Page 77 of The Vampire Court

“Demon shit!” I shake my head, backing up until I hit the wall.

“If he is not lost to you yet, then he will be soon enough.”

My hands ball into fists at my side. “There’s no way you could know that.”

“Free me, and I can help you.”

I open my mouth to retort then clamp it shut as the words sink in. “Why would I free a prisoner? You obviously did something to deserve being locked up.”

“Ah, so then, you are an ally of the queen?”

“I… Of course not.” I scoff.

“Then free me.” Their voice grows closer to the door.

“I don’t think I should.” It finally clicks. This place… I’ve been here before. I blow out a breath, relieved I finally understand. “This is a dream.”

“You are right.” They release a heavy sigh. “This is a dream, but before you go, at least come in and give me a drink of water. The guards keep it out of reach.” The voice sighs.

A choking laugh rips from my throat before I can stop it. “I’m reckless, not stupid.”

“I am chained. There is nothing I could do to hurt you.” For emphasis, the prisoner rattles their chains. “Look for yourself. If this is a dream like you suspect, then where is the risk? And if it’s not, then you’ve help bring relief to one of the queen’s prisoners.”

I scrape my teeth along my bottom lip.

Itfeelsreal, but Alaric assured me that it was a dream… A place like this can’t possibly exist.

I inch forward and lift up on my toes to look inside. It’s dark, with only the light from the hall shining inside.

Whoever it is sits in the corner. A shadowy arm, shackled in silver, reaches for the light, stopping with the length of the chain pulls taut.

It’s just a drink of water.

Pulling the dagger from its sheath, I pick at the lock. It only takes a moment before the springs inside give, and it snaps open. I blow out a breath then step inside.

“It’s been so long since I’ve seen a human face,” the voice, vaguely feminine now, says. “Come closer.”

I move deeper into the cell stopping halfway inside. There isn’t a bucket, no bowl or spoon, no way to give them a drink.

“How are you alive if you haven’t seen anyone in a long time?” I ask, but I know the answer before the final word leaves my mouth.

The prisoner is not a vampire, human, or even a shifter. Darkness churns around them.This is a demon.

The realization hits me with such force my vision wavers. I stumble back. My boot catches on the uneven ground, and I land hard on my rear.

“Do not worry, girl. These chains that bind me are night-forged silver. I cannot escape until they are broken. I am eternally bound to this castle.”

Wisps of power reach forward from the charred, dry skin, brushing along my boots. I can feel them willing me closer. I stand, but I remain rooted in place.

“What do you want with me?”

The demon stretches out their arm as far as the chain will allow, unfurling their fingers. I take a few steps closer to see what it is. A small silver band. “To give this to you.”

“I want nothing from a demon.”

They chuckle. “This is notjusta piece of jewelry but night-forged silver. The metal has the power to destroy, yes, but it can also create objects of great power that you can wield, if you so choose.”

“Why me?” I ask, knowing how ridiculous this is—talking to a demon in my dream. They could answer with anything, and this would still only be a night terror.