Tiernon’s face is an unreadable mask. But he allows the wounds in his wrist to heal.
Axia does something that makes me scream again and I sink my teeth into my lower lip.
“Almost done,” Tiernon soothes. My gaze meets his, and he cups my cheek. “You’re being so brave.”
I let out a shaky laugh that sounds more like a sob. I’ve never felt less brave.
“You are,” he insists. “I’m sorry this happened to you.”
The reminder of that day makes me stiffen, and I turn my face away. I can’t afford to forget the way he left me. The way I pined for him day after day. The way life grew bleak and colorless and stayed that way for six years.
Tiernon lets out a hum and brushes a strand of my hair from my damp forehead. And despite myself, I lean into his touch.
Axia maneuvers my foot and I cry out again, close to begging now.
“End this,” Tiernon orders, his eyes filled with frustration.
“Almost finished, Primus.”
But she’snotalmost finished. The pain goes on and on, until I’m sure she’s secretly a sadist. Finally, when I’m opening my mouth to beg for another healer to send me to sleep, she clears her throat.
“The bone is set in place. It is time.”
“Good. Thank you.”
I open my eyes, blinking tears from my lashes. Tiernon’s tone is harsh, his expectation clear.
With a bow, Axia backs out of the room. She looks pale and drawn. Exhausted. Healing me has drained her.
“Thank you,” I choke out.
“You’re welcome.” With a smile, she closes the door behind her.
“Drink,” Tiernon demands. “Now.” His expression is hard, his face white. I can see his pulse pounding in his temple.
I’d like to be able to say I play hard to get. Or even that I protest. Instead, I wrap my hands around his forearm and allow him to press his wrist to my mouth.
My body is instantly engulfed in a warm cocoon.
No one talks about the addictive qualities of vampire blood. Because for sigilmarked and mundanes to fall prey to such a weakness is intolerable. Vampires already have more than enough power over the rest of us.
And yet there are those among us who would sell their souls for just one more taste. For the buzzing in their veins, the sudden rush of pleasure, the healing of wounds both large and small.
I knew the first time I took Tiernon’s blood all those years ago that I could easily follow in my mother’s footsteps. Addiction thrives in the dark places. The places we want to escape. And my life has always been filled with dark places.
As soon as I feel the pain in my ankle subside, I force myself to lift my head.
Drinking someone’s blood is intimate. Before Bran, the only other blood I’d ever tasted was Tiernon’s. And the memories itch at the back of my mind.
I hit the ground hard and roll, pain slicing across my forearm. When I make it to my knees, Leon is giving me a hard look.
“What did I tell you, Arvelle?”
“Expect the unexpected.” I narrow my eyes at Kassia. “Just how long did you practice that?”
She gives me a grin. “Hours. Since it obviously works, I’ll teach you.”
Leon’s lips twitch, and he shakes his head at us. “We’re done.” A glance at Kassia. “Be home for dinner.”
