Gods.I stared at the now empty glass in wonder.Is this what you people drink every day?
You people?She raised an eyebrow.I am still me. Not a vampire.
You know what I mean. The real vampires. The ones who matter.
Her expression softened.You matter, Finn.
Sidney reached for the pitcher and refilled my glass.
Why are you here?I asked, needing to focus on something other than the pity in her eyes.And do not tell me you just happened to be in the neighborhood.I paused as I realized what else she’d done as Ilyana.How and why did you enter the trials?
Her expression hardened.They took someone from me. Someone…She paused, searching for the right sign.Important. I am here to get him back and make them pay.Her hands betrayed her pain with every jagged flick. Someone important. Someone worth risking everything for.
My heart sank as understanding dawned.You are married?
Betrothed,she corrected.His name is Zane. They turned him, and they are holding him somewhere in this place.
Of course she’d found someone, built a life, fallen in love. What had I expected? That she’d spent the last few years pining for her disabled childhood friend who’d been foolish enough to get himself turned into a monster? I shoved the jealousy down, burying it under years of grim survival.
What happened to the real Lady Ilyana?I signed, my hands suddenly steady despite the chaos in my mind.
Her reply spilled out in a rush—of her grandmother’s death, the temple and its list, the witch, and the disguise unraveling with every relentless tick of the clock.
I took a deep breath and stood.I can help.I know this place better than anyone. The highborn treat me like furniture, so I see everything they do not want others to know.
She studied me for a long moment.It is dangerous, Finn. If you are caught helping me?—
They will kill me.I shrugged, trying for nonchalance.Not a fate worse than damnation. Death at least is an end.
Do not say that.
Why not? It is true.I leaned forward, meeting her eyes.Sidney, I have been dead inside since the day they sank their fangs into me. If I can help you burn this place down, if I can do something that actually matters…maybe that is enough of a life for me.
She fell silent for several minutes, her eyes unfocused but far from idle. I could almost see the gears turning: calculating odds, analyzing variables, mapping out contingencies with the precision of someone who’d survived worse.
Old habits ran deep. I didn’t doubt she’d honed her mind into a weapon since I’d seen her last.
She’d always met uncertainty with cold logic, layering strategy over instinct like armor. Watching her now, I saw the same quiet storm gathering behind her gaze.
All right,she finally signed.But you need to understand—this is a war. Many will die.
I understand.And I did, better than she realized.
Yet then another thought occurred to me, and despite everything, I couldn’t help but grin.There is something else you need.
She blinked at me. A small crease formed between her brows.What?
The trials require Beloveds to have Devotions.I gave her a meaningful look.And here you are with no mate. A target.
Crimson crept up her neck.Finn.
I volunteer.I bowed with exaggerated gallantry.For the mission, I am willing to suffer. I will play the part of the charmed devotee. Madly in love with you. Truly heroicof me.
She rolled her eyes, but I caught the hint of a smile.You are…She paused, pressing her lips together then continued.Silly.
Yes. But also your best option.I leaned in slightly, dropping the dramatics just enough to seem halfway serious.They see me as expendable, which makes me invisible. A Turned vampire is tougher than most of the Born.
You would have a target on your back,she pointed out.After we bond, you become fair game for anyone who wants to kill me.
