“You kill them so easily, what fun is that?”
Ice slithered along my veins as I turned to face Adreona. Luka was still behind me, fighting off more Dhampirs as they continued to appear.
“Do you like my present?” She smiled, the gold ring in her nose glistening in the early morning light.
“You call this a gift? Descending your monsters on my army? Killing innocent people?”
“It’s good practice for battle, don’t you think?”
“What do you want?” I spat.
“Keziq, you remember Keziq?” The scars on my back pulsed in time with the throbbing in my head. “She’s been busy working on a project for me these past weeks since you made your escape. I’m thankful, really, because, with you gone, I had to make an alternative plan. And it appears like my alternative plan is working much smoother.”
I thrust out my sword as a Dhampir leapt for me, slicing through its chest, its body fell to my feet as Adreona continued.
“As you experienced, Keziq has a unique skill set. When she took hold of your mind, not only did she see the memories of you and your vampire mate, but all your memories.”
She reached beneath her cloak, holding a leather-bound book between us—my stomach twisted.
Astria’s journal. She had Astria’s journal.
“At first, I was upset when I realized this journal, too,was missing a page. But someone had to rip out that page—and my guess is that someone was you.”
“Even if it was, I’ll never tell you what it said. You know that.”
“Oh I, know, but like I said, Keziq’s skill set continues to come in handy. She saw you with the family, with the journal in your hands as you read through it.”
“Your memories visiting with the Galtain family were so sweet, you were so kind to them. What a shame you didn’t have the guts to burn this when you had the chance.” Keziq appeared from behind Adreona, smiling widely as she spoke.
My legs trembled.I was free.They couldn’t touch me again. Even if they did, I’d fought it once, I’d fight it again.
“Lennox.” Luka’s hand snaked around my waist, bringing me back to reality, grounding me. He was here. I’m safe.
“Nice to see you again,vampire.” Keziq’s gaze slid from Luka to me as he settled at my side, the blood of the Dhampirs he slayed dripping off the blade he still held as his hand around my waist tightened. “Don’t worry, Lennox. I burned what you were too weak to.” Keziq examined her nails. “Their screams were delicious.”
“You didn’t.” Luka’s voice sliced through the clearing.
“Oh.” Keziq smiled. “I did. The father, Silas was it? Put up a good fight. I made him pay for it. He watched his family burn first before I killed him.”
“You’re lying.” I lurched toward Keziq, but Luka blocked me with an arm across my chest.
“If you don’t believe me, you’ll have to see for yourself.”
My breaths came in my pants as my magic pushed against my fingertips.
“They were innocent people.” Luka spoke while I was incapable. The words lodged in my throat.
“They harbored secrets from the rest of Lethenia, I’d hardly call that innocent. Now, if you don’t mind, I’ve gotwork to do. With the real journal in my hands and your memories to help me, it will only be a matter of days before I perfect the spell.”
Keziq cocked her head to the side. “Better get ready to say goodbye to your mate.”
I lunged for her.
My magic flung from my palms. The earth beneath Keziq crumbled, swiping her feet from underneath her.
She recovered quickly and threw out her hand.
I sputtered as her wave crashed over me, soaking me from head to toe.
