I pressed my hands against my stomach to hide their shaking.
Despite my outward confidence, I was terrified. Of what I was about to do. Of failing and losing her. Of succeeding and having her hate me afterward.
I never thought I’d be in this position. Where I had to make a yearling. In fact, I’d been quite determined that I would never add to my line. It was a promise I’d made myself in the early days. That I wouldn’t subject someone else to this fate.
It was a testament to how much I’d come to accept myself that I was even considering this step.
Liam’s reluctance to let me do it showed on his face.
I understood. I really did. His instinct was to protect me. Even from myself.
The thing was that I’d regret it forever if I didn’t at least try.
Deborah’s loss was unacceptable. If I had to make myself slightly uncomfortable and cross a few of the boundaries I’d set for myself, then so be it.
With that thought in mind, I glanced over at Thomas where he’d been listening quietly to our conversation. For once making no attempt to interfere. “Will you help me? I’m not really sure how this is supposed to work.”
Having the vampire who’d precipitated my entry into this society helping me to bring the next generation over felt right in a way I couldn’t explain. It also acted as a sort of olive branch. My way of saying that I’d forgiven him. That I was letting go of the last of my bitterness for the life stolen from me.
I’d worked through my feelings regarding my transition and Thomas’s role in it a long time ago. I’d just never gotten around to letting him know that.
“It would be my honor.”
Liam lowered me to the ground between Inara and Deborah’s still bodies. Splitting my attention between the two, I cupped my companion’s forehead before brushing a finger along Inara’s cheek.
Gently. So gently for fear of further damaging my small friend.
Lowen reached over, grasping my finger with his tiny hand. Together, we mourned what was coming. Neither of us ready to say goodbye but also unable to see a way to save the pixie we both loved.
“Would blood from one of us help?” Thomas asked.
My heart lifted at the suggestion, my gaze finding Lowen’s with sudden hope.
It was possible. Vampire blood had healing properties. Though I didn’t think anyone had ever tested it out on a pixie.
Lowen’s expression showed uncertainty as he considered Thomas’s offer. “I don’t know. I’ve never heard of anyone trying it.”
Different types of magic didn’t always play well with one another.
There was no telling what would happen if we were to feed our blood to Inara. Could be she got better.
Or she could die in agony.
Then there were other potential side effects to consider. An exchange of blood was one of the most ancient forms of magic there was. It could create a tie that bound.
I didn’t think my friend would accept being beholden to a vampire. Even as a means to save her life.
“It’s your choice, Lowen. You know best what she would want,” I said.
The pixie considered his queen before looking up at me. “If it’s you—but only you.”
I glanced at Thomas in question.
He nodded. “Be careful not to give too much of yourself. You’ll have need for it later.”
To save Deborah, he didn’t say.
Taking a deep breath, I stuck a finger in my mouth and scraped the pad against one of my fangs.
