Page 2 of The Duke’s Bloody Bargain

“I don’t⁠—”

“Please.” She balled a fist on her hip. “Peace and harmony are our mission for a better and stronger relationship between the Dark Court and the Moon Court.”

“It sounds like a slogan told by a politician during an election campaign.”

She fixed the knot of my tie. “It’s a good thing that your role as the duke is mostly about politics, then.”

I grinned. “You’re right. And the Duchess of the Fair Court would be so thrilled by our mission.”

“Hopefully. So she would stop threatening us.” She knocked, and flakes of paint floated down.

The door swung open, and Lucy came into view, pale and gaunt, which was something common among humans in Whitechapel. Scarce food and even scarcer sleep didn’t make for a healthy recipe. But this part of Whitechapel was the Moon Court, and starving people were rare.

She didn’t smile upon seeing us. Another common thing in Whitechapel.

“Good evening.” She held the door open.

“Miss Graves, thank you for seeing us.” Irene stepped inside the house, but I couldn’t.

An invisible barrier blocked me. It was part of a vampire’s curse.

I remained on the threshold, almost tempted to use the curse as an excuse not to carry on with this meeting. “I need a formal invitation, Miss Graves.”

She frowned. “I’ve heard vampires can’t cross a threshold without being invited in, but I thought it was a myth.”

I didn’t say anything. I wasn’t proud of yet another weakness.

She studied me for a long moment. “I’m not sure it’s wise to let you in.”

The similarities between her and her brother were subtle. Graves had a rough jaw and a permanent scowl that would annoy a saint, while Lucy had a delicate face and gentle features. But the siblings shared the same hazel eyes and chestnut hair. And mistrust towards me.

I flashed what I hoped was a charming smile. “I won’t attack you or use your invitation to my advantage.”

But she had a point. If she refused me entrance, her house would be a haven for her. I wouldn’t be able to enter, no matter how hard I tried.

“You can trust Ravenhill,” Irene said.

“And I’m the vampire duke. If I wanted to harm you, trust me, I would find a way.”

Lucy recoiled.

Irene shot me a disapproving glare. Oh, right. Peace and harmony.

I cleared my throat. “But I have no intention of hurting you. I always keep my word.”

Although she wasn’t part of the Moon Court since she belonged to the Argos clan and Knight was part of the Molossians. If I killed her right now, I wasn’t sure Knight wouldn’t chase me.

“Please.” Irene sounded calm and sweet.

Lucy exhaled. “Your Grace, you’re welcome.” She made a wide gesture with her arm.

The barrier lifted, and I entered the flat.

“Please take a seat. I’ll make some tea.” Lucy met my gaze for a fleeting second and paled further.

She headed for the kitchen, staggering a little.

I sniffed the air to catch her scent. It wasn’t bitter or pungent; there was no sign of a disease, but she didn’t appear to be healthy at all.