An Alpha Shadow Vampire does not promise toobey.
A prince does not kneel.
And only a fool swears to doanything.
“This is definitely the one, Bride of the Shadow Devils,” a smarmy, cheery voice calls. “You chose the right twin to become the assassin. And this one is perfect to be my stupid but sweet martyr. That’s right, stay on your knees, good little fang.”
My eyes widen, as a portly Blood, a Beta, strolls down the path, breathing deeply of the crisp night air like he’s out taking a leisurely stroll. His head is shaved, and his leathery face is etched with wrinkles. His eyes are silver and cold, despite his creepy smile.
He looks like he’s trying to sell something.
I’m not buying.
He is dressed in silver robes, which are emblazoned with the glowing pyramid hieroglyphs of the Void Cult.
The Beta reaches out to pat me on the head. “Feisty, isn’t he?”
I glare at him, hoping that he can read in my eyes that they should free me and see just howfeistyI am.
Nebet nods. “He’ll make a deadly assassin, once he’s broken, of course. Queen KalaKant was right.”
I can’t hold back the sob.
Mother did plan this.
“Mother.” Lazarus weeps. “She wouldn’t?—”
“Ah,” the Beta wags his finger at Lazarus, “but she did. Accept your place in fate. You should be proud that two such important figures in the kingdom are honoring you tonight. I am Ruin, the leader of the Void Cult. And you both will play a crucial part in holding back chaos.”
I snort through my tears in derision.
Can Lazarus see the lie?
Ruin caresses his fingers down my wing, and I flinch from him in distress. Only my future Omega and bonded members of my royal nest should touch my wings; it’s a violation.
“Chaos is what arises without order.” Ruin explores my wing like he owns it. “In an unbalanced world, there would bedrought, famine, and floods. Do you want that for our people? The existence of royal twins like you is symbolic of chaos. But I created a solution. You will offer your blood as the sacrifice that saves us from the Void.”
No, please, no.
I scream into my ribbon gag.
Take me. Take me instead.
The words are muffled, however, dying even as they’re birthed.
I can’t lose my brother. I won’t let him be killed.
“Why such dramatics, princeling?” Ruin cups my cheek, thumbing away a tear with a bright smile. “Your brother will need to be trained by me for the position. The Void does not open again for at least another twelve years. Only then will it become a danger to the Shadow Realms. Your twin will be a hero, the savior of our kingdom from the Void Devils. Doesn’t that sound good?”
I attempt to shake my head.
“I’ll do it,” Lazarus says, determinedly.
What in the name of the Shadow Devils is he doing?
I hear Lazarus stand.
“But only if you promise not to hurt my brother,” Lazarus adds. “He m-m-mustn’t d-d-die too.”
