Page 182 of Eternal Ruin

There was no red to Susenyos’s eyes. He hadn’t given in to his rage, and his blood-licked silver avoided major cuts to the neck or chest.

Snarling, Samson stumbled near Kidan’s feet, spewing a chunk of blood. He was barely able to stand, his clothes in tatters, but he didn’t give up, forcing himself to his shaking hands.

Kidan stepped on his fingers, relishing the growl from deep within his stomach.

One eye was completely sealed shut from a devastating punch.

Susenyos walked toward them, chest heaving. His face was speckled with blood when he smiled.

A blaze went through her. She liked him like this—victorious.

He lifted Samson to a wobbling stance and faced Arin. “Is this proof enough?”

There were several Nefrasi who bared their fangs, while others observed intently.

“You know the rules.” Arin perched her chin on a folded fist. “He must concede.”

“I will never concede to you,” Samson spat, face bloodied. “I willnever.”

“I know.” Susenyos sighed, patting his cheek. “Let me help you.”

Kidan sensed the dangerous shift in him. The casual descent into raw darkness as the savage red possessed his pupils. A few near her stepped back and Kidan felt that old voice—to run, to bow like on Cossia Day.

Taj’s eyes were already on hers, calming her racing heart.

His anger is for you, they seemed to say.

“Open your mouth,” Susenyos said calmly.

Samson sputtered with fury. “What the hell—”

Susenyos seized his jaw, shoved his hand in, and ripped out his tongue. The spray of blood hit Kidan’s face, made her blink.

Samson stilled for a moment, still in the process of speaking before he howled, blood gushing everywhere. Kidan’s fear stirred behind her rib cage for a moment, focused on the dark muscles in Susenyos’s bare arms. The unimaginable strength. He did so well to temper himself, she sometimes forgot his impatience. He gave her a drawn-out look that reminded her she was safe with him, and she exhaled, evening out her breathing.

Susenyos looked to the throne. “Now he can’t concede.”

Arin descended the stairs. Her smile fit like a scorpion’s tail. Kidan’s body tensed, half worried she’d battle Susenyos. From the way Susenyos’s grip tightened on his jagged blade, he was unsure too.

Arin regarded Samson with a frown, then studied them one by one, weighing, deciding.

Finally, she said, “Anyone else wish to state a challenge?”

Many emotions flickered in the audience. A minute ticked by. Then another. Kidan felt like she was going to explode in the tense silence.

A tattooed woman with long black hair broke from the crowd. Her eyes were a fiery green. “If Samson doesn’t lead us, then I’m no longer Nefrasi.”

Murmurs spread through the space.

Several footsteps moved in the crowd, gathering behind the tattooed vampire. At least twenty. Susenyos didn’t look surprised. He’d expected this, though hurt lingered in his eyes.

After what felt like an eternity, Arin said with an icy tone, “If you leave the Nefrasi, you’ll each pay a heavy price to return.”

Samson’s followers didn’t waver, their eyes were hardened, almost granite. Unforgiving.

“Give him to us,” another vampire, with a shock of purple hair, said.

“Not yet,” Arin said, cocking her head. “He still has something we need. The rest of you can leave.”