Her brow furrowed. “And what’s that, exactly?”
“One of the most feared beings this world has ever known.”
Ezra muttered, “You sound like you’re fun at parties.”
I continued, unbothered. “It will also allow me to observe the current magical landscape. There may be allies… or at the very least, individuals who know about breaking the bond.”
At that, Nadia’s eyes softened. “You really think someone there might know how?”
“I think it is possible,” I said. “It has to be. The Sovereign Court feeds on control. Secrets are like currency to them. If the knowledge exists, it will be in their orbit.”
She frowned. “So… you’re just going to show up? To their fancy death party?”
I almost smiled. “Not without a plan.”
Her lips pressed together in a thin line. “I’m scared to ask what that means.”
“I would go alone,” I said, “but the bond makes that impossible. The distance, the separation… It would drive us both to madness before the night was through.”
Her eyebrows lifted. “So, I have to go too.”
“Yes.” I met her gaze, unflinching. “And you will stay by my side. At all times. They will attempt to isolate you. They may even try to take you. But I will not allow that.”
Nadia swallowed hard. “Okay, see, when you say things like that, it freaks me the fuck out.”
“I am merely being honest,” I said. “You have my word—I can protect you. You only need to stay near me and not wander off.This has to be done in order to find a way to break the bond… otherwise I would not risk it.”
“That’s the whole plan?” she asked. “You babysit me while getting a feel for supernatural Boston?”
That earned a low laugh from me.
“We enter as if we belong there,” I said. “You let me speak. We gather information, observe, listen. And when the Sovereign Court approaches us—and they will—you remain calm. We will act as guests, not prey.”
She gaped at me. “That’s it? Act cool and don’t die?”
“That is the essence of survival,” I said.
Nadia exhaled, tension curling through her posture. Then she gave a small, crooked smile. “Well, if I’m going to risk my life, I guess a free masquerade ball is a decent setting. Will there be booze?”
“Of course,” I said.
She tried to grin, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Good. Because I’m going to need a drink. Or ten.” She turned, rubbing the back of her neck. “I’m not feeling great. I didn’t sleep well last night, so I’m going to take a nap before we start planning our entrance into Vampire Hell.”
I inclined my head. “Rest, then. You’ll need your strength.”
She gave a small wave and disappeared down the hall. I stayed where I was, watching the spot she’d left behind.
The silence felt wrong. Too still.
Her energy—the light that filled every corner of this house—was dimming. She’d grown quieter. Slower. It unsettled me more than I cared to admit. My stomach churned with unease. Was this normal for mortals? To have fluctuations in their health? I couldn’t remember. But I did not like it.
The bond between us pulsed faintly in my chest, unsteady and tired, mirroring her.
Something was wrong.
Chapter 23
Nadia
