Page 255 of Volik

I heal. My cuts from earlier are already sealed.

But I don’t think I heal fast enough.

I’m not a full vampire.

I think slitting my throat would be the end.

“I am going to tell you how to kill a vampire.”

“I don’t want to know that. I don’t want to know, Volik.”

“I am telling you so you are informed. So you know, if ever the worst happened.”

“What would be the worst?”

“If we are ever separated. But I would find you. I will always find you, Nixy. You are mine. Tell me you understand.”

“You will always come for me.”

My tears keep falling.

Because I know what I have to do.

I have to create more time.

I open my eyes, seeing the sliver of sunset on the horizon.

My hands shake.

My lungs struggle to pull in the breath I need.

My—

Something presses against my heart in my chest.

Something tries to hold the beat steady.

Volik.

A crack bursts through the air. And we rock back from the force.

And then Volik is there.

Here.

Floating in the air fifty feet out, over the water, is my mate.

Morell shouts as he sends out a pulse of power. But I don’t hear him.

He digs his dagger into my skin. He pushes against me, putting my toes back on the ledge. But I don’t look down.

I don’t look away from Volik.

Chapter 114

Volik

Until this moment, I did not know pain.