Page 177 of Kingdom of Death and Hope

“The doctor is on his way right now to make sure that it goes smoothly,” he replies.

“What if you give me too much blood and then you become weak?” I ask, looking up at him, worried.

Kieran chuckles. “That’s not going to happen to me. You would have to take a lot of my blood.”

“I’m here.” A different person walks into the clearing.

“It’s not Hayden?” I look over at Kieran.

“He couldn’t come this time. There is a woman who is expecting to give birth soon and that is what he specialized in before the curse was placed on us,” Kieran explains. “This is Alaric. He knows a lot about Fae blood and has worked with humans before.”

“Hello,” I say shyly.

“It’s nice to finally meet you, Adeline.” Alaric bows before kneeling in front of us. “What happened to you? Are you sick? You are very pale.”

“Did you not tell him anything?” I ask Kieran.

“He failed to mention what was wrong with you, but mentioned to bring the blood transfusion gadget that I have,” Alaric replies.

“She has a cut on her thigh and she lost a lot of blood last night. I want to give her some of my blood so she can heal better,” Kieran replies for me.

The doctor looks at me and nods. “That makes sense. You are so pale and just look like you are in pain.”

“Thanks,” I mutter.

Kieran chuckles and holds his arm out. “I’m ready.”

“This will only take a couple of minutes,” Alaric says as he gets everything ready.

“Wouldn’t it take a lot longer?” I ask.

He shakes his head. “Before the curse was placed, I developed this tube and device that makes it a lot faster so you don’t have to sit there forever. It also helps when there is an emergency and the person needs blood really fast.”

“You’ll have to stick me with a needle?” I ask hesitantly.

“Yes but just for a brief second and then it will be gone.” Alaric holds the needle in his hand and I flinch.

“Maybe I will be better off just going home right now. I don’t think I need this.” I push my back into Kieran’s chest.

The pain and sensation of Mother stitching up my thigh runs through my mind, replaying over and over.

“I think I’m going to be sick,” I mumble as I turn my face away from Kieran.

“Shhh, you’re okay,” he whispers. “Everything is going to be okay. He is only going to poke you for a second and then all will be better.”

I shake my head. “I don’t think I can do it. It keeps replaying in my mind. I can feel the pain from it and I don’t want to experience it again. Please don’t make me go through it again.”

“Sweets, look at me.”

“No.” I place my hand over my mouth as I gag.

Kieran cups my face and forces me to look at him. “You are going to be okay. You are going to look me in the eyes and only pay attention to me. It’s going to be over before you even know it happened.”

“Kieran,” I whisper.

“No. You are going to listen to me talk while Alaric does this. You need my blood so you can heal properly. This is not up for discussion,” he says sternly.

“Wait—”