Page 102 of Vengeful Dove

He must sense the disassociation in me because he gathers all of the vials in one hand and brings his free hand to my cheek.

“Elodie, I thinkyouare who they were protecting.”

“I don't know what you mean,” I reply, and he smiles, but it does nothing to take away the unwavering panic inside of me.

“There's only one way to find out,” he states, nodding at Kael again.

“Find out what?” I breathe, desperate for him to spell it out for me as I lift my hand to Kael.

The vampire curls his fingers around my wrist as he brings the tip of my finger to his mouth.

“Say the words Elodie,” he murmurs, and I gulp, turning to face him as he stands poised, ready to draw blood.

My heart hammers in my chest as I nod, but the pointed look he gives me confirms he wants my words. “Do it.”

Only when Kael nips my skin and produces a drop of blood does Thorne answer.

“The only way to find out if they're your parents,” he breathes.

“My what?” I stammer, nausea churning in my gut as I sway on my feet.

Rion’s at my side in a flash, pulling me against his chest as he keeps me upright. Kael grabs my finger and aims it toward Thorne, who holds an empty vial out, ready.

Once he's happy with the amount gathered, Kael brings my hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to my skin as Thorne places a lid on top of the vial before silently holding it out for Ocean to take.

She does so carefully, eyes wide as Thorne turns his attention to the other empty vial.

Silently, the rest of the room watches as he fills it halfway with each of the other two red liquids before returning his attention to me.

“If your sample matches these combined vials, it confirms where your blood is from, and you'll have your answer.”

“Are we not going to discuss the fact that you have freaking blood stored under your bed like a damn vampire? No offense, Kael,” Rion grumbles, but I’m coiled too tightly to do anything other than gape at the shadow fae before me in disbelief.

I take a deep breath, staring deep into Thorne’s eyes as he shakes the combined vial before reaching for the one in Ocean’s grasp.

“Do they? Do they match?” I whisper, unshed tears gathering at the corners of my eyes, and I can’t process why.

He brings them side by side, holding them up to the light, just enough for me to see too, and my world stills as I close my eyes.

In one small second, I might find my place in this world; my origin, my beginning, my family.

In one small second, my entire understanding of life could change.

In one small second, I could have everything I’ve ever wanted, but still have it out of reach.

With one final deep breath, I open my eyes to find my future before me, and it looks like…