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Chapter Seventy-Seven

CARMINE

Structurally, vampire lungs are the same as human lungs. Even after the transformation, their basic function does not change. Air is good. We need it to speak. Our brains benefit from oxygen, but the lack of it will not kill us.

And yet, lungs still aren’t designed to process water. The pain around the stake had become background noise, but sinking into the lake has brought the agony to the front of my mind.

The sand at the bottom is indented where Charles built his bridge. My mind is clear enough to estimate the suffering of over a hundred kindred is ending. He must have started making this invisible place long before I woke from stasis.

My body goes still in a sitting position with my legs holding me in shallow water. My waist is bent in front of me, and my arms stick out like a doll’s.

I see her legs under the surface.

No, Luna.

Coming toward me, up to the waist.

Stop. Stop now.

Luna’s beautiful throat is below the surface, then she moves past me and I cannot move my head to track her.

Her movement plus the removal of the kindred bridge shifts water that’s always still. The currents are chaos. I cannot use them, but they can use me. I am pushed back.

Luna, where are you?

Pushed back, my feet hit an edge, and suddenly, I might as well be falling into the air. My calves hit a ledge and I tip back into deeper water.

I remember when Central Park was built. The lake has to be forty feet deep.

The water is as thin as air and I am as heavy as a stone. I sink with my eyes open. Her feet kick near the corner of the sinking boat.

The liminal will probably slow or stop the disease that’s killing me, but I can’t say for sure. The theory hasn’t been tested. I will probably exist in this pain forever. It’s fine. As long as I live, she is protected by my thrall.

“Carmine!”

My mind shouts words my mouth cannot make.

No. Go away. Find shelter. You’re too close!

“Are you down there?”