Page 102 of Hunger & Harmony

I don’t have to look to know that voice. I wouldn’t have to hear him rasp my name out, either.

I know his presence like my own shadow. It’s Niko who stands before us now, with fangs lengthened and eyes like crimson.

24

TAKE/GIVE

“Get back.”

That wasn’t one voice, but both Niko and Viola. I clench my teeth. Agony flares under my skin, but I can’t let them stand against each other. I won’t let them misunderstand.

“S . . .”

I can’t manage one word.

“Don’t you dare, Leech King.”

Niko’s fury crescendos, and I groan, trying to grasp Viola’s hands to assure her. If anything, her words twist the knife deeper.

“Let go of her.”

“She isn’t yours to claim,” Viola bites out, her wrath pushing against his. “I’m taking her home.”

“No . . .” I whisper, but I don’t think either heard me.

“Cadence can go wherever she wants,” he says, and I hear him step closer. “Including with me.”

“Your thirst glows in your eyes. Even now, you seek only to take from her. Look at how you’ve destroyed her!”

Those last words echo.

“St . . .” I shudder, not sure who I’m reaching out to anymore. “Stop.”

Viola looks down at me. I manage to peer back, shaking my head slowly.

“Enough. He . . . isn’t . . . hurting me,” I whisper, and her eyes narrow.

“How can you say that? Look at yourself.”

I smile sadly. She recoils, like she can’t accept my next words.

“It’s my blood.”

The curl of her lip shatters my heart. Even if she doesn’t say it, I see it in her darkening gaze.

You are the prey.

She doesn’t know it’s not that simple. Not once has Niko made me feel like that. I never asked to be the blade to his throat, either.

“I . . .”

After staggering upwards, her icy hands retreat, leaving my arms burning under my sleeves. I sit up alone, laboring on my words as she stands above me.

“I don’t want this.” My body wracks again, and I cough. “But you don’t have to save me.”

Her lips press together. I know she won’t say a word, because there’s no tidy response.

“All I need . . .” I whisper. “All I want is for us to be okay. You don’t have to have the answers. You don’t have to solve everything.”