Page 6 of You’re So Vein

Blue icing drips from the end of his nose. Behind me, Beth and Celeste whoop with glee.

I’m Komal Ahuja, Madam MacGyver. I may not have the Upyr vote, but people love me. I’m a veteran. I’m the prodigal daughter who returned to the village to help my family. (Everyone knows that gets you heaps of brownie points.) I’m involved in every village event. I bring in the tourists who keep the shops running, and I’m bubbly and fun and the life of the party. Plus, I can play the sick papa card.

I can beat drippy, brooding Augustin Durant. I know I can.

“See you at the ballot box, Durant.” I grin as I skip back to my friends. “And may the best vampire – or human – win.”

3The Killer

I WATCH FROM THE SHADOWS as Komal stalks away from Augustin, and I can’t help but smile. Komal and I are a lot alike. Augustin might think he runs this village, but he never predicted her, just like he won’t see me coming.

I’ve been hunting Augustin Durant for some time. He’s the reason I came to Argleton. I informed the Ordo Exsecrati about his depravity, and they’ve done nothing. Now, I’m finally strong enough to get the justice that’s been denied me.

I’ve been so patient. I need to be certain that when I have my chance at him, I can take him out. After draining Alyra, I now know what I’m capable of.

My chance has come.

I’ve been working hard and taking risks to keep this village safe. But no human will be safe with Durant as mayor. It’s time he suffered, as I have suffered.

And this election could be the perfect thing to distract the Nevermore Coven.

They’re getting closer to the truth. It’s been hard lying low, biding my time, knowing what I now know about the magical properties of vampire blood. But I’ve used my time wisely. I’m experimenting, refining my plan, learning new skills, and embracing the family legacy that I’ve been denied for so long.

All I need to do is throw the Nevermore Coven off my scent with a fun diversion. What could be more fun than putting Augustin in his place? I’ll cheer when Komal whips the election from under his smug nose. I’ll enjoy watching him beg before I end him.

A high-profile vampire murder. The blood of the vampire mayor, friend of Gideon Blake, spilled by one of his own. It will send the vampire world into chaos. The monster will consume its own tail. And I will slip among them, unseen, undetected, and pick them off, one by one.

I’ll finally have justice.

I’m closer than I’ve ever been to ending the courts’ reign of terror for good.

Komal will win.

I’ll make certain of it.

4Augustin

Gideon: I know you’re disappointed, Augie. But do try to chill out. I wouldn’t want you to accidentally have an emotion.

It’s not a good idea for you to move in just yet. Let’s deal with this whole Upyr/human marriage reform first, and THEN we’ll work on your little problem.

I DRAG MY FEET AS I turn away from Komal and head back down the pathway, meeting up with Hannah on the corner beside the large sausage dog statue that someone in the village thought passed for art. She peeks out from behind the dog’s wonky hindquarters, her dark hair in messy pigtails, her olive skin collecting shadows, her whole body sagging when she sees my face. Something sharp and cold stabs through my chest.

“No park?” she whispers.

“No park tonight.” I scoop her in my arms. She’s so small. Far too small for her age. I hate that. I know I’m responsible. “But I’ll play with you when we get home. Any game you want.”

“Okay.” She snuggles down against me and reaches up with cool fingers to touch my cheek. She pulls away, her finger smeared with bright-blue icing. “What’s that on your face?”

“Birthday cake.”

She sucks her finger, her eyes widening with glee as she tastes what I’m certain is a delicious cake. “That’s amazing.”

“There’s plenty more, should you wish to partake.”

Hannah scoops up more blue icing with her fingers, smearing it all over her favourite dress in the process. “I’m not sad, but why do you have birthday cake on your face?”

Because an infuriating woman smashed it there.