Page 9 of The Ballad of the Vampire Prince

Bas is stalking the girl like a hungry panther. Moonlight from the window illuminates his face, decayed with Ruth’s torture and the removal of the mask. I imagine that’s how I also look right now. The starvation impedes our healing.

Han’s low snarl rattles through his chains, drawing Rhianelle’s attention. Her soft gaze turns to the pair of deadly Strigons behind her.

Run, please, Nel.

“I’ll help you soon. Don’t worry,” she tells them without a hint of fear in her voice.

Fuck…

Go away, little fawn.

Save yourself, please.

Of course, she doesn’t understand. I need to tell her to get away. I start clawing through the metal fusing my jaw, trying to free my vocal cords desperately.

“Oh, Svenn… don’t do that.” Rhianelle throws her arms around me, pulling me into a hug. “I’m here now. You can trust me.”

She is so short, she barely reaches my chest.

“Give me a chance, Svenn.” She strokes my back. A strangled sob leaves me at the touch. She feels so warm, soft, and safe. I bask in the comfort of her embrace, letting it erase the pain and weariness in my bones.

The door swings open once again.

True fear pierces through my husk of a heart when a woman steps into the room. A different skin, but the same fucking red dress.

Lilith.

Rhianelle releases me from her embrace and turns to face the witch. The two stare at one another.

“Hello there.” Lilith smiles sweetly.

“Hi,” Nel says softly, rising to her feet.

“What are you doing in my castle?” the witch asks rather politely.

“I’m just passing by,” Nel answers, her eyes falling on Gwyn’s skeleton. “What happened to her?”

Lilith’s lips curve to a wicked smile that says, ‘That is exactly what will happen to you soon.’

Please, God, don’t let the witch hurt her.I beg the devil too, just in case he’s listening.The fucking universe, anyone, please help the girl.

Not her.

“Allow me to introduce myself.” The witch extends her hand in greeting, approaching slowly. I immediately catch the slender blade she hides behind her back with the other hand.

But Rhianelle doesn’t.

In the corner of the room, the black shadow of the Rhunhraefn coalesces like columns of night ready to devour Nel.

My bone cracks as I try to break free from the stone shackles.

No…

Rhianelle moves closer to take her offered hand, falling easily to the trap.

But something strange happens the moment Lilith touches her. Everything happens in the blink of an eye and yet I feel like I’m locked in an eternity.

Smoke rises from the contact and Lilith’s dagger clatters on the stone floor. Her mouth drops open from shock.