Page 135 of Claimed By Fangs and Darkness

Kylo moved closer to me, though it wasn’t necessary.

This wasn’t like the first time, when I turned Idris. I was in perfect control. These vampires were as bound to me as they were to Kylo. They wouldn’t harm me.

I was their maker.

Each newly turned had a chalice of blood beside them. The final step in the process. Some hissed in pain. Eyes flashed with hunger. Disoriented bodies jerked up, confused by their own speed. Hands reached for cups.

Blood slid down throats, and I sighed in relief along with them.

Kylo’s hand soothingly stroked the back of my neck. I took his hand and kissed his knuckles before giving a nod.

The tattooing portion of the ritual went beautifully. I watched as Kylo whispered reassurances to each initiate, his voice low and soothing. It was like when he helped Idris after his panic attack. Seeing the paternal side of Kylo was not only heart-melting, but it was also ridiculously sexy.

Before the second round was brought in, a strange sensation erupted in my stomach. Almost like a weight or pressure, a slight tinge of nausea. My physical and witchy senses had never beenmore heightened. I followed the sensation as my eyes rolled back, searching for its source.

I saw myself in a mirror. I was twirling and giggling in a ruffled pink dress.

“Thank you, Kylo!” I said.

I stepped closer to the mirror. Then, I was inside the mirror, and my own hand reached toward me. It slipped right through the glass and grabbed my wrist.

“Evie?”

I opened my physical eyes. Kylo held me upright, concern swimming in his features.

“You swayed,” he said. “Are you feeling drained?”

I shook my head. “No, just witchy things,” I said, my go-to non-answer. I wasn’t really sure how to explain what I had seen.

“Your heart sounds great,” he said. “I don’t have words for the awe I feel. I’m sorry I ever doubted your fate as Princeton’s successor. You’re a reckoning, Evie. Judgement herself.”

I kissed Kylo. On his lips I tasted star paths and battlefields.

“Thank you for believing in me,” I whispered.

It was brief, the sudden flash of guilt—the reminder of the lie I kept to protect the city. As soon as Kylo knew that Aster had tasted my blood, he would launch into war before we had the help of the Serpent Clan. Before all necessary parts were in motion.

I was doing what was right. Even if I felt like the shittiest hypocrite in the world.

“You sure you’re okay?” Kylo asked.

I nodded. I had to stop thinking about this—this distraction from what needed to be accomplished. There was no room for error, not now.

Tuck it away for later, Evie. For after the ritual is complete,Princeton said, loud and clear.And tell Kylo, hi.

It was a testament to the power we’d channeled that he was speaking so clearly.

“Princeton says hi,” I said.

Kylo’s face shifted, his darkly beautiful features slipping into vulnerability. He smiled, his little dimple appearing. “Tell him I say hi back.”

“He can hear you.”

“I miss you, brother,” Kylo whispered. “Thank you for helping Evie. I know you saw her fate from the beginning. We’re going to make you so fucking proud.”

I took a steadying breath and rooted myself in Kylo’s love.

“Let me take a moment to recenter, and I’ll be ready for the next round.”