Page 183 of Vameer

I drop to my knees before them. “I do not want your soul, Interfector.” I press my hands to Rune’s throat. “Give me your trust.”

More dangerous tears fall from his eyes as he dips his chin.

The gravito under my palms disappears.

And I concentrate.

My eyes glow.

And my hands glow. As I pull the magic away from Rune’s slit throat.

Carefully. Meticulously. I drag each grain of druid magic out of her. And pull it into me.

The golden glow crawls up my wrists.

Up my arms.

Vameer watches as I do what no being should be able to do.

Stealing magic from another living thing… It’s an abomination.

One I’ll be hunted for. Eventually.

The last spark of magic from the dagger meant to kill Vameer releases from Rune’s body.

Holding still, I think about the fact that I haven’t felt a heartbeat since I put my hands on her throat.

I lift my gaze to Vameer’s.

His heart has stopped. But he’s still staring back at me. Promising me an eternity of torment if this goes wrong.

I think about his brother’s mate.

How killing her mate’s enemy gave her horns. Made her all vampire.

Except the wound under my hands is still not healing. She doesn’t have the energy.

She doesn’t have the power.

But… what if sacrificing yourself for your mate has the same outcome?

What if it doesn’t work?

As another second goes by without a heartbeat, I accept that any chance is a chance. Because without help, they will both die.

Holding Vameer’s gaze, I drop my palms to Rune’s chest, over her heart. And my hands shine with light as I slam the power back into her.

Her back arches.

The massive warrior bares his fangs at me.

But just then, minutes after his last heartbeat, Vameer finally closes his eyes.

I shove against his shoulders as he starts to tip. And I watch as Vameer drops onto his back, taking his mate with him.

Chapter

One Hundred Five