Page 89 of Red Ruin

He gave all his children their first deaths. He only loved the ones who didn’t resurrect.

They were human.

The rest of us inherited the vampire bloodline.

We became undying monsters.

Just like him.

More bloody memories gnaw from the fog that grows when I think back. I breathe cool, fruit sweetness from Iris’s skin and let everything go but her soul. “I don’t expect the clarity will last.”

“You don’t say.” Iris takes my hand and tugs. “Come on. You walk. I’ll worry about explaining everything to the legion.”

As we near the main building, I wrap Iris in shadows. Her spiritual touch makes my magic flow impossibly smooth.

No pain.

Even my thirst is banked. I press her to the brick wall and wrap us in shadows, sealing off the rest of the world.

What unexpected bliss.

She even makes me wish this life could last.

“Remy. We don’t have time.”

“Give me one moment.” I inhale her jugular.

I have no bitterness or desire for revenge. At the end of an endless war, all I crave is the peace of her skin.

She was so obviously made for me.

I nose beneath her jaw.

Her chin lifts as her breath quickens.

“We’re going to fight,” Iris says, breathy but firm.

“What if I tire of fighting?” I tease a fang against her artery.

“You’re a Sentinel.” She pinches my chin again, dragging me face-to-face with her cold fire. “Most of us only get one life. I’ve already wasted enough of mine, but I’m still a Guide. I’ll never stop trying to claw you back from the dark. Try fighting with me instead of closing your eyes.”

Ah.

Her coolness soothes my spirit, and her body heat stirs my blood.

“My eyes are open,” I whisper. “I’m yours.”

“Sure you are,” she mutters, pushing me away. “Take me to your messaging room.”

“This way.” I take her wrist, enjoying the slow pace of walking with Iris at my side.

I don’t give a bloody fuck about the fight.

This may be my last life, but it’s the first time I’ve ever felt alive.

CHAPTER23

IRIS