Page 111 of Blood Curse

“Go,” Stellan said.

She pointed out that he’d made it sound like an order. His mouth shifted. He tried again, asking her to warn her sister and send instructions if she found a way to make the woman listen. Apparently, expensive chocolate was the best defence available.

She walked away.

Five more went after her. One took blood for a wounded companion waiting beyond the estate. Two left together without giving a reason. An older man asked whether anyone could lend him a dry pair of socks, accepted Mara’s spare pair and promised to return them if he came back.

Mara told him to keep them.

None of them ran. None looked ashamed.

Stellan didn’t watch as if he were counting losses. He held one gate open while the dark-haired vampire held the other.

That mattered more than any promise. Stellan could have stared each leaver down. He could have made the silence heavy enough to feel like punishment. Instead, he shifted when the older man passed so the gate wouldn’t catch his borrowed coat, then warned him about a flooded stretch of road near the village.

The man thanked him and kept walking.

The Crown pressed harder each time somebody crossed the line.

Stay, I felt it demand.

Make them stay.

I dug my nails into my palms. I wouldn’t turn the feeling into words. It could steal my voice if it wanted, but I wouldn’t offer it a sentence.

When the seventh vampire had disappeared down the road, the rest still stood inside the walls.

The dark-haired man frowned at them. “Is everyone else waiting for a speech?”

“I haven’t prepared one,” Stellan said.

“Good. I was worried we’d have to stand here until sunrise.”

“You can leave during it.”

“I’m not leaving.”

The Crown paused.

Stellan’s gaze settled on him. “Why?”

“Because I held Mara until my hands nearly broke her wrists. If that thing can do the same to my brother in his own house, running won’t solve much. I want it destroyed.”

Mara touched the bruising on her skin. “Your grip wasn’t that impressive.”

“I was trying to apologise.”

“Do it without making my wrists sound fragile.”

“I’m sorry I was used to hurt you.”

“Better.”

The silver-haired guard stepped closer to the gate, but she didn’t cross it.

“I came because I felt Harrowmere call,” she said. “I’m staying because he didn’t use any of this to claim us.”

She nodded towards Stellan.