine thoughts of plunging the very dagger he’s holding straight through her heart. My attention is taken as he begins to speak again.

“May the blood of my line bond with yours, creating a binding of unbreakable measure.”

“With our blood we honor.”

The entire room full of vampires says the words in unison as he slices the blade across his hand, allowing the drips of red to fall into the bowl. Excitement seems to skitter around the room, though a strange tension pulls at me from within.

“I invite House Blackwood to make the first pledge of allegiance.”

Celeste steps up, and a flurry of whispers fills the hall.

“My father has asked that I pledge in his place, and I am honored to spill the blood of House Blackwood in honor of binding our bloodline to that of the royal Kayn one.”