My magic is going haywire.
I've connected to a shadow fae, I’ve turned into a wolf, and now the essence of a vampire runs through my veins.
The thirst is undeniable, and the rage is uncontainable, consuming me as the magic acts of its own accord.
Curling my fingers into her shirt, I yank hercloser, sinking my teeth into her throat, matching her actions. But where I screamed in rage, she cries in pain, writhing as she clatters to the floor, but I don't stop.
Her blood is like sweet liquor on my tongue, and I can't get enough of it.
Frenzied and panicked, I close my eyes, unable to stop myself as I feast on my attacker.
I hear the moment her pulse stops, her heart flatlining, and the quietness in my ears is overbearing.
A hand presses against my shoulder blades as my fangs shrink, and my desire for her blood ceases. With wild eyes, I turn my frantic stare on the person beside me, ready to see disgust and hatred.
“It's okay, Elodie. I'm here. It's okay,” he soothes, stroking his hand down my back as I blink up at him, acutely aware of the volume of blood I'm dripping in. But he doesn't see it.
He just sees me.
“Kael,” I breathe, and he continues his soothing rhythm down my back.
“She's gone now, she's not going to hurt you anymore.”
I follow his line of sight and nausea rattles in my gut as I take in the state of her.
“I shouldn't have done that,” I garble.
The taste in my mouth turns into acid as my stomach churns.
“She shouldn't have attacked you to begin with.”
I heave, but nothing comes back.
“It doesn't taste good. Don't worry, it's not just you. Let's focus on getting you away from here,” he encourages, slipping his hands under my arms as he lifts me to my feet.
He cradles me to his chest, despite the blood I’m drenched in. As if sensing my thoughts, he smiles down at me. “Luckily for you, I have an extra bag of clothes, just in case. Now, let’s get Thorne to clean up your neck and go find your family, yeah?”
29
ELODIE
Ican't decide whether Paris is a blessing or a curse.
As the familiar architecture stares back at me, I'm swarmed with a mixture of emotions. Staring at the intricate archways and classic Parisian style, I’m torn.
My hand lifts to my throat as I gulp, acutely aware of the untouched flesh beneath my palm, and I send another silent thanks to Thorne and his abilities to heal me from the carnage that continues to try and tear me apart.
Shaking my head, I drop my hand to my side as I refocus on the present. There’s no time to consider what happened five seconds ago, nevermind five minutes.
Paris has my attention now, and I can’t look back.
The first time I was here, Thorne had saved me from Jude and his weird-ass castle world, only to take me on a trip to see the Eiffel Tower. The second time, however, wasn’t as wistful. Instead, I was faced with the alluring waters that almost claimed me.
Now, I don't feel as confident, but with my men and my best friend at my side, I know that I'll be safe. What lies beyond that door could change all of that, though.
“Are you sure they are here?” I ask, tilting my head to Thorne, who stands behind me, eyeing the same door I do.
He nods, not tearing his gaze away. “It's where he said,” he offers as I feel a hand run down my spine.
