Page 6 of The Ballad of the Vampire Prince

“I promise I won’t tell a soul,” the girl says, her voice barely a squeak. But I’m impressed she can still talk despite being in Vlad’s lethal grasp. The guy has such an oppressive presence that mortals often faint at his proximity.

Lilith whirls around and struts to the girl. She smooths a strand of Gwyn’s soft hair with her hand, her manner gentle, motherly even. “Of course you won’t, my dear. I’ll make sure of it.”

Her eyes flick toward Vlad. “Get rid of her.”

“No!” Bas screams and a wave of power erupts from him as he stands.

I can’t fucking believe it.

Bas is resisting the Rhunhraefn.

He takes a step in rebellion.

Then another.

It’s impossible. How is he doing it? The pain from the small movement of lifting my head to disobey the curse is excruciating, like a thousand tiny needles spearing my every nerve.

Vlad has not made a move to kill Gwyn despite his orders. He watches the other Strigon’s resistance silently, his eyes cold and forbidding.

“You will bow before me. Get down!” Lilith snaps her fingers, commanding Bas to obey. I can hear the panic and terror in her voice. He is nearly upon her and she actually has to retreat to get away from him.

Lilith’s hold on me is easing as she focuses on subduing Bas.

This is my chance.

I’ll take his girl somewhere far beyond the reaches of Lilith’s evil grasp. Perhaps we’ll cross the Land Beyond the Veil and hide her among the fae and elves. She can be reunited with Bas later.

Vlad and I are on par in terms of strength, but he can’t match my speed. I wrestle against the Rhunhraefn and bolt towards them.

A black silhouette tackles me inches before I reach the girl, slamming my back hard against the wall.

“Hello, brother.” Ruth greets me, his eyes flaring wild.

“Release me,” I grit through my teeth, pushing against his grasp. We may have been born from the same womb as humans, yet Bas and Han feel more like brothers to me than this bastard.

“Let her go,” Han pleads, doing his best to fight against the Rhunhraefn’s command. His body trembles as he tries to lift his chin.

I see their struggle and a realization dawns upon me. The girl means more to the two of them than I thought. I snap Ruth’s arm and storm towards Vlad.

Lilith claps her hands to the ground and the Rhunhraefn reveals its true form. A giant snake, slithering and coiling around us. The weight of the curse is bone breaking, soul crushing.

The witch’s gaze is full of hatred as she stares back at our disobedience. It’s taking a toll on her to control the three of us. We fight against her dark leash like dogs.

If only either Ruth or Vlad would betray Lilith right now, this witch is done for.

Bas keeps moving towards Vlad and the girl. Only five more steps. But that small distance feels oceans apart now.

Gwyn’s terrified eyes go to Han’s and mine. I see the horrifying realization sinking in them.

“Thank… thank you—for the delicious food, the shelter, the books, the warm bed and clothes. I appreciate it. It was wonderful and beautiful. I’m truly lucky I got to meet you.” She tries for a smile, but no one can truly muster that in the face of death. “Thank you for letting me be a part of your lives. I’m so grateful to receive such warmth.”

“Kill her, and be done with it,” Lilith murmurs to Vlad.

Gwyn’s gaze falls on Bas last. Suddenly she doesn’t look all that scared anymore. “I’m so glad I get to meet you. Thank you for bringing me a home. I’ve never been so happy in my life.”

My chest sinks with every passing word.

Gwyn’s life is sad and full of hardship. As a mortal that life is always going to be pathetically short, but still, it’s hers.