Page 34 of A Vow of Shadow and Blood

“You’ve changed them before.”

Her eyes turn cold as they pin me in a challenge, but I do not look away.

“I do not need to explain my business decisions to you,pureblood.”

My fingers press into the arms of the leather chair as I work hard to remain calm. She speaks as if she is above us, but she is every bit as human. The only reason her veins are no longer drained is that Lord Blackwood took a liking to her.Everyone knows it.It’s the only reason the other vampires keep their distance. Yet watching the way she craves the relief that drink gave her, I’d say she still pays dearly for that kind of freedom.

“Something wrong?” she asks, her eyes falling to my clenched fists.

“Tori is not comfortable being a donor, and you explicitly stated that you want the best. I’m the best. My blood is more potent, and I want the position.”

Her lips pull up at the corners.

“You know what I think?” I don’t answer, but she continues, nonetheless. “I think Tori is more than happy with it. If anything, shelongsfor it. I saw it in her eyes when she pretended to want to swap with you. Are you so cruel as to attempt to rip away the one thing she so desperately desires?Her freedom.”

An uneasiness fills my stomach, and I hate that she’s right. I know Tori deserves this. She has wanted the chance to leave thiswretched place and live a life of freedom forever.Can I truly deny her this?

Yes, and you will. Willow needs you. Do not let this temptress twist your mind, young one. You are here now…remember the goal.

Athriel’s words are like cold water waking me from a nightmare. And I’m grateful that even though he was against this plan, he still has my back. I sit up, my confidence exuding. I know for a fact she is not going to give me the donor spot, so I will take it.

“You mistook my earlier words for a question, Amabel.” I sit forward. This is either going to be the best or the worst thing I ever do. “I’m not asking for the donor spot; youwillgive it to me.”

To my surprise, her mouth falls open, and her laughter fills the room.

“Aren’t you just full of surprises? Though I do so like your determination, Adina.” She relaxes back in her chair, watching me like I’m the most entertaining thing she’s ever laid eyes on. “But my answer remains the same. No.”

I lean forward, my eyes firmly on her as I lower my voice to deliver the next blow.

“What do you think the nobles will make of your little bloodring operation? I wonder how comfortable you will be when I explain to them that you’re selling off their most potent purebloods to the sired?”

Her face drops, a cold stare replacing the relaxed one. A moment of silence passes, and then she just shrugs.

“I expect their reaction will be no different from learning that you are the one killing them, would it not?”

A gush of wind almost chokes me, and my skull pounds. My silence allows her the opportunity to sit forward. When her eyes meet mine, her face is twisted in a knowing smile.

“You think I don’t know about what goes on with every pureblood living under my roof? Who do you think has been hiding the bodies for you?”

Temptress indeed.

“Why?” It’s the only word I can think to say.

“I have my reasons.” She stands, and I do the same. She laughs at the display. “And to make myself abundantly clear, I will not be changing the prince’s donor. There is only one way a donor spot becomes available, and that is if the one in possession of it dies.”

She rounds the desk and steps forward until she is a few inches from me.

“Prove to me that you are willing to take it by force, and I will give it to you.”

Ifind Tori and Cora waiting expectantly as I enter my room. Both their eyes shift to me as soon as I walk through the door. Tori is the first to speak, stopping me from questioning how Cora ended up in here when I explicitly said that I was leaving her out of this plan.

“What did she say?”

“It doesn’t matter,” I say, busying myself with tidying up the unfolded tunics scattered on my bed.

“Maybe I can speak to her again—”

“No.” I cut Tori off too quickly, and she pins me with a look. She moves toward me, stopping me from grabbing the thin gray material and turning me gently to face her. I force myself not to look away.