Page 178 of Blood Curse

“Stellan.”

“I’m here.”

“I’m finding another way in. Keep the Crown looking at you, and don’t let it make you guess what she wants.”

“Bryony already told me what she wants. A future, her own name and enough blood left to complain.”

“And don’t fucking die.”

“Bryony has already rejected that plan.”

“Listen to her.”

The Crown sent Bryony down the stairs.

I followed.

Doors opened along the lower court as we passed. Vampires stepped from rooms, kitchens and the blood cellar. Some carried bottles. One man still had a towel over his shoulder. Every face turned towards the Crown.

A young vampire caught the frame of his door rather than stepping onto the red path. “Is this another command?”

“It’s a summons,” I said. “You can feel where it wants you. It hasn’t taken your feet.”

The woman beside him looked towards the stairs. “Will you call it desertion if we go for the gate?”

“No. I released your oath. It stays released while the house is frightened and while I’m frightened.”

She considered the red light, then took the young vampire’s hand. “I’m going to the hall.”

He stepped out with her. “So am I.”

The Crown wanted witnesses. It hadn’t learned how to make every choice serve it.

Mara came out of the western passage with Elias behind her.

“Possessed?” she asked.

“Completely.”

“Command?”

“None yet.”

Elias watched Bryony’s rigid back. “Her heart?”

“Too fast. It hasn’t stopped.”

“If it does?”

“You keep it moving.”

“If the Crown lets me reach her.”

“It brought you inside. Use that.”

The Night Hall bell rang.

Its first note shook dust from the stone arch. The second opened every door ahead of us. By the third, the red path had widened across the lower court and every vampire in Harrowmere could see where it ended.