Page 54 of A Vow of Shadow and Blood

“I am.”

“That’s not possible, you look human. Your eyes…”

This time, she laughs.

“There is so much you are yet to learn. You and I could have made an unstoppable team, but alas, you are far too stubborn.” She moves toward the vampire holding Tori. “Let her go.”

He obeys instantly, releasing her as she stumbles into Amabel’s path. Tori steps back in fear, only to collide with the other vampire’s chest. He pushes her toward Amabel, and she grabs her by the shoulders to steady her. Then, in one quick motion, she spins her so her back is pressed to her chest and drags her forward until they are standing directly in front of me.

Amabel takes a long sniff of her hair, and Tori’s eyes widen with fear.

“Get away from her,” I hiss.

Amabel’s lips curve upwards as though her entire purpose is to antagonize me. She leans her head over Tori’s shoulder to look at me.

“You were brave to blackmail me, that’s why I like you, Adina. I see in you what was once seen in me. I only wish you had been strong enough to meet my demands.”

“Your demands?”

She nods as if it is the simplest thing in the world.

“This world is not for the weak. You either take from it or let it take from you. Luckily for you, I need you alive for what I have planned, and to take your place as the prince’s donor.”

“But you said I could—”

“I said that if you wanted the donor spot, then you would have to take it. And I so wished you had been strong enough to do so yourself. But I guess sometimes we all need a little push.”

Before I can make sense of her words, the glint of a blade sparkles in her hand seconds before she glides its sharp edge across Tori’s throat. Tori’s eyes widen in horror as they meet mine, and a strangled scream rips from my throat. I’m not sure whether I break free of the vampire’s hold or if he lets me go, but I reach Tori before she crashes to the floor.

She falls into my arms, and her weight drags us both to the ground, causing the gritty earth to dig painfully into my knees. But I don’t care. Dark red blood pours from her throat in rivulets, and I press my hand against the wound, urging her to hold on. I cry out to all six of the lost gods, begging them to help—but an answer never comes.

My body sinks as Tori becomes heavier in my arms, and the salty flavor of my tears touches my tongue.

“Please just hang on,” I beg.

Her head lolls back in my lap, her eyes fixed on me as the light within them slowly fades away. This can’t be happening. This can’t be real. She tries to speak, but it comes out in a gurgle asa single tear runs down the side of her face. I hold her tighter to my chest, knowing there is nothing I can do as I watch the rise and fall of her chest begin to slow.

I turn to Amabel in desperation.

“Please, just heal her. I will do anything you want.Anything.”

“The time for deals is over, I’m afraid.” And with that, she disappears into the darkness, leaving me on the ground with Tori lying almost lifelessly in my lap.

I choke on my own tears as the blue in her eyes starts to dull.

“I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have let you come. I should have found another way.” My voice doesn’t even sound like my own. My head falls against her chest as I hold her tighter against me with zero care for the audience surrounding us. The night is silent save for the ragged breaths wheezing from her lips. I listen as they fade, each one weaker than the last, while my tears fall harder. My chest burns, and a deep, twisting pain coils through my stomach.

I can’t do this.

“Tori?”

My whispered word is unanswered as I pull my head back and stare at her still face. Her eyes are still fixed in my direction, but the light that was once there has gone. The world swallows me whole as pain erupts through every inch of me, my head pounding to the beat of a screaming drum as I accept a new reality.

My eyes fall to where she lies in my lap, but there is nothing left of her now. My entire body is numb.She’s gone.

Tori is dead.

Cora slides another pin into my hair, securing the curls into a bun atop my head. She fixes the few she has left dangling beside my face before giving me a squeeze on the shoulders. My eyes meet hers in the reflection of the mirror, and only sadness dwells there. She leaves the dressing room in silence. A thousand unspoken words left between us, but now is not the time. There are too many ears. Too many eyes.