Page 239 of Volik

A thick arm curls around my neck and lifts me from the ground in a choke hold.

My feet kick in the air, and I claw at the forearm, even though I know it’s no use.

Because I can see my reflection on the opposite wall.

I can see my bloodstained tank top.

I can see the tears rolling down my cheeks.

I can see the fear radiating from my black eyes.

And I can see the vampire holding me. Choking me.

Tall as they all are. Horns and fangs. But mostly what I can see is the hatred burning in his eyes.

He wants me dead.

He wants Volik dead.

I claw harder.

I struggle more.

I try.

But even though I have some vampire traits, I don’t have their physical strength.

Not enough to break free.

My sob is stuck.

Locked in my throat with my breath.

“Share your videos,” the voice beside my ear sneers. “Let Volik know what’s coming for him. Let him fear.”

I hear my name whispered by voices I can’t quite understand.

There’s a crowd here.

I blink, trying to see who else is here.

Who was screaming.

I try to see them.

Try to make out where I am.

Try to make sense of all the gold. All the mirrors…

But I can’t breathe.

My heart is racing.

My chest is aching.

My heart keeps racing.

More tears.