Page 31 of A Vow of Shadow and Blood

A chorus of gasps moves across the room like a wave—or at least how I imagine it would move since I’ve never actually seen the sea before.

“They will dine in one of our private rooms, and as is customary, they will each be assigned a donor to fulfill their needs for the night.”

My ears prick at her words, and I know that the only way I’m going to be able to get close enough to the prince to kill him is if I’m chosen as his donor.

And then what? Slaughter him in a room full of nobles?

Of course not. I just need to get close, and then I can make a plan.

Athriel laughs.

As I said before, you are always jumping into things without thought.

Did you not hear what Julian said? I don’t have time.

There is always time if you intend to do the job correctly.

I didn’t ask for your advice,I snap.

You never do.

Then take the hint.

He falls silent, and I know my words have annoyed him, but I don’t care. He knows how important it is for me to save Willow. If I had any other option, then I would take it. But I don’t.

“I have thought long and hard about who I will choose as the donors for the evening, so please listen up, and if your name is called, then please remain behind so I can speak with you. The Blackwood family donor is as follows…”

Amabel’s voice fades into the background as I send a silent prayer up to the lost gods that luck will be on my side. Amabel and I rarely see eye to eye. She often points out that I’m too reckless and a rule breaker. I honestly believe she would have had me removed from the bloodhouse and sold if not for the potency of my blood. It’s blood like mine that allows her to charge the prices she does.

“…Trina, you will serve Vaughn Vancova. And finally…” My stomach tightens as I await her final donor selection. “Tori, you will serve the crown prince.”

Tori’s eyes lock with mine, horror filling her face as we both take in Amabel’s words.

“Except for the names I called out, you are all dismissed.”

The room erupts into noise as the purebloods’ excitement circles around the room. I see Tori bounding toward me as I stand frozen in place.

“I’m going to fix this. I will tell her I don’t want to do it. I’ll suggest you.”

“This is what you’ve always wanted. Getting an opportunity like this could get you the attention of a high noble. You could be taken to live on their estate and have a shot at freedom. I can’t ask this of you.”

I want to. Gods—but asking her to give up her dream for me and Willow would be cruel.

She steps forward, crowding my space.

“You and Willow are my family.” She tips her head back, and I can see the tears gathering in the corners of her eyes. “I would do anything for my family. Sacrificeanything.”

“It’s not fair,” I tell her.

“Nothing in this life is fair, Adina.”

She looks at me with such fierce determination that I’m lost for words. I wrap my arms around her.

“You are the best friend I could have ever asked for.”

“I hope you remember that next time I ask for your portion of cake at dinner.”

A laugh erupts from me, and we stand in an embrace. Remembering where we are and how many eyes are on us, I finally step back.