I can’t risk it either way.
Secora and I protect each other. We always have. We always will.
Mama lifts her hands again, ready to strike. She’s so focused on Secora that she doesn’t see me coming. She doesn’t realize I’ve moved until my hand is clasped against her sternum, fingers clutching her shirt.
It is not a painful death. I do not rip her skin like I did to Harrison. I do not relish watching her suffer.
“I love you, Mama,” I say. The words are barely audible through my choked sobs, but I swear, her eyes soften as I speak them. Her hands clasp my wrists. Perhaps in fear. Perhaps in resigned acceptance. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I love you.”
“Elliot—”
She doesn’t get the chance to speak another word. I’ve held the blood from her heart for too long, and with eyes still wide,Mama’s body goes limp. She’s lifeless in my arms, and I am struck with a hideous symphony of agony and relief.
I scream as her body hits the floor, collapsing to my own knees. I’m shaking, every piece of me whirling with violent disbelief. I just killed Mama, and I don’t even have time to process it. I have to check on Secora. I have to get us out of here. I have to leave Mama behind.
31
WITH A RUSTED BLADE
CORA
When I wake up, I can’t make sense of my surroundings. I’m in my bedroom at the manor, and much like the very first time, I have no idea how I got here—orwhy. I jolt upright, but my mind continues to lag. I have blurry memories of being in the Day Realm, of waiting for Elliot and Madam Lyrie. I remember he’d been late. I remember pacing the opposite side of the street, until finally, I’d walked through the council building’s front doors. Then…
Nothing.
I touch my head. My entire skull is sore and a pulsing headache radiates all the way to my neck. By the thick bandage across my forehead, I must have an open wound.
I flip the blanket off my legs. I’m wearing a simple black frock, no tights. There are bruises on my thighs and another bandage on my calf. Whatever happened in that building, I likely didn’t walk out of it.
“Well, I’ll be damned.”
My bedroom door swings open, crashing against one of the memory shelves. I startle, gripping my blanket as if it’s a shield. Amelia leans against the door, surveying me with keen eyes. Herhair is twisted in a sloppy bun, and she’s wearing casual attire. I can’t remember the last time I saw her without a full face of makeup and a swanky outfit.
“You’re in my quarters,” I say stupidly. The wards should have made that impossible.
“Your lover let me in,” she says. She taps the doorframe. “Wouldn’t let me into your bedroom though. Apparently onlyheis worthy of touching you while you’re unconscious.”
He’s alive.
Elliot is alive, and that makes everything else bearable. My aching body. Our failed mission. The likelihood the sun curse will get worse. If we have any chance of protecting the vampires, we’ll need to act fast.
But first…
“Where is he?” I swing my legs off the side of the bed and stand, only to immediately lose my balance. With one hand to my temple, I use the other to keep myself upright.
“You’ve been out for five days,” she says, ignoring my question. “Milas and Beatrice have a bet on whether you’ll die.”
“Milas is going to run out of weapons,” I say. My vision spots, and I slouch back against the bed.
“Beatrice knows better than to bet against you,” she says. Then, “You should lay back down. You’re going to knock another hole in your head.”
I grip the blanket again and close my eyes.
“Five days?”
“Five,” she confirms.
I take a steady breath. The room is spinning, but I’ve already wasted too much time. If the council isn’t already prepped for their ritual, they will be soon. I’m not going to fall asleep and risk losing another week.
