Page 152 of Blood Day

“Now stop playing games, Khalid, and tell me what it is you really want.”

Ice seemed to frost the air as the two powerful vampires came to a head. I’d experienced their virility and supernatural auras over the years, but not quite like this.

Master Khalid was a royal.

Master Cedric was an old vampire.

While the royal would likely win a match, I suspected Master Cedric would hold his own and do some damage.

However, Emine and I would absolutely die.

I clasped my hands before me, my fingers linking together as the tension continued to grow.

My knees shook with a sudden desire to kneel, the power in the room suffocating my ability to process anything beyond the need to submit.

“It seems you’re not the only one dissatisfied by our current situation, Cedric,” Master Khalid finally said, his words not what I’d anticipated hearing.

Master Cedric’s surprise rivaled my own, his mind confirming that he hadn’t been expecting those words at all. “Oh?”

The prince stared at him, his blue-green irises intent. “There’s a revolution coming. I don’t know when. I won’t elaborate. But I am preparing for that fate. And you should be, too.”

“By doing what exactly?”

“Deciding which side you intend to fight on,” the royal vampire replied.

“That’s hard to determine without understanding the players on the board.” Master Cedric’s mind was already analyzing the royals and alphas, his mind cataloging the potential participants. I could also hear him questioning the truthfulness of the prince’s claim.

This could all just be another game,he thought.A fucked-up political move to test my allegiance.

Just hearing him consider all the angles of this conversation exhausted me.

Vampires were so politically charged. Nothing waswhat it seemed. And apparently, this entire experience was no different from the rest.

“Yes,” Master Khalid agreed. “That all said, you were right—I wanted to see how deep this obsession with your Lily went.”

“Why?”

“Because she’s a liability, one that will get you killed on Blood Day if you don’t get your shit together.” The royal paused to let that sink in. “And I personally feel that your death would be a waste of talent.”

“I see.” Master Cedric’s mind came alive with more strategy as he started wondering what the prince meant.

“Your skill set may prove quite useful soon. Especially if molded appropriately.”

“Meaning?”

“Meaning I want to keep you alive. And if that means I need to remove your distraction, I will.” The royal vampire held up a hand before the other vampire could speak. “But I’m beginning to realize that removing this distraction may have consequences. So I am currently reevaluating my options.”

Master Cedric’s jaw ticked, his mind openly processing every word while I listened. “Thedistractionyou speak of has provided a new sense of excitement in an otherwise mundane existence. Therefore, removing that distraction would be unwise. Especially if you feel my skill set may be needed for something in the future.”

“Yes. That’s what I’ve gathered from today’s lesson.”

“Indeed.” Master Cedric folded his arms. “What now?”

“Now? Now we begin another lesson.” The prince’s vibrant gaze went to Emine. “I still need her trained. However, I value her life and don’t want to risk you killing her for touching yourErosita.”

You would do that?I asked, surprised by his comment.

Master Cedric didn’t hesitate.Yes.