Page 128 of Hunger & Harmony

He scribbles that above the lyrics. Resonant prophecy.

The air in this room relaxes, even the harsh lighting easing. I take a breath along with.

“This is the thing,” he says, his enthusiasm building. “All proof of an enemy faction within the Court has been nearly wiped from the records entirely. I’ve only found fragments, along with what I brought you. Dissonants were known to destabilize pureblood vampires and led to death for both bonded. They were weapons, yes, but you've shown something different.”

He excitedly gestures to me. I fully understand what he’s saying.

“The bond is real. It just doesn’t work as their creators intended—with Resonance, your blood has changed Sancte Noctis and saved His Majesty not once, but twice now.”

His energetic tone tapers off, softer as he clutches the paper.

“It’s still not enough. As it remains, what blood he’s tasted is only staving off the inevitable. The bond isn’t complete.”

“Complete?”

Something in me pulses, more like a bell than a sick rush. I clasp my hands gently, leaning in. Even my heart is listening.

“The choice remains yours. After all, the Royal Physician is with him, and there’s a chance of recovery,” Cass says before he smiles awkwardly.

“But . . .?”

“I have no guarantees, only research and deduction. But I believe if you complete the bond, he’ll make a full recovery and more.”

My heart flutters. I swear, the threads that tug me to Niko shimmer gold.

“How? How do I complete it?”

“He drinks your life force,” Cass says. “All of it.”

No more sunrises. No more Halcyon Fields. And no more sour candy.

Not one part of me hesitates.

“I’ll do it. Bring me to him.”

Cass’s eyes widen, and he gestures for me to sit back down when I stand.

“Wait, Cadence. You don’t understand,” he says. “You’ll turn. Your mortal blood will be replaced, and you’ll be . . .”

“A vampire?” I ask, and when he nods, I hum softly.

“Why would I say no to eternity with him?”

Cass is more visibly flustered than I’ve ever seen him. I can’t find a sliver of hesitation in me, though. Niko is the one who showed me that love isn’t confining. Choosing our forever comes as naturally as a butterfly’s metamorphosis.

“Still, please give it full thought. It’s not something you can come back from.” He adjusts his glasses as he joins me in standing. “It’s an option I wanted to present before you see him.”

“Thank you,” I say, wondering if I could ever show how grateful I am.

He shrugs shortly before he walks me to the door. While he’s always been quiet, and I could never gauge his intentions, now it makes sense. A royal informant working in secret, and a man whose heart belongs to a vampire king’s right hand.

Even as Cass tries to be passive and remain detached, I know his heart is in this. I will probably never be able to thank him enough. I think he’s okay with that.

“I’ve held you back enough. I’m sure Ez will take you.”

I nod gratefully as he opens the door.

“Actually . . .”