Bridget’s blood turned to ice.
She hadn’t spoken. Hadn’tmeantto think it so loudly. But the invisible wall between them wasn’t just a prison. It was a window. And Vega was listening.
Nothing, Bridget said quietly. She pushed the memory as deep as she could.When did you figure out what I’d done?
I’ll admit, I spent a few decades trying to figure out where I went wrong,Vega said as she turned the knob and slowly pushed the door open. Cassia and Delphine slept with straw pillows on the floor.I even believed you were dead, just like you wanted, for a very long time. That was a long century. It wasn’t until I remembered that cut on your finger. It was then I knew that you had done something to the crown.
A shiver of dread ran down Bridget’s spine. The grimoire was next to Cassia, like she’d been trying to read it before she’d fallen asleep.
And then when you and Cade were reborn, I gained a foothold from Iegorus. The world shifted. In my favor, of course. I couldn’t communicate yet, but I could see. I spent the next few years watching and waiting. And then one day… you finally saw me.
Ice ran down Bridget’s spine.What are you talking about?
She felt Vega smile.You were five, I think. It was fun getting to talk to you again around the age you were when we first met. Bronwyn, of course, noticed and ruined everything… like she tends to do. It was her idea to send you to the human realm so that I couldn’t influence you. She promised you would be safer there until the time was right.
I was sent there because of you?If Bridget had control of her body, she probably would have vomited. She hadn’t randomly been sent away? It had been for her protection? And where had it all gone wrong?
Vega let out a scoff.I couldn’t believe her. Me? A bad influence? You were always the one running around and avoiding all your responsibilities. But I digress. It was a setback, especially since it worked, but it made me realize something… You were the key to my foothold. More specifically, your blood.Ourblood.
Nausea hit Bridget even harder. Even her very blood was a reminder that everything had been her own fault.
I was so happy when Quinn came along,Vega went on, her voice dripping with mock affection.And then Cora. Two minds willing to be shaped. Two lonely people looking for a purpose. So I gave them one. It wasn’t long before they figured out how to communicate with me. It was even easier to convince them to use you for blood magic. I told them the spell would search your memories for the crown, but all it did was increase my influence. With a cut and a drop, I was able to slip in and out of their minds undetected. Your blood… my blood… close enough that not even Cade could tell.
You destroyed them.The seething words escaped Bridget’s mind before she could stop them. She remembered Quinn cutting Finn’s neck. That must have been when she’d gained control over him. And then her, with the open gash on her stomach. Iegorus had given her too much time to perfect blood magic.
I did what I had to,Vega replied.It’s not like they weren’t willing participants. They enjoyed the power. Didn’t you? Weren’t you willing to embrace blood magic when it suited you?
Bitterness rose in Bridget like bile. Rage churned under her skin.
Vega laughed.No, of course not. You’re the hero. She paced slowly toward the bed and traced her finger along the tattered grimoire.But it is a little funny that you didn’t have a problem using my curses.
It’s what had to be done.
The words sounded just like Vega. Bridget hated that it needed to be said. Because she was right. She’d turned to blood magic to get rid of the crown and save Cade. Why did she ever think she was any better for it?
Sounds familiar, Vega mused.
Silence stretched between them.
I’m nothing like you.
The thought burst through Bridget’s mind with raw fury. A truth she refused to surrender. She wouldn’t let herself be. Shecouldn’t.
We’ll see about that.Vega picked up the grimoire and opened it to the last page. Her finger traced the sparkling ink of the ancient blood spell,the lines curling and twisting with silent threat. Vega’s lips moved as she memorized the words, the cadence of power already thrumming through Bridget’s veins like a storm gathering momentum. The spell repeated again and again in her head.
A tremor passed through Bridget’s body. Her lungs stung. Her skull throbbed. And then—
A warm drop slid from her nose.
Blood.
It splashed onto the grimoire and stained the gold-edged parchment. Panic slammed through her.
You can’t hold me for long. You’ll kill me.
Vega stilled, eyes narrowing. Then, calmly, she snapped the book shut before the blood could mar the text further. Casually, she walked to the opposite corner of the room and laid the grimoire beside Cassia’s sleeping form, brushing a strand of blonde hair from her cheek.
Maybe that’s a price I’m now willing to pay.
