Page 74 of This Blood that Bonds Us (This Blood that Binds Us #4)

Seventy-Two

Aaron

“Here.” Thane shoved a blood bag in my face. He’d tucked us into a place behind some stairs, like he’d been there many times.

“I can’t.”

“What? Don’t tell me you’re still afraid to drink.”

“No, it’s a long story, but I can’t. Not while She’s still alive. It’s okay. You’re right. I have to keep going. It’s not over yet.”

Not yet. The words had come into my head, like a foreign thought that didn’t belong to me. The voice was mine, but how did I know?

I was the opening, and you were the key. I am the key.

“It’s good to see you, Thane.” It really was. Seeing him alive and well was a welcome surprise I hadn’t expected.

He smiled and squeezed my shoulder. The only one that wasn’t covered in blood. “I wish it was under different circumstances. I need to go help Kilian. Will you be okay?”

“I can make it. Where is she?”

“In the middle of the maze, there is a statue with a hidden latch at the foot of it.”

I nodded.

“Listen, Aaron . . .” Thane looked down at his hands, but I didn’t need his apology. I never did.

“It wasn’t your fault.”

“It doesn’t matter. I’m still sorry.”

“Consider us even.”

He hugged me, and I winced at the very real pain coursing through my veins. We said our brief goodbye, and he disappeared from my sight.

I continued down the hallway toward Kimberly and the real dagger, but first I had to make a stop. I was the opening, and you were the key. The answer was right on the edge of my tongue.

The west side of the castle had seen better days. A hole was blown into the side, and I could see the stars shining in the periwinkle sky outside. With one hand on the wound to my side, I walked. It was slow, but it gave me time to process it all as it came together.

The library Zach had shoved me into when we arrived remained untouched. I went for the little black book again, immediately flipping through to the back.

Dear Sirius,

It’s too late for you to get this letter. Ascension is upon us, and any minute they will fetch me.

I’ve fought for us as long as I could, brother. Though you were lost long ago.

Our hope is gone. I can no longer imagine a future in another place that does not include Her.

My only regret is that I did not die for you sooner. Then we could run and never look back.

Then it all made sense. The prophecy. Sirius and his brother. Eros had loved his brother as I loved mine, and he ended up enthralled with Her. All the poems made sense. Lifeblood goes on forever.

I could break my brother’s thrall to the queen. I was the key.