“Besides, Lucien will probably have the bulk of his security at the Assembly. And he’ll want every one of importance at this ridiculous coronation of his,” Darick adds. I get the feeling he’s selling the idea to me, probably because he knows where my feelings lie.
I force myself to examine the plan objectively, even as every instinct screams against putting Kara in danger. The others continue discussing logistics while I sit in silence, my fingers pressed against the polished wood of the table, watching my chance to protect her dissolve with each passing moment.
I force my mind away from Kara and onto the larger implications. There’s too much at stake.
As if reading my mind, Darick starts voicing my thoughts. “If you’re right about the number of Assembly members ready to turn on Lucien, this could reshape our entire society,” he says. There’s a murmur from around the table.
“It’s true.” Lake nods. “The old guard – those who’ve held power through fear and manipulation – would fall.”
“We could forge new alliances, end centuries of hostility.” Marina’s eyes glow.
“But if we fail…” I glance around, letting the implication hang in the air.
“The casualties would be catastrophic. Not just among the vampires who oppose Lucien, but the witches, too,” Soren says, drawing closer to Mia, his posture protective. I envy his ability to be so open about it.
“He’d use our failed coup as justification for all sorts of atrocities. The delicate balance we’ve maintained with humans would shatter,” I say.
Selene catches my eye across the table, and I know she’s thinking the same thing. Her slight nod confirms it – we have to commit fully to this plan despite the risks. Despite my personal stake in keeping Kara safe.
What stake?
Beyond the bizarre connection we share, what is this really?
A blood match?
No. I refuse to simply accept that. How could I have the Bloodbane without a single symptom?
Besides, she said herself that what happened between us was a mistake. Something she would regret.
I don’t regret it. I won’t.
But I probably need to learn to trust her ability to take care of herself. She may be headstrong, but she has skills. Her magic is formidable. And she’s courageous as fuck.
I pull myself together; this isn’t the time to delve into personal issues. I turn my attention back to what’s important right now.
“The timing has to be perfect,” Morgan is saying. “If we move too soon, before our allies inside can position themselves…”
I tune back into the conversation, studying the diagram he’s sketching. The Assembly chamber’s layout is familiar – I’ve sat in those seats countless times. But now I’m viewing it as a battlefield, calculating angles of attack, identifying choke points where Lucien’s guards will try to bottle us up.
The irony doesn’t escape me. Here I am, planning the violent overthrow of our government, partly to protect a witch I shouldn’t care about. My position as one of the most respected vampire elders should make me oppose this. Instead, I’m weighing how many of my own kind might die to reshape our society into something better.
Something that might give Kara and me a chance.
That’s if she’d even consider such a thing.
20
Chapter 20
Kara
Imoveaboutthestateroom,double-checking my supplies for tomorrow’s mission. Crystals, protection charms – everything needs to be perfect. My hands shake slightly as I fold a strip of black cloth, and I curse under my breath. I can’t afford to be nervous, not with Gran’s life at stake.
Get it together, dammit!
The memory of Lucien’s threat in the bathroom mirror makes my skin crawl. The image of Gran bound and helpless flashes through my mind again, and I pull in a deep, steadying breath, wishing it was more effective at calming me.
A knock at the door makes me jump. I know it’s Marcus before he even announces himself – our connection picks up on his presence like a tuning fork hitting the right frequency. My body remembers his touch from last night, his lips on my skin, teethgrazing my throat… I shake my head, forcing those thoughts away.
