Page 72 of This Blood That Breaks Us

“Will, don’t,” Thane said.

“I think there’s a lot of decisions being made without me gettin’ any say. Maybe I’m tired of being here. And I’d rather be anywhere than here with some wicked bitch.”

Sirius grabbed Will’s head and slammed it into the marble floor. I had my hand on Luke’s shoulder in an instant. He pulled us closer to the shuffle, but I planted my feet.

Laughter trickled from Will’s lungs, and he groaned as Sirius pressed a boot to the back of his neck. “I come all the way back to Ireland, and this is how I’m greeted? I expected more from all of you. The big bad is surprisingly weak. I can’t believe Kilian has been this worried about it. He’ll have Her head on a stake in no time.”

Sirius kicked Will in the back of the head, and the shock of it rang through my body. I dug my fingers into Luke’s shoulders as he pulled us forward.

“Will,” I warned.

“It’s all right. Let them kill me. I waited my whole life to look your glorious queen in the face and tell Her what a vile cunt She is. My life’s goal is complete.”

I pulled Luke to look at me before Sirius landed another blow, and Thane yelled in protest.

“Luke. Focus on me. Let Will get himself killed if that’s what he wants.”

The world spun in the haze of his eyes. He didn’t need to say anything. He was torn and panicking. I was too. My hands were shaking. The pain from the tunnel was back and aching in sync with each beat of my heart. Watching Will get killed would hurt like a bitch, but I could handle it. I had to.

“Don’t worry, My Love. No one will die. Sirius, hold him up.”

She leaned down. “So disrespectful. Let’s see where all that hatred comes from.”

He convulsed as She dug Her way into his thoughts, forcing Herself into every corner of his mind. Ezra had ahold of Thane while Will writhed on the floor. When She let go of him, he pulled his head into his hands and screamed in stifled sobs.

“Poor little lamb. I think you’ve taken it a bit personal. Your sister came on her own. It’s not my fault she was never meant for divine destiny.”

“It’s your fault, bitch!” He spit blood in Her face.

Ezra growled, and Sirius was next to Her in a moment, using a handkerchief to wipe Her face delicately.

“Your hatred is admirable. And for that . . . I offer the gift of true hatred back to you. May you be tethered to me and this place forever. My holy offering will become your curse.”

She bit into Her wrist, and Luke and I stilled. Blood seeped from Her wrist onto the marble. Luke nearly pulled me to the floor. I only held on for him alone. I should have felt sorry for Will, but all I felt was the thirst consuming me alive. God, I needed Her. All the color had drained from my brother’s irises. A fight was futile. She had us exactly where She wanted us. Thirsting for Her.

I took it all in at once. My thirst and my will to keep Luke steady. Thane’s wide-eyed horror as Will was forced to drink Her blood. Sirius and Ezra hovering with uneasiness.

He fought it at first, then once the blood was down his throat, he drank like a starved man, and it set my skin ablaze with untamable need. Every second, my resolve slipped away. My blood was alive with a cruel mixture of emotions. Jealousy. Anger. Longing. Sadness. All of it ran through me so fast I couldn’t figure out what I felt more.

When She pulled away, Will’s eyes were black and his whole demeanor had softened to Her. He licked the blood from his lips.

“There, now you’ll truly understand devotion. We’ll have plenty of time to have fun together.”

The tips of Her fingers grazed Will’s face, and he leaned into Her.

“Stay,” he whispered.

Ezra tended to Her wrist, and She spoke again.

“Ascension is coming. There’s a lot to plan for. Much for us all to do. You’ll prep them, Ezra?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Sirius, keep an eye on these two. I’d hate to lose them again.”

Would it ever stop? This invisible string connecting us all was now pulled taut.

Luke and I sat on the edge of our beds staring at nothing. I was tired. Watching your friends get vigorously tortured was enough to cause the body to feel tired. Psychological wounds needed healing too, I guess. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to sleep, though.