Page 29 of A Vow of Shadow and Blood

There’s a challenge in his eyes, yet something in me knows he’s telling the truth. And I saw what he did last night. It takes a couple of seconds before I step back.

“Smart move. Now, sit. Let’s discuss this like adults. Perhaps you will rethink your answer this time.”

He gestures to the seat across from him, but I remain standing.

“The sooner you start to see me as a friend and not a foe, the better it’ll be for both of us.”

I scoff.

“You’re not myfriend.”

He shrugs nonchalantly. “An ally then. Either way, I have something you want, and I need you to do a job.”

“You’re crazy if you think I can kill the crown prince.”

He sits back in the chair as if we are simply discussing the weather.

“And why’s that? You’re familiar with how to kill a vampire, are you not? What makes this any different?”

He can’t seriously be this stupid.

“What makes itdifferentis that he is the crown prince. He isn’t just some sired vampire with no magic. I have never even tried to kill a noble vampire before. And I’m certainly not going to attempt to kill one with the kind of violent past he has.”

“All the more reason to put him down, do you not think? No one likes a tyrant sitting on the throne.”

“I’m not killing the prince,” I say through gritted teeth.

“Fine.” He stands, and his eyes darken. “Then I hope you remember the last words you spoke to your sister because you will never see her again.”

Anger courses through me, and I launch my dagger through the air right at his heart. He holds up a hand, and the dagger stops midair, hovering before him. I hear Tori gasp behind me,and I know I’m feeling the same thing she is. This can’t be real. Magic like this doesn’t exist anymore.

When the gods disappeared, the only magic they left behind was that gifted to the seven vampire courts residing in the realm of Soliys. The old magic that people say some humans used to have disappeared with them. That’s why so many of my kind hate the gods, thinking they chose the side of the vampires with that one act. Others continue to worship them, believing the vampires stole their magic and that one day they will return to reclaim it. Either way, what Julian just did should be impossible.

And yet you know that is not entirely true, given what you can do,Athriel reminds me.

True, but there’s never been anyone else.

Or perhaps they have remained hidden like you.

Julian flicks his wrist, and my focus snaps away from Athriel as the dagger drifts toward him slowly. When it finally reaches him, it lands gently in the palm of his hand before he wraps his long fingers around it. He admires the blade and the red stone on the hilt, and I hate that he has in his possession the only thing I have left of my mother. A forbidden relic Cora gave me in order to keep her promise to an old friend. Her fierce loyalty to my mother, even now, helps me to imagine the remarkable woman she must have been.

Julian strolls around the table toward me, his eyes never leaving mine. He only stops when he is right in front of me. To my surprise, he hands me the dagger.

“I told you, I am not your enemy.”

“But the prince is?”

He presses his lips into a straight line as though he’s deep in thought.

“Vampires are the enemy, but I do not need to tell you that now, do I?” He raises a brow, but I remain silent. I hate that for the first time, we are in agreement. “Your sister will be safe inmy care, and once you have done as I have asked, she will be returned to you.”

“No.”

He laughs at this.

“Your stubbornness is endearing, Adina, but it will only get the people you love killed.” He lowers his lips to my ear and whispers so quietly that only I can hear. “I will keep her affliction a secret and ensure she continues to receive thetreatmentshe requires. You have my word.”

He steps back, his eyes alight with amusement as he takes in my expression.