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“Here’s the thing I don’t understand,” I say. “If Alwar knows the world is down to two proxies, why bring me to fight for him? Say I won. Then what?” I’d be the last, the vow would become void.
Uhrn sneers at me. “You truly are the stupidest creatures.”
Stupid? I don’t think so. Up until recently, I had no clue this world existed. I’d say I’m getting up to speed pretty quickly.
“Show no kindness, fear, or mercy. Those are the rules, right?” I toss my mug and lunge at Uhrn. It takes everything I have to throw her to the floor. I straddle her small body and grab her by the throat. “Call me stupid again, and I’ll be the one biting you. Answer my damned question.”
Uhrn’s dark eyes go wide as I smile.
“Keep those things away from me,” she says fearfully.
“What things? My teeth? You’re afraid of my teeth?” She’s the one with the fangs.
“You’re being pathetic,” I say, adapting to their customs. I think I could get used to this. “Why would Alwar want me to fight if it means there’ll be an all-out war no matter who wins?”
“Who can s-say?” she stutters.
“Try,” I snarl. I can’t believe how well this is working. All this time, I only had to pretend I was tough. Hell, maybe I am. I’ve been so busy trying to survive, I never really stopped to think about it.
“My-my guess? Alwar has already made his alliances. He wants the Proxy Vow to go away so he can attack freely and permanently wipe out his enemies—starting with us, the Blood People. Now let me up, you vile creature.” She shoves my hands away.
I’m the vile creature, huh? Maybe I am. I don’t know anymore. That burst of energy was all I had left. I can’t think straight.
Panting, I slide off her and sit on the floor, pressing my back against the side of the bed.
“You made me very proud just now with your fierceness.” Uhrn sits next to me. “I could feel your desire to end my life.”
Of course. I attack her, and she thinks it’s a sign of greatness. I glance over but can barely keep my eyes open. “You’re crazy.”
“No. I am honored. Honored to serve someone who has so much will to fight. Even if you are the enemy’s proxy,” she adds.
Big news. I’m not fighting anyone. “Sorry to disappoint you, but I’m not going to be a pawn between these two kings. If Alwar wants the throne, he should just attack now.”
“You don’t understand, Lake. Breaking the Proxy Vow—or any vow that has been written—has dire consequences. The vow breaker is hunted by the No Ones. You cannot hide from them because there is nowhere they cannot go. Not even your world is safe. Once they catch you, they feast on your skin, eyes, lungs, and meat while you scream in agony. They use their gifts of healing, only to make you relive their feast. Over and over again.” She looks at me, terror in her dark eyes. “And they are always hungry, Lake. Always. Which is why they enforce the vows.”
“I thought Benicio did that.”
“It is their scriptures on the king’s skin. He holds the records for all to see. But if a vow is broken, it is the No Ones who carry out the punishment.”
I’m still feeling the effects of Benicio’s bites. Yes, I want more. But I’m lucid enough to finally understand what’s going on.
Alwar wants the Proxy Vow to go away. He wants to be free to wage war without the No Ones knocking on his door. That’s what she’s trying to tell me, and if it’s the truth, that makes Alwar the biggest threat to my home. He wants the kingdoms to go back to the days of chaos and war. Which, ironically, makes Benicio the good guy in this equation?
My thoughts move to Benicio, and I instantly start losing myself again.
Please come back to me soon. The ache is growing again, and the heavy thoughts of all this new information only make me need him more.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
“My sweet Lake, I have returned. Let me see you.” The dark voice fills my dreams, like a delicious song.
“I’ve missed you,” I mutter into the darkness of my mind.
“I hear you have been asking for me. This pleases me.”
I slowly open my eyes and find a beautiful haunting face staring down. The high cheekbones. The long hair that shines like black glass. The flawless milky white skin. “It’s you.”
“Yes.”
“Did your trip go well?”
“Very well, my love. And tonight, we will celebrate my success. A feast for my men. You will join me at the table and sit by my side.”
“I want to be alone with you. I need you.” I stretch out my arm to offer my wrist. I’ve been healing nicely, so he’ll have many places to feed from.
