Prologue
Any secret worth its merit is woven in the depths of midnight. Spoken in whispered promises and hapless lies. The soft, breathywordslosttothestarsandburiedwiththemoon,nightafternightuntileventheskycan’tdiscernthetruth
Thatwashowithappened… Twofamiliessatbeneaththegoldenglowoffirelamps,alongthintablebetweenthem.StClairsononeside,Randallson another Two families bonded bythe hatred bornofgenerations ofancestors Hostilitytattooed intheir marrow like cancer Spreadthickandfibroussothatitwasalltheycouldbreatheandfeelandthink. Asthenightstrucktwelve,theysignedacontract Bloodyprintsscarredthescroll:awarning,anomen Toolate,toolate.Thewitchiscoming. Toolate,toolate Theymadethecurse Thatwashowitstarted…
OCTAVIA
There’sneverenoughblood
Amanbleedsriversofclaretovermyrug. It’snotenough.
Neverenough
EvenifIdrinkthecitydry,itwouldn’tbesufficient.Iwantmore. Need more.There’sanachingdesirebetweenmyribs, somethingmissing,somethinglost Iknow whatitis,butIdon’twanttothinkaboutit Ihadmychanceandlostit Well,I’m donewithit…withher.
Ikneadmytemples.
Fuck, I’m tired.
Ishiftinmyseatandthestaffboyleaningagainstthewallflinches.Pathetic.Ican’tevenrememberhisname-Fred?Frank? Let’sgowithFrank
“Cleanthisup.Hestinkslikepissandfermentedfish,”Isay,pointingatthebleedingman.
“B-but,LadyBeaumont,”thestaffboystutters
Isnapmygazetohisandgostill.Thekindofstillthatmakesdeathlooklikethefrenzyofbirth.Thekindofstillnessthat gnaws agitationinto a human’s bones. The vacant, fathomless void twists inFrank’s mind until he trembles. I pushfurther. Everycellinmyancientbodyfreezesasiftimeneverexisted.
Imustsay, it’s quite the featofcontrol notto smile atthe wayFrankshivers. There are veryfew things Ifind amusing anymore,butthefragilityofhumansisoneofthem Iwaitabeat Two Thentwomore Justlongenoughfor himtodrophis mouthandutterabreathyplea.
Ishouldn’tplay,Xaviertellsmeit’scruel ButI’mnotascruelasourdearsisterDahlia Franktwitches.“I ”
“DoIneedtorepeatmyself?”Isayeverywordasslowasitissharp,myvoiceasnapandwhisperintheair.Movement filtersintomylimbsagainandhisshakingeases
“N-No.I’llgetadonorinstead,”hesaysandstumbleshiswayforwardtograbthedyingmanunderthearmpits. It’smeanttobeourstrength blood Really,Ithinkitmakesusfeeble
“Stop,didIsaytakehim?”Irisefrommychair.Frankdropsthemanonthefloorwithathudandagargledmoanandthen backsaway,confusionripplinghisbrow Itusedtobotherme thewaytheylookatme Thewayeveryoneinthisfuckingcity looksatme.Doesn’tmatterthattherearethousandsofturnedvampires.Iamtheonlyonebornthisway.Theonlyonetheyfear and all because I wasn’t made like the other vampire lines. That, and perhaps mybehaviour over the years, hasn’t exactly warmedthecitytome
Borntoamotherwhoabandonedher.Afreakwitheyesthecolourofdryingblood.Ihaunttheirnightmares.I’vetriedto embraceit,revelinit,shyawayfromit Evenmournedthewaytheytreatedmeforafewdecades Butnothingchanges Humansshrinkawayfromme,huntershateme,andvampires…well,theydon’tfearme,butmostpandertoandrevereme. It’ssickening That’swhyIliketofuckwitheveryone,becausenooneeverlooksatmeforme
Themanbleedingonmyrugisfadingfast.Igriphimbythethroatandhaulhimtohisfeet.
“Yougetonechance.Whowereyoustealingfor?”Isnarl.Erin,mychiefofsecurity,caughthimtryingtoswipebooksand grimoiresfromoneofthemarketsellersonherwayintowork
Hegurglesundermygrip,andIrealiseI’mcrushinghisvocalcords.Iloosenmyfingersafraction.
“Idon’tknow Handler Wantedabookaboutdhampirs Said ”hefadesfurther,hisskingrowingpale Ishakethemanandhisheadjerksbackandforthuntilhiseyesrollbackintofocus.
“Whatdidtheysay?”Iask.
“That…Thatifwedidn’topen…openthedoor…warwouldcome.”
“Whatthefuckareyoutalkingabout?Whatdoor?”
“TheoneintheMontagueterritory.Behindtheboundary.”
“That’samyth,”Isnarl
“Nottothehandlerandwhoevertheywereworkingfor.”
Isnarlattheman Ineedmore Hisvoiceboxvibratesagainstmypalm IglanceatFrankwhoseeyeswiden Useless All ofthem.
“P Pl,”hebegs
ButI’mdonewithhim.Isqueezemyfingersuntilmynailsslicethroughhisskin.Bloodpoursindelicateribbonsdownmy knucklesandundermysleeve.Myfingerssquelchthroughhismusclesandarteries,untilI’mclenchinghiswindpipe.Iclamp arounditandwrenchitout,lettinghiscarcassdroptothefloor
“Cleanitup,”Ibarkandmarchoutofmyoffice.TheminuteIopentheclubdoor,noiseripsthroughtheair.Apounding beatthumpssohardthroughthewallsoftheclubthatmyfeetvibrate TheWhisperClubisbusytonight Isteptothemezzanine balconyandpeerdown.Humans,donors,andvampiresdancelikemaggotsbeneathme.It’sthesamegyratingslickofbodies dayafterday Thesamefuckingmusic Thesamehumanstink
Myclubisdark,lightsdimmedtoencouragealldesirestocomeouttoplay.Thewallsareshadesofcrustedblood.Aring ofboothsnestlesagainstthewallsthesametaintedcolour.Thebarinthecentreoftheclubistheonlyspeckofbrighterlight,a glassmirrorbehindtheserversaugmentingthesparkle
Opticsfilledwitheverytypeandflavour ofdonatedblood: eaudefear,fuelledbylust,ravishedwithpanic,hangonthe backmirror We like to serve the mostexpensive and exclusive blood here One ofmyside businesses is the donationand collectionofmoreexpertlyacquiredblood.It’sapricyprocessbecausedanger powersthiscity.Doyouhaveanyideahow harditistoterrifyahumanthatlivesinaworldofvampires?It’sexpensiveandugly.
Themusicdropstoaslower,moresensualbeat.Themaggotsdrawnearer,fangssinkintothroatsandarms.It’sthattimeof nightbecausehalfthecrowdisnakedandthereareasmanyfangsbitingastherearecocksdrivingintopussiesandmouths.I sense someone climbing the stairs to my mezzanine I’mabout to fire the security guard when Xavier’s mop of thick hair appears.
Isigh
“Favouritesibling,”Isayandturnbacktothecrowd.
Hesmiles.
“Goodevening,Octavia.”Hisvoiceislowandrichasheleansdowntoplaceakissonmyforeheadandjoinsme,peering overthebalcony.
Xavierisunspeakablyhandsome Hisjawisthekindofchiselledthatcouldmakeamarblesculptureweep Hischin-length hairisaravenglossthatwomenpaythousandstoachieve.Andasforhisbody…whileI’mnotonetoenjoythemalephysique, I canappreciate the waywomenfawnover the canyons carvingthroughhis abs and the muscle-boulders perched over his shoulders.Xavier,though,feignsmodestyuntilhewantsawoman.Andthentheegoappears.
“Andwhatbringsyoutomyterritory?Areoursiblingstryingyourpatience?”Iask.
Hislipquirks “Mustyoubeabitchthisearlyintheevening?I’veonlyjustarrived,andIhaven’tevenhadbreakfast” “Well,dearbrother,dohelpyourself.There’saveritablefeastoffuckingandsuckingbelow.”
Hiseyesdroptotheclubfloor,hislipcurls,thebaresthintoffangshowing “It’sbeyondmewhyyouentertainoursiblings,”Isay.
“ThesamereasonIentertainyou”Hislipdoesthatquirkthingagainandmypatiencewanes “PutmeinthesameboxasthemandIwillhappilycastrateyou.”
“Tave,darling,whywasteyourtime?Myballswillgrowback.”
I narrow my eyes at him He only calls me Tave when he comes bearing bad news, he wants something, or I’ve done somethingtopleasehim.
Ifacehim “Perhaps,butatleastI’llfeelbetter Areyougoingtotellmewhyyou’rehere?Youmightbemyfavourite,but I’mbusy…attendingto…whateveritisIneedtoattendto.”
He rolls his eyes atme “You’re immortal We don’tdo busy We luxuriate and gloatinthe endless excesses oftime we have.Besides,youhavenofriends.Whoexactlyisitthat’stakingupyourtime?” “Ihavenoneedoffriends.Youhaveenoughforusboth.” “Yousoundbitter”
“OnlybecauseI’mhavingtotolerateyourpresence, Xave. ”
Heswingsanarmaroundmyshoulder “You’resocutewhenyou’repissy ButI’llrelent Ihavecomebearingamessage fromMummy.”
“Mustyoucallherthat?”
“Whatwouldyouprefer?”
“She-devil,harbingerofdeath,distributorofpain,Lilith?”
Xavierlaughs.“Why,wearefeelingdramaticthisevening,aren’twe?”
“Gofuckyourself,Xavier.TellmewhatMotherwantsorgetoutofmyclub.You’remakingmehungry.”
“Sherequestsyourpresenceatdinner” “Aretheothersgoing?”
Henods “Alas,Iamtheerrandboytoday,deliveringthesamemessagetoallofthem I’mgoingtothechurchnext”
The Church of Blood is Sadie’s territory. There are five of us, two boys, three girls: me, Xavier, Sadie, Dahlia and Gabriel Mothercollectedeachofusforadifferentreason,inadifferentway Noneofourhistoriesarepretty ButwhatIdo know is that no good stories follow Sadie St Clair. Some sayCordelia compelled Sadie to watchas she drained her birth motherdry.
OtherssayCordeliafoundSadieinthemountains,satcross-leggedinahaloofreddenedsnow Awolf’stailinonehand andagnawedhindlegintheother,crustedclaretdecoratingbothhercheeks.
But the storymost give begins inthe Montague Forest, out past the city's border Cordelia was huntingafter dusk She stumbledacrossaprettylittlethinglaidintheleafmould,still asdeath.Notquitehuman,notquitefae.Neithervampirenor witch,nor demonnor dhampir Cordeliawas perplexedbecause,despitethemotionless creature,therewas nomistakingthe factSadie’sheartstillbeat.Slow,slow,slow.Hairthecolouroffreshsnowdrapedoverhershoulders.
BeneathSadie laya bed ofdecayingroses. All ofthemcurled and singed atthe edges as ifthe girl had leached the life fromthem
Cordelialeanedin,brushedasnowylockaway.Sadielunged,sinkingherteethintoCordelia’sface.Shestoleachunkof fleshandswallowed Cordeliastillbearsthesweetlittlescarbeneathhereyetoday
Sadiesnarled,allsharpteethandgrowls.So,Cordeliatookherandlockedherinacageuntilshelearnedtobecivilised.
Oh,howSadiescreamedandscreamedandscreamed.Shecriedoutuntilhervoicebledintothewallsandlefthermute.If youevervisitCastleStClairandstaylate,somenightsyoucanstillhearherhauntinghowlsclawingfromthewallslongpast midnight.
All thatis tosay,noneofus reallyknow how Sadiecametobe Mother refuses tospeakofher creation AndSadiehas saidnotawordinallthecenturiesI’veknownher.
“Have fundeliveringthatmessage,” Isayand wave a hand dismissivelyatthe debaucherybelow “Help yourselfto the goodstuffonyourwayout.”
Hebendstomyhandandplacesasoftkissonthebackofit.“Youalwaysdidtreatmewell.” “Hmm.Beagoodboyandfuckoffnow,won’tyou?”
That,atleast,elicitsabroadsmile,hiswhiteteethandsharpfangsdescending.Heinclineshisheadandvanishes.There’s awhipofbreezeasheusesvampirespeedtoracedownintothemainclub
Movementinthecornerofthedancefloorbelowcatchesmyeye.It’snotunusualfordealstobemadeinhere.It’sahaven forthelesslegalcustomsinthecity That’sonebenefitofthismansionspecifically Youpayadropofbloodonentryandthe mansion keeps your secrets, hence ‘Whisper Club’. Magic’s a wonderful thing, blood magic especially, and this house is hungry.
I focus on the couple They stand strangely, both facing out towards the dancers, their hands unnaturally close for two supposedstrangers.Somethingpassesbetweenthem,andthat’swhenaspotlightflashesoverthepairandIrealisewhoitis. Mymissingpiece Red,myever-irritatinghuntergirl
Oh,thisissimplypriceless.JustthethingIneedtoentertainme.It’sbeentwoweekssinceIsawher.Sincethatnightthat turnedusfromcasualacquaintancestomortalenemies thistime
Ihopoverthebalconyandjumptothegroundafloorbelow.
Humandancersleanawayfromme,somefaceaway.Evenunawareofmypresence,theirsubconsciousthinksI’mafreak. Goosefleshcrawlsuptheirarms,signallingapredatorisnearby Well,theyneedn’tworry I’mfartoopreoccupiedwiththefun I’mabouttohavetocareaboutthem.Iskirtaroundtheedgeofthedancefloor andcreepsilentlyupbehindRed.Themusic beat shifts up a gear, the light flickers and I stand right behind her The urge to leaninand sinkmyteethinto her neckis overwhelming.Iinchforwardwhensomethingsharppricksatmygut.
Ifrownandlookdown
What.The.Fuck?
Thepointofastakeisprickingmygut.
RED
OctaviaBeaumontstandsatmyback,breathingdownmyneck Filthy fucking vampires
“Ismeltyoutwentyfeetaway,” Igrowl as Islip the vial ofblood into mytrouser pocket. Notquite the truth. Ifelther presencemorethansmelther,givenhunterinstinctsandall.ButIdon’twantherknowingwhatskillsIdoanddon’thave.The lessavampireknowsaboutyou,thebetter AndIwantnothingtodowiththisvampireinparticular Ihadthedispleasureof meetinghertendaysago,whenshestolethelastshredoffamilyIhadfromme.
“And I thought vampires were the ones with heightened senses Would you mind removing that from my stomach? It tickles,”shesays.
Iholdsteady.WhatIwantistoguther,tearherinsidesout,andchokeherwiththembecauseofwhatshetookfromme.But unfortunately,this vampire is practicallyroyaltyandwhile there are ample justifications hunters have for stakingvamps,I’d havetohaveacresofthemtokillthisone.
Thepointofmystakebitesatherskin Adropofbloodoozesdownthewood Thescentofitwaftsandcoilsintomynose Mymouthdrops,salviabuildsundermytongue.Fuck.Ishakemyselfoff.Heatfloodingmycheeks,poolingbetweenmylegs. Fuck,fuck I’vebeencleanfortendays eversincemysister,Amelia Anyway,IcameherebecauseIwantedtoforget It wasamistake.ThelastthingIneedistogethookedonbloodevenmorepotentthanIwason.Thiswasamistake.Ineedto leavebeforeIcan’t.
“Oh,now thatis interesting,”Octaviasays andwraps her cool fingers aroundmyhandandholds thestakeinplace.Her touchiselectric.Aviciousspark,bothcoolandfiery.It’senoughIhavetofightashiver.
Thenshestepsclosertome,sinkingthepointdeeperintohergut Igasp Butshe’sunrelenting Onestepcloser Two Then three.Eachmovementdrivingthewoodintoherbelly.
“Whatthefuck?”Ihiss,tryingtobreakawayandpullthestakeoutofherstomach Thisisn’tagameanymore Imightbea seniorhunter,butIcouldn’tjustifykillingoneoftheoriginalthree,evenifsheturnedmysister.ButIcan’tpullback.Hergrip over myhand is like iron. She’s so close thatIcansmell her perfume, warmspices, like the heartofa winter midnightand somethingalittledeep,alittleexotic,likemaybeit’snotfromthecity
“Don’t.Get.Anycloser.Mostvampiresthisclosetomeendupdead,”IsaywithasmuchconfidenceasIcanmuster.But she’sshakenme Theunexpectedviolencesendingmeoffcourse
Shesmilesandshuntsanotherinchforward.Thestakeisinrightuptothehilt.
Whatthefuckiswrongwithher?
Bloodrunsquickerdownthewoodnow.Itcoatsbothourfingers.Itmakesmyteethachewithneed,mytonguethrobwith thedesperatedesiretolapitup.
ButIwon’t Notfromher Neverfromher
“Ifyouwantedblood,youmerelyneedtoask.I’msurewecancometoanarrangement.I’malwaysgeneroustomylittle bloodsluts,”Octaviasays,hertongueslidingacrossherlips
“Fuckyou.”Ishuntthestake.IknowbythewinceonherfaceIcaughtsomethingserious.Herfingersgripmyfistharder, crushing my bones until I have to grit my teeth to prevent myself from moaning She bears her fangs at me, a low snarl emanatingfromherthroat.Shestepsbackoffthestakeandthenbendsmyhanduptomyface.Thestake,alongwithherblood oozingdownit,ismillimetresfrommymouth.Ipressmylipsshut.Iwillnotdrink,Iwillnotdrink.
Shenarrowshereyesatme “Ithoughtyouwantedtodrink?Here,I’mofferingyouthehighesthonourinthecity Doyou knowwhatpeoplewoulddotogettheirhandsonadropofmyblood?”
Ikickout,myfootcrunchingintoher knee Shestartles,loses balanceas her kneecappops outofplace Her griponme loosensenoughthatIyankthestakeoutofherhandasshejerksherlegandherkneecorrectsitself. Isuppressagag.
There’sadancingplatformaboveme.Isquatdownandleapup,grabbingthepoletostopmyselffromflyingofftheother
sideoftheplatform.
“Red?”Ameliashoutsfromanotherplatformacrossfromme.She’sdancingwithtwoguys.Mychestspasms.Mybeautiful babysister Ican’tstand lookingather, the wayshe represents everythingwe’re meantto hate The betrayal writteninher fangs.
ThememoryofholdingherpudgyhandwhilewestoodinfrontofMama’sgravestoneflashesthroughmymind Iamsonotreadytotalktoher.Ishakemyheadather.“Notyet,”Ishout.
Hereyeswellup,butIdon’thavetimebecauseIglancebehindmeandOctaviaiscrouching,readytospringupafterme I leap fromplatformto platformuntil I’ma few feet fromthe balcony. Octavia is on the first platform, leaping to the second.
Catandfuckingmouse ThisisnotthegameIcameheretoplay Icrouchdownandspringup,jumpingthroughtheairuntilIlandagainstthebalconyrailing.Theairburstsfrommylungs, makingmegroan Igiveaquicklookovermyshoulder She’salreadyonthesecondplatform Shit.
Iscrambleovertherailingandoutthebalconydoors Butthere’snoeasyaccesstodroptothegroundfromthisbalcony “ForBlood’ssake,”Igrowlandcranemyneckup.“Roofitis.”
Igrabthedrainpipeandclambermywayuptotheroof,haulingmyselfoverthelipandontoaflatarea.Isprintacrossthe flatsectionoftheroofandhavetwochoices:clamberacrosstheslopingsectionsanduptheturretsordown Ipeerovertheedge.There’sanotherbalconyandaporchbeneaththat.Downitis.Octavia,thankfully,isn’tusingvampire speed,thoughIknowthatjustmeansshe’stoyingwithme ButI’lltakeanyadvantageIcanget
Iclamberovertheedge,grabthedrainandshimmydownthebalcony.AnotherleapandIsmackintotheporchroof,butI keeprolling.Istretchfortheedgebutlosemygripanddropovertheedge,collapsingwithathudtotheground.
“Fuckingvampires,”Igrowl.ButIdon’thangabout.Ihaulmyselfupandrunthroughthemarket,weavinginandoutofthe stalls,dodginghumansandvampiresalike.
“Shit”Isayandfeverishlyglancearoundthemarket Ican’tseeOctavia Myheartthudsinbetweenmyribslikethebeat ofadrum.Ijustneedtogetbacktohunterterritory.
Myskintingles like she’s still followingme I’ma fool if I thinkmyrunningis enoughto dissuade her I canfeel her scratchingatmyskinlikefangs.
Irunontoabridgeoverthecanal.IfIcancrossandveerdownthemainroadthroughthePeaceTerritorybacktowardsthe Academy,I’llbeinpublicviewthewholetime.
Ireachthepeakofthebridgeandhalt.
Heatsimmersatmyback Myshouldersstiffen
“Fuck,”Ibreatheasariverboatfullofdrunkhumansdriftsunderthebridge. “Actually,”Octaviasaysfrombehindme “I’dloveto” Iblinkandmyhandsareonthebridgehandrail,lacedtightwitharopecuff. I’mtrapped.
Mywholebodysetsalight Goosebumpsflickerdownmyarms,downmyback Iyankagainsttheropecuff ButI’mwell andtrulystuck.Motherfuckingvampirespeed.
Anotherboatdriftsbeneathus,thistimetwoloversentwined,theboatmeanderingacrossthecanal Iwrencharoundtosee her,butIcanbarelysee,eventwistingmybodytothe pointofpain.She couldkill me fromthis position Drainme Fuckme thatthoughtshoulddisgustmethemost Andmybrainisscreamingthatit’savilethought,my body,though… Shit.Shit.Shit.
Traitorouslittlecunt IhateOctavia WhatIwantistopunishherforwhatshedidtomysister Edgeherintooblivionso shenevercomesagain.Sowhyisthethoughtofmetiedhere,submittingmypleasuretoher,makingmewet?Ishakemyhead clear,realisingit’sjustaboutsubmission,notherspecifically Octavialeansintomyback,pushingmyhipsagainsttherailings.
“Icansmell how muchyouwantme,” she purrs inmyear “Denyitall youwant, butthe onlypersonyoucanlie to is yourself.”
Sherunshertonguealongtheundersideofmyearlobe,sendingaboltofpleasurestraighttomyclit. Iscreaminfrustration,yankingmycuffedhandsharder IfonlyIhadn’tputmybladeaway,Icouldhaveslicedmywayout ofthesecuffs.
There’sanotherboat,alongeronethistime,filledwithdrinkersandpeopleinvariousstatesofundress Itdriftstowards us. Herbloodseepsintothebackofmyshirt.
“Do youwantmyblood?” she breathes againstmyneck, her lips skimmingmyskinand sendingsparks ofheatand fury downmyspine.
“Iaskedyouaquestion,”shesays,herbreathticklesmyskin.Iwanttoyankmyselfaway.
Instead,Ileancloser.“Whythehelldoyouwantmetodrinkyourblood?Soyoucantrackme?I’mnotafuckingidiot.I knowtheminuteIingestasingledrop,you’llbeabletofindmewhereverIam” Sheshrugsagainstmyback.“Onlyforanhourorso.”
“Anhourtoolong Besides,youonlylovethisgameofchasebecausenooneelsewillcomenearyou”
Thespacebetweenourbodiescools.I’vepissedheroff.Shemovesbehindme,thenbringstwofingersuptomyface,her blooddrippingoffthem
Mynostrils flare. Fuck. Itsmells like ecstasy. Like a thousand nights ofbliss, and everysecretwhispered inthe wind. I wantit.Ineedit.
No, no, no Get a grip, Red Iwriggleagainsther,buthergrasponmeislikesteel.
“Youwantme,”shesays “Sotakeme”
Theproblemis,Idowanther,oratleastIwantherblood.I’mnotanidiot.IknowI’manaddict.ButI’vebeencleanfor twoweeks Whichmakeswhathappensnextevenworse Itmakesmeweak I’mgoingagainsteveryounceoftrainingI’veever had.Imadeonestupidmistaketryingblood Icanbarelyevenrememberitanymore andI’vebeenpayingforiteversince. Ileanalittleclosertoherfingers.
Intheboatbelow,acouplestopfuckingtolookupatusonthebridge Myskiniselectricatthethoughtofthemwatching whathappensnext.
Ihavetofighttheurgetobiteherfingerscleanoff Thescentofheriron-richbloodisoverpowering “Yes,”shesays.“Doit.Givein.Succumbtoyourdesire.”
Islow mybreathing.Inhalingthroughmymouthinsteadofmynosetopreventthedelicious smell reachingmytastebuds. Butit’snouse.I’mstillleaningcloser.
Her body presses into my back, her enormous breasts pushing against my shoulder blades, making my knickers wetter. Excitementpoolsbetweenmythighs
IknowwhathappensifIlickthatbloodandit’snothinggood.NothingIwant.Idonotwanttofuckthewomanwhoturned mysister
Andyet,mylipspart.EverybreathislabouredasIwillmyselftostop.Mybodyistenseandalive.Therestrictionofmy hands,thefrictionofherchestagainstmyback,pushingmeintothestonerailings.
“Sayit,”shewhispersintomyear.“Sayyouwantitandit’syours.” Iclosemyeyes,thewordscometumblingout.“Iwantit.”
Shepushesherfingersintomymouth “That’sit,Red Takeitlikethegoodlittlebloodslutyouare”
Isuckherfingersintomymouth,mytonguerollingoverherskin,lappingandsuckingherdeeper. Mytastebudsexplode
She’s the mostdelicious thingI’ve ever tasted. Iglance up ather, those crimsoneyes boringinto me. She smiles as she pullsherfingersout,lingeringonmylip,andthenshesucksthemintoherownmouthandmypussyclenches.
IfIthoughtmybodywas alive before,this is like nothingelse Adrenaline fires throughmyveins,tingles andbutterflies race to my extremities. Blood floods to my clit. I gasp at the pulsing need throbbing between my legs. I knew this would happen Bloodmakeseveryonehorny ButOctaviaisoneoftheoriginalthree ThisneedsurgingaroundmeislikenothingI’ve everexperiencedbefore.
“Youwantsomethingelse,don’tyou?”Octaviasays Ileanmyforeheadagainstthebridge.Theropechafes,burningtheskinaroundmywrists.“Fuck,”Igrowl.Annoyedwith myselfforsuccumbing,knowingwherethisisgoing.Igritmyteeth.“Yes,Iwantsomethingelse.”
“Hmm,andwhatisityouwant,Red?Useyourwords,”shehumsagainstmyback “You.Octavia.Iwanttodrainthelifeoutofyou.”
“You’resweet,butwhydon’tyoutellmethetruth?”Sheshovesherkneebetweenmythighs,forcingmetospreadmyfeet She’s taller thanme,so her thighmeets mycrotch.Mypussyis so swollenandwetIwhimper atthe touch,eventhoughit’s throughclothing
She mustsense myneed because she drives her leghigher, forcingthe contact. Imoanand fall forward, slippingoffthe bridgerailing.Shegripsmeandpullsmebackupright.
“Red,”shehisses
“Fine.Forblood’ssake,Ineedtocome,okay?”Isay.Ifeellikesomeonelitamatchinsideme.LikeIwanttofuckmyway aroundtheMidnightMarket Stabeveryvampireinthecity Haulthehumansfromtheboatontothebridgeandfuckeachand everyone.
I’minvincibleandvulnerableandhornierthanI’veeverbeen.Iachetoriptheropesoffandfuckonthebridgecobbles. ButIdon’twantto tell her anyofthose things because Ihate her. Ihate whatshe’s done, who she is, butIhate her whole fuckingspeciesmorethananything.Despitethat,withherbloodcoilingthroughmyveins,Ineedtofuckher.
“What’syoursafeword?”shesays.
AndI’mnotsurewhythewordcomestome,butIdecidetouse,“Elysium.” Elysium? That’s anoddchoice, evenfor me It’s a small village onthe outskirts ofthe city Iused to runpatrols there a coupleofyearsago.Octaviastiffensbehindmeasifshehatestheword.
“Problem?”Isay,eventhoughit’stoughshit I’mkeepingit,especiallyifshehatesit “Noproblem.”Sherelaxesagainstmeandthengripsmychin,pointingmygazedowntowardtheboat.
“You’regoingtogetyourorgasm,butyou’regoingtoputonashowforthosenosylittlehumans”
“Iwillpayyoubackforthis,”Ispit,butmypussyisalreadypulsingatthethoughtofbeingwatched.I’veneverfuckedin public,buteventheideaofitisturningmeonsomuchIcanfeelthearousalinmyknickers.
“Idohopeso,”shesays
Iglancedownattheboat.It’scloseenoughthebeatoftheirmusicdriftsuptothebridge.It’sslowandbassy.Atleastthree of the humans are on blood like me, you can tell by their frenzied expressions Some are openly fucking on the wooden benches,orleaningagainsttheboat’shull,theircocksandpussiesinotherpeople’smouths.Theotherhalfofthehumansonthe boathaveceasedwhatthey’redoingtowatchus,enjoyingthevoyeurshowfromtheshadowycanal
Octavia’shandslidesfrommybacktomysideanddownmytorsountilshedropsovermyhipandthightooneofmyblade holsters.
I freeze Is she goingto kill me? Is that what this all was? Aployto publiclyslaughter the Hunter Academy’s chief of security.Theshame.Butshepullsabladeoutoftheholsterandreachesaroundmyfronttopressitagainstmycrotch.
“Whatare you ” Istart, butshe flips the blade sharp side up and presses itto the fabric ofmytrousers She slices my crotchintwo.
Isquealasthebladecatchesmyunderwear,shreddingthataswell.
“Fuck,”Iscream.“Youcouldhavecutme.”
“ThenI’dhavekissedyourprettyhunterpussybetter,”shesaysandmybodymelts,liquidexcitementstickingtomybare thighs Idon’tcareaboutanythinganymore,Ijustneedtofuckandcomeandfuckagain
She slides her knee betweenmythighs again, pinningme againstthe railing. She leans againstmybackand reaches out, grippingthesidesofmytrousersandyanking,rippingthemapartsomycuntisondisplayfortheentireboattosee
Thenshedrivesherthighupuntilit’spressingagainstmyslickfolds.
“Now,putonashowlikeagoodgirl,”shesaysintomyear,herwordstricklingdownmyneck.
“Whatdoyou ”Istart.
Sheshiftsherthigh,pullingitbackandpushingitforward,movingitovermycunt.Pressureflowsovermyclit.
“Fuck,”Iwhimperandgripthestonerailtightersomylegsdon’tgiveout Thesensationspillsoutfrommyclitandinto myentirebody.
Sheshunts intome,her bodypressingagainstmybackandarse Itrynottothinkaboutthefactthattheheightdifference meansherpussyisagainstmyarse.Shegrabsmyhips,pullsmebackoverherthighandthenshovesmeforward,draggingmy pussyagainsthersmoothleather-cladthigh.
Idon’tmissthefactthatneitherofusaretouchingskintoskin It’smypussy,herleather-coveredthigh Andyet,theelectric sensationsareconsuming.
Shemustreadmymindbecauseshegrazesmyearlobewithherteeth,sendinganotherexquisiteshiverdownmyspineand says,“Doyouwantme?”
“Yes”AndfuckdoI Inthismoment,IthinkI’dbewillingtogiveupbeingahunterifitmeantIgottopressmylipstoher cunt.
“Toobad.Now.Usemythighandfuckyourselftillyoucomeforthecrowd.”
She slaps myarse, shovingme forward again, the grindingmotionagainstmyclitsendingpulses ofpleasure throughmy legs,rightdowntomytoes.
Irockthen Igripthestonerailandrockonherthigh,grindingagainstherleg,pushingmysoakingcuntoverandoverher Shemoveswithme,herhipsassistingandridingwithmeuntilwe’removingtotheboat’smusic.Asthepressurebuildsinmy clit,myheadrollsbackontohershoulder Itmakesmyneckexposed,vulnerable
I’maware ofher fangs dropping,her headleaningtowards myneck,her tongue runningthe lengthofmycarotid,butshe doesn’tbite.Shestayscompletelyincontrol.Justmovingwithme,teasingherselfasmuchassheteasesme.Igrindagainsther harder,faster ShedrivesherkneehigheruntilIcan’ttakeitanymoreandtheorgasmeruptsandspillsoverintobliss Icomejustastheboatmeetsthebridge.Thehumanscheerasitslipsunderus,takingthemawayfromsight.
Shestaresatme There’samomentwhereIamutterlyblissedout,andIsweararippleofpaincrossesherexpression But it’s there andgone quicker thanIcanreadit.Thenmyhands are releasedfromthe rope cuffs andI’minher arms andshe’s racing,vampire-fast,overthebridgeandintoalittlemarketgarden.Shesitsmeonherlap,cradlingmeinherarms,thenoise fromthemarketmutedbythehedgesandshrubs.Sheholdsmeamoment,untilthehighdissipatesandIcrashbacktoreality, herblooddrainingoutofmysystem.AndIrealisewhathappened.Whatshedid.WhatIdid.
SweetfuckingMotherofBlood.
Iscrambleoutofherarmsandstepawayuntilmybackhitsatallbush.
“Feistytonight, aren’tyou,” she says and pushes one ofher blacklocks behind her ear “Whyare youdrinkingblood? I thoughtyourkindfrowneduponthat.”
Bymykind, she means hunters we are the law inthis city It’s our dutyto extinguishanymisbehavingvampire, or any misbehavingcreatureforthatmatter.
She’salsodeadright IftheAcademyknewIwasdosing itwouldbetheendofmycareer,andthefactsheknowsisnot a comfort. They’d probably give me more grace for having fucked one of the original three vampires than they would for dosing.
Didwefuck?Whatdidjusthappen?Technically,neitherofustouchedeachother Thankthegods,thatgivesmeplausible deniability.
“TellanyoneandI’llexecuteyou,”Isay
Shesnorts,laughingsohardherheadkicksback.Asmilecurlsoverherlips.
“Youwantme Youhateme Youfuckme”Shetut,tut,tutsatme,shakingherhead,hertongueclick,click,clickingintime withherwords.Thenshe’sonallfours,crawlingtowardsmeoverthecobbles.“Whatareyougoingtodo,Red?Youcouldn’t killmeafterItookyoursister.Whatmakesyouthinkyoucannow?”
My whole body tenses Fire burns through my expression This is why I hate her She took the last person that meant anythingtome.It’swhyIhatethemall.Theblissoftheorgasmdrainsoutofme,leavingbehindrageandfury.
Fatherleftustoworkforavampirenoble
Motherwasadonor,drainedinasupposedaccident.Whendovampireseverhaveaccidents?
AndthenAmelia.
Stolen.
Allbecauseofastupidmistakeshemade,gatecrashingavampirenoble’sparty.Theidiot.Shewasalwayssospontaneous. IrememberthefirstbirthdayshehadafterMumhadpassed I’dgottenleavefromtheHunterAcademy,plannedeverything,but itchuckeditdownwithrain.Ameliadidn’twanttostopcelebratingsosheconvincedmetodanceintherainforhours.Itwas funatthetime,butwhenwebothgotsick,andIhadtotraininorder toearnenoughfor herbsandmedications Shenever thinksanythingthrough.
Shealwayshada‘liveforrightnow’attitude.Well,Isupposeshereallywill livenow andforevermore.Octaviawasat thatpartyandtookadvantage.Drainedher,stoleherfrommeandturnedherintothethingIhatemorethananything.
Shereachesmyfeetandstandsup,leaningintomypersonalspace.Vampiresarecold,andyetheatpulsesbetweenus.The scentofherperfume,deepoudandsomethingspicywaftsintomynose
“IswearonthebonesoftheChurchofBlood,Iwillruinyou,OctaviafuckingBeaumont.”
Hereyesglimmer Thosecrimsonpupilsboringintome Shesucksherbottomlipin,andsomethinginsidemetwitches,as ifthesightofherlikethisispleasurable.
“Oh,Ihopeso,Red.Ireallyhopeso…”sheletsthatlingerintheairuntilhermeaningisabundantlyclear.
“Whatiswrongwithyou?Youkilledmysister,”Isnarl “Yoursisterisalive.”
“No She’safuckingdrainerlikeyou”
“Yes, she’s a superior beingnow. Youhunters are all the same. Just because we feed onyour life source, youthinkus monsters Butyou’re the hypocrites Youkill us frivolouslywithflimsyreasoningandyetyou’re the one indulgingina little backdoorblood.Atleastwe’reopenaboutourconsumption…”
“You’retwisted,”Ispit.
“Andyet,I’mnottheonewhoseheartrateiselevatedorpupilsareblown AndI’mnottheonewho'sarousedbythesmell ofmyblood…No,ifanything,I’dsayyou’rethesickone,darling…Becauseyouwanttofuckmeagain,forrealthistime.I’d bettheonlythoughtrunningthroughyourheadiswhatmycoldlittlecunttasteslike”
Myteethgrindagainsteachother,butIhavenocomeback. Hereyeslowertomycrotch,theshreddedfabric “Youhateme,yougutme,cutme andyet,youstillwanttofuckme Interesting.”
Asicksmilepeelsacrosshermouth.Twoperfectlywhite,perfectlysharpfangspeekingoutfromhersmile. Heatfloodsmyface “Whatjusthappened Thatwas Iwouldnev ” “ Really?”Sheshiftsrightuptome.Herkneepressingagainstmyswollencunt.Shockfreezesmeinplace.Sheleansinto myneck,inhalesthescentofme “Ibegtodiffer” Butthistimeshefacesme,herpupilsareaswideasmine,andthatgivesmeasmugsenseofsatisfaction. Isneer.“LookslikeI’mnottheonlyonewhowantstofuck,”Isay.
Ihatewherethisconversationisgoing.She’swrong.Ihavezerodesiretofuckher.Whathappenedwaspurelythebloodin mysystem.Thatwasthemistake allowingmyselftotasteher.
Thisisunbridledrage.Ithastobe.Ishiftonthespot,thepricklyshrubleavespokingmyback.Unfortunately,herleather trouserssticktomypussyinawaythatimpliesit’smorethanrage.Whatthefuckiswrongwithme?Vampiresrepulseme.I shrugitoff They’redesignedthisway Tobealluring It’spartoftheir‘charm’ It’snotreal,andshefuckingknowsit She’s justsayingshittowindmeup.Thiswillgoaway.Onceshe’sseenAmeliathroughthatfirstmonthofthechange,she’llgrow boredwithtorturingme She’llfindanotherhumantoturnandshe’llleavemealone Someonemeandersthroughthepark,awoman.Twoinfact,drunkandwobbling.Octaviaspeedsacrossthepebbledpath asoneofthewomentakesatumble Octaviacatchesherbeforeherheadcrunchesintoagiantrock Shesavedherlife.
Thewomanrightsherself,takesonelookatOctaviaandscreamsthekindofnight-splittingshriekreservedformurderers andhorrorshows
“GETTHEFUCKAWAYFROMME,FREAK!”shescreams.Thewomenrun,fleeingOctavia’spresence.
I’llconfess,thereisamomentwhereIfeeltheinjusticeofthis I’dheardofOctavia’sreputation,thefactthecityhatesher Ihadn’tseenitinactionthough.
Octaviareturnstome,hercheeksaflame Iopenmymouthtoapologisefortheirbehaviour,butshemerelycontinuesasifit neverhappened.
“WhatIwanttoknow,”shestartsagain,“iswhyahunterlikeyouwouldsinkthemselvestothelevelofdosing.Hmm?” Iopenmymouth,genuinelyabouttojustifymyselftoher Andpromptlyshutit
“Goodbye,Octavia.Hopeyoufallonastake.”Ishifttotheside,pushoffthebushandwalkoff.Ishrugmyjumperoffand tie itaround myhips, hidingmyshredded trousers She gets outofthe way, sittingherselfonthe gardenbench, drapingher armsoverthebackofit.
Shesniffsalaughout.“TelltheChiefIsaidthanksforthebloodbags.”
So that’s where Romanand Marcel went. Iwondered who the Chiefgave themto. Mybestie lives inanother city, New Imperium,andshehadaloadoftroublewithheroldmentor,Roman.Ihelpedheroutofapatchoftroubleafewmonthsago. Theirprincess,Morrigan,banishedtheculprits,andIofferedtobringthemtoourcitytoserveasdonorsuntilthevampsgot boredanddrainedthemdry.
“Tellheryourself Whenyoutellheraboutmebuyingblood I’msurethat’syourplannow,isn’tit?Toruinme?”
Octavia raises aneyebrow, she pouts, “Oh, I’mgoingto ruinyoualright. ButI’ll give youa free pass onthe blood this evening.Ifigureyouoweme,though.”
Ishakemyhead,theaudacity.She’sanidiotifshethinksIenduregoingtotheWhisperClubforanyreasonotherthanthe factIknowwhatIdostaysprivate.
“Howgraciousofyou ButIdon’toweyoushit” “Oh?Andwhatmakesyouthinkthat?”
And this is how Iwin “Ionlybuyinside your club Your mansionkeeps the secretfor me Isn’tthatwhyit’s called the WhisperClub?”
Herexpressionnarrows.SheknowsI’vewon.Hernosetwitcheslikeshe’ssuppressingtheirritation.
“ThenIsuppose I’ll be seeingyouagainsoon, won’tI?” And the wayher rouged lips curl around the words makes my heartbeatalittlefaster.
Rage IclingtoitasIwalkoutofthegardenandbackintotheMidnightMarket.
OCTAVIA
Ispend another couple ofhours inthe club before Ihave to make mywayto Mother’s after Xavier’s summons As Ihead towardstheexit,Eringivesmeacheekysalute.“’Night,boss.” Iclapher ontheback.Erinismyright-handwoman.Bitofavicioustype,all brawn,crushing,squeezingandgarrotting. And to give her credit, she is one ofthe few who isn’tafraid ofme, thoughwhether that’s because there’s notenoughbrain attachedtothebrawnorthefactshe’sahunter,I’mnotsure.Regardless,wehaveanagreement.SheservesmetillherthirtyfifthbirthdayandI’llturnher Ifsheservesmeanotherthirty-fiveyearsasavamp,therestofherimmortalityisherown I’ll head towards the MidnightMarketcarriage station. I’d normallyuse the club’s station, butIdon’thave mypersonal carriage.
IstepoutoftheclubintotheMidnightMarket.It’smisty.Achillwindwhipsthroughthestalls.Roilsofwhitesteampeel offthecanalstoshroudmeincreamyshadows.Today,themansiondoorhasexitedmeintotheclothingquarterofthemarket.I wonderiftheclubissuggestingIchangemyattire,orifthisiswhereitswhimsandfanciestookit It’sagiftandacurse,this mansion. The house’s moods are one reasonI adore it. It’s secretive and changes its entrance and exit whenever it deems necessary Findingtheplacecanbeapainintheassifyou’renotaufaitwithitstemperament
Iwalkalongthecanal,pastdozensofmarketstalls,racksofdressesandhighcollaredjackets thefashionofthemoment.
“Youshouldn’tbehere,filthyomenofdeath,”amarketsellersaysandturnshisbacktowardsmeasI’mpassing. Iglanceupathim.Goosefleshflecksdownthebackofhisneckasifmybeingalivedisgustshim.Pathetichuman.Ihave swungthrougheveryemotionover the years.Iusedtodrainthose whodiscriminatedagainstme,tore their heads fromtheir necks But that onlymade the humans worse Itried reasoningwiththem, arguingwiththemuntil Irealised ignoringit and raisingmyshieldswastheonlythingIcoulddo.
Imeanderthroughanewquarter,thisonefullofwitchgrimoires,bottlesofherbsandpotionsthatcrawlinwaysthatmake me uncomfortable. I divert out of this area past sellers dishing out ordinary stock bottles of blood and then past the more nuanced flavours. Though by the odd hue to the bottles, I can tell they didn’t collect it in the authentic way our blood is. Knockoffs,nodoubt ThatsaidI’mhungry “I’lltakeanA-positivewithessenceoflove,”Isay.
Thesellerriflesthroughhisbottlesandpluckstherightone “Here,oh ”hesaysashiseyesmeetmine
Hisfingerstremble,thebottleshakesinhishandashemovesafractionfurtheraway.
“Forgetit,”Isay,myheartsinking Iwalkaway,andattimeslikethisIcursemynatureandenhancedhearing “Vile,disgustingcreature,”hesaysunderhisbreath.Butit’snomatter,Ihearanyway. Istepdownintotheunderground,thesleekredwallsofthestaircasealmostshimmerytonight.Thestairsguidemedown, down, down Under the market, under the canals and quaint townhouses toward the carriage platforms When I reach the bottom,Ichuckasilvercoinintotheticketbarrierhole,anditletsmethrough.
“LadyBeaumont,” gasps anelderlyhumanman He bows his head atme, backs awayand stumbles Ilunge to stop him fromfalling,butheyelpsasmyhandbrusheshisarmandthatalertsthestationstaff.
Gods WhydoIbother helping?Thestationmaster appears andfrowns atmeuntil his gazemeets mineandthenashiver wrackshisbody.
Thestationmaster reachesdowntopicktheoldmanupasIsighandleavethemtoit.Whilethevastmajorityofcitizens fear me,thereligiousreveremeenoughtostayaway Nodoubtthismanisoneofthefaithful TheChurchofBloodtendsto spitoutbelievers.Thatshe’ll return.Themaker.Ourwitchgoddess,theoriginatorofmydearmotherCordelia.
Mother always tells the story in the same way Where everyone else has varying shades of commitment to the church, Motherdespisesit.
Onceuponatime,thereweretwofamilies,theStClairsandtheRandalls.Andlikeanyrespectingfamiliesofnobility,they wereatwar.
For pettythings,Mother says.Over landandproperty.The economyandlegacy.None ofitseems tomatter now andthe detailshavefadedevenfor her.Nonetheless,alocal witchtookissuewiththeir dealings.Manyofthelocalswerecaughtin theirwar,slaughteredandmaimedfornoreasonotherthanbeingintheway Sothewitchcursedtheheirs,Motherandsome womancalledEleanor,tobecomemortalenemies,neverabletokilleachother.
While their families died long ago, Cordelia and Eleanor lived on Hatred seeping into their bones like a disease Burrowingandfesteringintheirsoulsforathousandyears.Andasforthewitch?Aspenanceforhercrimes,thewitch-gods gaveherachoice:becomethemonstershecreatedorspendeternityinhell Andthatishow thethreevampirelinescameto be:onecursed,onechosen,andme:oneborn.
Thewitch-vampirewaslosttohistory,thoughherlinewasnot.She’dturnedenoughvampiresbeforevanishingforherline tocontinue
Aclaret-colouredcarriagepullsupandIjumpin.
“CastleStClair,”Isayandknockonthecarriagewall
“Alright,miss,”thedriversays.
Wecreatedthesecarriagetunnelsathousandyearsago,shortlyafterMotherandIcametobe They’retheonlywaywecan travel atthe peakofsuns up. The horses take a while to trainup, though. Theydon’tmuchlike beingdownhere, so they’re rotatedoftenandtakengoodcareof,andnowthetunnelsserveallourkind.
Warmthhits me as soonas I slide into a leather seat The carriage is a deep rouge, plush I struckluckythis evening Sometimestheycanbeshabby.
ThetunnelsweaveliketheveinswedrawourmealsfromunderSanguiCity,traversingacrossterritoryboundarieswithout acare.Thecarriagesdownherearerounderthanovergroundones.They’redesignedtolooklikefattenedbloodcells.
Acouple ofhours later, the carriage pulls up to the StClair stationterritory. To mydisdain, Dahlia, myleastfavourite sibling,iswaitingformeoutsidethestationwithahorse.
Threemenstrollpast,Itenseupasoneofthemcatchessightofme. Hebaulks,grabsthearmofoneofhismates “It’sthefreak,”hesays “Theomenofdeath,”theotheroneconfirms.
The third manmakes the mistake The words Icanhandle, the words all mysiblings ignore, it’s the violence none ofus tolerate.Thethirdmanpicksuparockandflingsitatme.
Dahlia,MotherofBlood,blessherviolentsoul,flingsmethereinsandlungestocatchit.Sheracesforwardandsmashes thesamerockovertheman’sheadrepeatedlyuntilhisfaceisabloodiedpulp.Themanwhocalledmeafreakpisseshispants, adarkstreakspreadingdownhistrouserleg,andtheothermanrunsasshedropstheoneshe’sbeatentotheground.
Shestrollsbacksmiling,adarklittleglintinhereye “Sister,”shesays.“Shallwe?”
“Weshall,andthankyou,”Ianswer It’sarareoccasionDahliaandIareonthesameside Butasmuchaswequarreland bicker and hate on each other, we are still family, and she will not tolerate abuse from an outsider. Our relationship is complicated.
HerblackhairisquaffedinasimilarstyletoXavier’s,thoughhersisshorterthanhis,andcutinamoreaggressiveshape She’ssmallerthanmeinheight,butmorethanmakesupforitinsizeandunrestrainedrage.Shehasthatmuscularbuildcreated bythrowingpunches and crushingbones Five hundred years ago, whenMother turned her, myfavourite thingto do was to watchpeopleunderestimateher.She’sawretchedlittlething,all fangsandfury.She’salsoMother’sfavourite.Makeofthat whatyouwill The womanhad broughtme up for five centuries before Dahlia came along, and yet, Dahlia is her favourite Xavierdisagreeswithme,butIknowI’mright.
“Youlooklikeshit,”shespits.
Ahh,backtohatingeachothersoquickly “Youcouldatleastattemptcivility.”Isigh.
Shejumpsonherhorse,leansdownandholdsthereinsofminetoallowmetogeton
“Likeyoudowhenyou’rehungry?”shesays.
“Idon’tthinkyou’reonetotalkabouthanger,Dahlia”
Sherollshereyesatme.“Thatwasseventy-fiveyearsago.Isn’tittimeyouletthatgo?”
“Letgoofthefactyoudrainedandslaughteredmygirlfriendbecauseyouwantedtofuckher,andshewasn’tinterested?”
“Please, she was a pathetic humanwoman I wouldn’t have pity-fucked her if she begged Besides, she wouldn’t have survivedturning,letalone the Morose Mourning.Iwas puttingher outofher miserybefore youkilledher tryingtoturnher. Really,youshouldbethankingme”
Atsomepointinthefirstfivehundredyears,everyturnedvampireexperiencestheMoroseMourningperiod.Usually,after the last livingrelative who canremember thempasses. It’s some kind of trigger intheir minds. The realityof immortality descendsandforawhile,theymournlife,living,thefragilityofmortality.Ofcourse,Ineverexperiencedthat.Iwasbornthis wayandknownodifferent.
Whichmeansit’syetanotherwayI’mdifferentfromthem.
“Itwasn’tyourchoicetomake, Dahlia,”Igrowl.
“Neitherwasityourstoburnmycottagedownwithmeinit,butyoualwaysseemtoforgetthat” Ishrug.“Itseemedafairrecompense.Besides,Ileftyouawindowunlocked.”
Sheglaresatme,buttheconversationisthankfullyover We’resilentasourhorsestrotoutofthecarriagestationandferry us upthe longandwindingroute throughforests andmountains toMother’s castle.The familyhome looms onthe topofthe highestpeakinthe city: Castle StClair,wrappedinshrouds ofclouds andmountainmist,its crenellatedturrets a beaconof powergazinguponitsinhabitants.
AsIgazeupatthehighestturret,themoonshowersthecastlewithglisteninglight;itoccurstomethatofcourseMother wantshercastleatthehighestpoint Thatway,shecanseeeverythingandeveryoneshecontrolsbeneathher
“Youcouldatleastpretendtobeenthusedoverdinner,forMother’ssake,”Dahliasaysasweslowthehorsestoastopin thecirculardriveandwedismount
“Why?TheonlytimeMothersummonsustoadinnerlikethisiswhenshe’splanningwargames,imposinganotherruleor regulationonusorthere’sbadnews”
“Well,ifyouplayedbyherrules,perhapswewouldneedfewerdinners,”shesnaps.
And there is the truthof it. This is whyshe’s Mother’s favourite, because despite all her strength, she doesn’t have an originalthoughtorbackboneinsight Instead,sheplacatesourmotherbybeingherlapdog It’spathetic Ican’tevenbringmyselftorespond.Ihandthereinstoastableboyasabutleropenstheenormousarchedoakdoorsand we enter Our feetclackagainstthe cold stone slabs as we make our waythroughthe hallways The walls are lined witha timeline of art throughthe ages. Everystyle fromthe last thousand years. Ahandful of the paintings are portraits, some of Cordelia,someofmysiblings,twoofthemall noneofme.
Dahliacatchesmelookingattheportraits,themanythathangofherandMotherandourothersiblings.
“Whenareyougoingtogetoverit?Youdidn’tactually killhisdaughter.”
Iignoreher Shewasn’tevenalivetorememberthepain
WhenIwasachildandMotherwasbusytakingoverthecity,shewouldtakemeonherworktrips.Shewouldmeetand greetthecity’speople OnedayIwasplayingwithanotherlittlegirlwhileMothermingledwiththecity’speople Twodayslater,wefoundthemandefacingthefirstportraitwe’dhadofustogether.Mother,furious,demandedtoknowthe problem.
Hisdaughterhaddiedthesamenightshe’dplayedwithme.Weknewsomuchlessaboutthebiologyofourkindbackthen. Wedidn’thaveawaytoprovethatIhadn’tgivenhersomediseaseorillness.
Themanreturnedwithhisfriends,theytriedtotakeme,steal meawaytohurtme Foolishreally,theydidn’tunderstand whatIwas,howstrongIwas.
Motherstartedit Asisthewayofhercruelty,shewouldn’tstandfortheirattack Shesankherfangsintooneofthemen, draininghimwhere he stood. Beingthe naive child Iwas, Ijoined in. And so, atthe end ofthe slaughter, aneight-year-old stoodinthemidstofacircleofbodiesatherfeet.Severedlimbsinherhands,bloodstreakingherdressandcheeks.
Cordelia made sure the dead girl’s father lived to tell the tale Her warning to the city Only her cruelty twisted the message.
Itbecameamyth
Ibecameamonster.
Andthecityneverforgaveme Now,Idon’tallowportraitsofmyself Onlytwoartistshavetried,bothhumanandsohad tohaveanextensivepreparationperiodtoevenbecomfortableinthesameroomasme.Bothmademelooklikeamonstrous demon.Itdidn’thappenagain.
Dahlialeadsmetothegranddiningroom Motherisalreadysittingonherelaboratethroneattheend Shestandsandopens herarms.
Wehaveanuneasysortofrelationship Asheradopteddaughter,she’salwayshadsomelevelofpowerandcommandover me.Somethingthat,as Imatured,didn’tsitwell.Iamoneoftheoriginal three.Byrights,Iamher equal.Someyears ago,I brokeawayandcarvedoutmyownterritoryanddominionontheothersideofthecity
“Sister,”GabrielsaysasIsqueezehisshoulderandwalkpast.He’sleantback,hislong,lithelegskickeduponthetable,a bookineachhandashespeedreadsacrossbothofthem.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen Gabriel without reading material in his hands The faded red leather of the tomes’covers matchestheintenserougeofhissuit somethingelseIdon’tthinkI’veeverseenhimwithout.
DahliatakesherseatononesideofMother Itakethesameseatontheoppositeside Xavierisalreadysittinginthechair tomyleft.
Xavierleansin,whispersinmyear,“Goodevening,Favourite.”
Ismileandkisshischeek.
Sadie,itseems,islateasalways.
Aslewofbutlerssweepin,depositingtraysofbloodiedsteaksandgobletsofwarmblood.
“Honestly,Mother,Idon’tknow whyyoupersistinthischaradeofdinner.Youknow we’dall behappierwithdonorsat ourfeet”DahliagrimacesasabutlerdepositstheraweststeakI’veseenonherplate Shenudgesitaway,herlipspinching Xaviertucksinimmediately.Gabrielshoveshisplateawaybutpourshimselfagobletofblood-wineandpassesthedecanter acrossthetabletome,whichIgladlytake
Ipouragobletanddrinkseveral sips.Then,reluctantly,Ipickupmyknifeandforkandcutthethinnestsliverofsteak.I chewandswallow,wishingitwerebloodierandwarmer
CordeliaglaresatDahlia.“Wewill havedinnerlikeacivilisedfamily.”Motherisinasweepinggownthisevening,her hairsweptintoanup-do,theonlyhintofherageasilverstreakrunningthroughonesideofherparting.
“I’d hardlycall us civilised,” Xavier says, chewinghis steakand pickingup his goblet He takes a huge gulp ofbloodwine.“Ordidyouforgetthelastdinnerwetried?”
Mymouthquirks He’stalkingaboutthedinnermassacreofsixmonthsago Thingsgot outofhand Motherhadarranged forseveralhousedonorstoattend.Oneofus,Iforgetwho,thoughIsuspectitwasDahlia,lostcontrol,andsoensuedablood frenzy
GabrielisDahlia’sbirthtwin.WhateverDahliadoes,Gabrieldoes.Thepairofthemseteachotheroff,whichgaveXavier anexcusetojoinin.IfollowedsuitandSadie…well,I’mnotsureifshe’severreallyanythingbutquietlyoutofcontrol.It’s oneofthethingsIadmireabouther
“Istillhaven’tforgivenyou,Xavier,”Gabrielsays,takinghisfeetoffthetable.
XaviertrappedGabrielinoneofthedonorcages onlywithoutanyoftheactualdonorsinside PoorGabehadtowatch inafrenziedstate,starvinganddesperate,whiletherestofusdrankourfill.Itwasacrueltorment. Ilaughedforthreeweeksaboutit. Gabrielnotsomuch.
Hethrewhimselfagainsttherailshardenoughhecrackedhisownskullandbrokeseveralribstryingtoescape.
“Iwasinmedicalfortwonightsafterthatdinner,”Gabrielwhines “Er…Gabriel,youaskedhimtoputyouinthere,somethingaboutdeprivation-kink,”Isay. “Ididnot,”hegasps Cordelia’sfacepinches.
Xaviershrugs,“Asked…didn’task,same-same.” “Hardly,”Gabrielgrowls.
Dahlia’sfacetwistsassheglancesatGabriel,“I’veseenyouinOctavia’sclub…itwouldn’tbethefirsttimeyou’vebeen putinacagewillingly Ithinkyougetoffonit”
“Traitor.”Heglaresather.
“Loyaltothehousealways,brother,”Dahliasays “Enough.”Cordeliacutstheconversationoff.“I’vebroughtyouherefora civilised dinner.Iexpectnothingless.Now,tell me.Howisbusinessforyouall?Xavierdarling,youstart.”
Hesitsupalittlestraighter Xavier doesn’thaveanofficial title,butifhedid,itwouldbeschmoozer Mother collected Xavier because ofhis beautyand abilityto charmthe nobles ofthe city. Inother words, schmooze and corral everyone into Mother’s line and rules Basically, he’s the familywhip fuckinggood atit, too ThoughI’d argue thatusingcompulsionis cheating.Buthedoesn’tgiveafuckifitgetsthejobdone.
“LordandLadyWoodleyaresupportiveofyourcontinuedeffortstopushbackthehunterterritory,thoughtheyrequestyou at least attempt to keep their farming lands intact. The humans on the borders of the St Clair and hunter territory are complainingthattherearevampiresterrorisingthehumansettlementsintheregion.”
“Sonoted I’llseewhatcanbedone Gabriel?”Motherturnstohim Hecloseshisbooksandplacesthemonthetable.“TheGreatLibraryhasacquiredanunusualgrimoirefromoutofthecity. It’sancient Inegotiatedforitpersonally”
Xavier coughs. Gabriel fires hima nastysneer, but Mother catches the implication. Gabriel might have negotiated, but Xavierwastheonewhocharmedthegrimoireovertheline
“Andhasthisgrimoireilluminatedanythingofnote?”Motherasks.
“It’sstillsituatedinthelibraryvault.I’llbeexaminingittomorrow,butit’ssaidtocontainscriptwritteninthelostwitchvampire’sownhand”
Motherstiffens.“Well,Ishouldliketoexaminethatmyself.Perhapsyou’dcareforcompanytomorrow?”
Gabrielbrightens “I’dbedelighted”
“Kiss-ass,”Imumble.
“Don’tbebitter,”Gabrielfiresback.
“Onlyasbitterasyoursingleheart.”
“Saysthepottothekettle,honey.”Gabrielsmirks.
“AndhowdoyouexpectmetodatewhenDahliakeepseatingeveryone?”Isnap.
“MotherofBlood,Iwashungry,andshewouldn’thavesurvivedturning.”Dahliathrowsherhandsup.
Thethingis,Dahliaisn’twrong Myexprobablywouldn’thavesurvivedtheturning,shewasabitofawetblanket,and DahlialikelydiddoherafavourbecauseIwasgoingtoattempttoturnher.ButIhavenointentionoflettingDahliaknowthat. Ijustlikewindingherup
Thedoorsflyopenandcrashagainstthewalls,cuttingtheargumentshort.Sadiewalksin,her expressionmuted,butshe swingsherhandsinaseriesofgesturesthatpromptlyshutallofusup
“TheonlyonegettinglaidaroundhereisXavier,”Sadiesigns.
It’safairpoint.EvenDahliacan’targuewiththat.Xavierleansbackinhischair,smugthathewonaroundhewasn’teven partof Sadiemovesaroundthetableinahauntingfashion Herdressislikeaplumeofsmoke,billowinganddriftingaround her feet, whichseemto glide across the stone floor. Moonbeams stretchfromthe window to the floor, and as she sweeps throughthem,Iswearsheflickersinandoutofexistence Ishiver Shekisseseveryonehello,lingeringamomentlongeronmy head.
Sadie and I are drawn towards each other I always wanted to connect with her the way I do with Xavier, but she’s unpredictable,alittleferal,andsheholdspiecesofherselfawayfromus.Shetries,though.Withmeespecially,IthinkI’mher safeplace.EveryonethinksDahliaisthemostsavageofthefiveofus.Somethingtellsmeit’sreallySadie.
XavierpullsachairoutnexttohimforSadie Ofallofus,he’sthepeacekeeper Hebendstowhispersomethinginherear Istraintolisten,ifonlytoensurehe’snotwhisperingthesamefavouredwordstoher hedoes tome.NotthatI’mjealous.I hateallmysiblingswithequalfervour
“Yourbrothersandsistersweretellingmetheirbusinessupdates.Whathaveyoufromthechurch?”Cordeliasays.
Sadiesags,awispynoiseemanatesfromherthroat.Herhandsdartinfrontofherlightningquick.Ikeepup,justabout. “Thechurchisfine.Congregationisswelling.ThoughIamunderstaffed,andtheTrialofSpiritistoodifficult.Thefailure rateanddeathratesofpotentialmonksiskillingmyabilitytorunenoughservices.”
Cordelia doesn’t look even remotely upset about this She hates the church and only tolerates it because it makes her daughterhappy.
ButImakeanotethatImayneedtoemployasigntutoragaintobrushuponmyspeed I’mfluent,butSadiespeaksfast, andIdohatenotbeingabletocatcheverythingsaid.
GabrielandDahliaaretheworst.Theyshareentireconversationsinlooksandglances,ashiftofashoulderandawaveof afinger Ithinkit’satwinthing.Eitherway,it’sinfuriatingalwaysbeingontheoutside.
They’refivehundredyearsoldnow.IremembertheirarrivallikeyesterdaybecauseIwasfuriousMothercouldbringyet morechildrenintothisfamily Wasn’tIenough?Wasn’tXavier?
The nighttheyjoined us, some humancame tearinginto Castle StClair, beggingCordelia to come to his village to deal witha problemhouse Of course, that wasn’t enoughto pique her interest But thenhe told her the house contained demon children.Well,she’dhadadaughterforfivecenturies,andasonfortwoandahalf.Whynotaddtothefamily?
So, she went withthe humanto the village and found a locked house. Not just locked but sealed shut magically. Some pissed off witch, I suspect When she broke through the seal, what she found haunted the village for decades There were dozensofbodies.Allofthemdead.Onlythetwinsremainedalive,stoodinamongstthecarcasses,theirhandsclasped.They weregaunt,cakedindriedblood Theworstofit,though,thethingthatreallyconvincedCordeliatotakethemin,was their answertoherquestion.
“Whathappened?”she’dasked “Theyupsetus,”thetwinsresponded. Andthatwastheendofit.XavierandIhadnew siblings.Shekeptthemhuman,mindyou,thenturnedthemagainsttheir willontheirtwenty-fifthbirthday
“Andtheclub?”Motherasks,bringingmebacktothepresent. “Fine,”Ishrug
“Detailedresponseasever,”shesighs. “It’sgood,Mother,tradeisexcellent Whyarewehereanyway?Youclearlyhavesomethingtotellus,”Isay ShepressesherlipstogetherbeforeturningtoDahlia.“We’lldiscussthearmylater,darling.” Dahlia, her perfect progeny and head of her most valued resource, the vampire security force, smiles sweetly at her, displayingherrazor-sharpfangsassheraiseshergobletofblood-winetoherlips “I’veanannouncement,”Mothersays.“I’mtired.”
“YouhadyourMoroseMourningsevenhundredyearsago Aren’tyoualittleoldtobetired?”Xaviersays “Actually, there are records ofsome ofthe elder vampires havinga sortofsecond mourningperiod,” Gabriel says, his handslidingtopullhisbooksnearer.
“Isthatwhatthisis?”Sadiesigns. “No,”Motheranswers.
“Thenwhat?”Dahliaasks.
“Comeon,Mother,putusoutofourmisery,”Xaviersays,leaningforwardtopourmeandSadiemoreblood-winebefore passingthejugtoGabriel
“Octavia,couldIborrow theclubtwonights fromnow?Iappreciateit’s lastminute,butI’drather dotheannouncement there And we’reinvitingthehunters,”Cordeliasays Weallgovampirestill.Nooneblinks,noonemoves.
It’sSadiethatwhisper-laughsandsigns,“Whythehellwouldyouinvitethem?” “Well,that’spartoftheannouncement.Octavia,areyouamenable?”Cordeliasays.
“Sure,butIcan’tclosetheclubtohumansornon-noblesatsuchshortnotice.Whateveryou’reannouncingwillbepublic knowledge”
Shenodsonce.“Fine.”
Mymindraces Whatthehellisshedoing?Isshegoingtoambushthem?Ifso,Idon’twantthatinmyclub,notwhenitwill tarnishmyreputation.ButIdon’thavetimetoworkoutwhatshe’suptoasshecontinuestalking. “Twonightsfromnow,I’llrequireyoualltobethere It’sa9pm startandI’llrevealeverything”
CORDELIA
OneThousandYearsAgo
Once upon a time, one thousand years ago, a fairytale was born. Two women, star-crossed lovers, destined to meet. Their fates woven through time and history. And history is where this fairytale begins Achance meeting.
Afluke Awhim Ablessing
Whatever the reason, one thing is certain, this story ends with fireworks…
“Here, darling, hurrynow. As safe as youcanbe onthatankle, okay? We musthave youreadyfor the nextmarriage ball,” Mamasays,handingmeapouchofcoins
Ihuffather,annoyedthatI’mbeingmadetoattendanothersosoon,giventhelastoneisthecauseofmyankleissue. “Whenisit?”
“Twonightsfromnow.”
“AndifIrefuse?”Isayandpullmyskirtsup Myswollenanklehasdevelopedaplumsheen Thebulgeisspreadingupmy calf.
“Let’s not start our day with an irksome attitude. You’re prime age for a proposal, Cordelia. We must ensure the right marriageforyouandthefamily It’sanecessarybusiness Weallhavetodoourpart WearetheStClairs Youcan’tjustmarry anyone.”
Igritmyteeth Neitherinterestedinmarriagenordoingmypartparticularly Mamaplacesakissonmyforeheadandheads backintothehouse.
“Where’sPoppa’scane?”Ishoutafterher.
MrsBlakemore,ourhousekeeper,popsherheadintothehallway,“Inthepotthere,miss,justmovethedresscoats.” Ishovethecoatsoutofthewayandspotthemahogany-stainedcane.Ipullitout,instantlyrelievedtoleanonitasIhobble outofthedoorandtowardsthecarriage ThedriveraidsmeasIstumbleupthestepsandcollapseontotheseat Ofcourse,evenwiththecarriagedroppingmeinthecentreofthevillage,itstilltakesmetwiceaslongtoreachthemarket area Islipandfumbleonthegravellyfloorofthemarket Akindgentlemanassistsmetotheothersideofthestalls Finally,I reachthestreetwiththehealers.MamawouldbeannoyedwithmeifsheknewI’dcometothehealersratherthanthedoctors. ButIswearsometimesthedoctorsdon’tknowwhatthey’retalkingabout.Theyswindleyourmoneyandgiveyouliquids
thatsmellsuspiciouslylikewatereddownwhiskeyandfermentedherbs.Atleastthehealersmixthebrewsinfrontofyou,and youknowwhat’sgoingintothem.
Ihobblepastacoupleofshops,onefilledwithstonesandcrystals,anothersellingelixirs Butneitherarequiteright Then Iseealittlehealershopnestledintheheartoftherow.Thesignhangingabovethedoorsays‘HealingHearts’andbeneathitin tinylettersitsays:inassociationwiththeRandalls
Ihesitatebeforeentering.WouldMotherthrowafitatmeforusingastoreownedbytheRandalls?Shedoessohatethem.I decidethatwhateverhealerisintherejustworksforthem,they’veprobablyneverevenmetaRandall Besides,Motherwould bemorefuriousifIreturnhomeunhealed.
I step inside. Despite the four walls around me, the shop is light and breezy. Sun streams in through the glass-fronted window and fills the space withwarmth There’s a fire burning Itsits ina metal stove inthe hearth, the door ajar, spilling warmthintotheshop.Cracklesandembersdriftupintothechimneylikelittledustmotes.
“MayIhelpyou?”awomansays
Istartleassheappearsfromadooratthebackoftheshop,andI’munabletofindwordstorespond.MylipspartasItake inherappearance
Herhairismousy,fallinginthicklocksthatflowliketheshallowwavesofwarmoceans.Hereyesarethedeepblueyou onlyfindinsecludedlagoons.I’mdrawntothem,toher.Unabletolookaway,tothinkorbreathe,Idrawaraggedbreathin, gulpingforairandwords
“Areyouokay,miss?”shesays.
“What?Yes”No ItappearsI’mnot ButIdon’twanttoalerthertothestrangethoughtsracingthroughmymind Tothefact that if she hadn’t spoken, I mayhave continued steppingcloser and closer until I’d simplyfalleninto her eyes and buried myselfinhersoul.WhatinSanguiCity’snameiswrongwithme?
“Isee,so,thenhaveyoucometogetassistanceforanotherperson?”shesays.
“What?No.”Oh.IseethemistakeI’vemade.Heatflushesmycheeks.“Iapologise.Letmetryagain.Iwasumm…”
“Thepain?Itdisturbsthethoughts,”shesays,pointingtomyleg Oneofhereyebrowsquirksupinasmile Isshemocking me?
“Right Yes That The pain That’s actuallywhatI’mhere about Do youhave some herbs thatwould ease the swelling, perhaps?”
“Ofcourse,”shesays.
Myeyesfalltoherplumplips.There’salightrougecolouronthemorsomethingthatmakesthemglisten.Heatrisesupmy necksofastIhavetoadjustmydresscollar.WhatapeculiarreactionI’mhavingtotheshop.
“I’msorry,I’mfeelingalittle umm CouldItroubleyouforachair?”Istutter
She bustles around the shop, movingjars and herbs and bags ofIdon’tknow what, until she’s moved everythingonto a counteratthebackandclearedachairformetositon
It’s placed behind me, and she slides her hand over my arm, helpingme lower down. Where her palmmeets my bare forearm,afurnaceerupts.
Igasp Sheglancesupatme
“Thepain.Myankle,”Isplutter.
Itis mostdefinitelynotmyankle It’s the shockofher touch I’ve never experienced a sensationlike it Perhaps it’s her healerskills.It’sbizarre.I’veseenahandfulofhealersbeforeandnonesoenigmaticasthis.Shemustbetrulypowerful.The godsmusthavebestowedanenormousgiftofmagiconher
“Areyou…youmustbead ”Istopandlowermyvoice,knowingit’sadangerousthingtonamesuchacreature. “Adhampir?Yes,”shesays.
“Yourtouchis ”
Shesmiles,dragginghereyesawayfromme.“Ah.That’snot…I’venotdrawnuponmypoweryet.Ineedbloodforthat.” “Oh,”Isayandsitup Realisingthatifitwasn'ther magic,thenIdon’twanttoconsider whyher skinwas sowarm,so electric.
Suddenly,I’muncomfortable,hotterthanbeforeandwishtoleave Ishouldjustgetthisoverwithasfastaspossibleand getbacktothemanor.I’msureshewillhavefurtherpreparationsformetocontendwith.
“Well,anyway.Ihaveanissue.Ifellatthemarriageballlastnightandmyankle…it’sratherbruisedandswollen.Could you ?”Isay
“Certainly.I’llneedtoseetheankleinordertoassist.”
Inodanddrawmydressskirtsuptomyknee Astrangethoughtoccurstome ThatI’mrathergladI’dbathedlastnightand tookextracaretorazemylegs.Preferringthemtobesmoothratherthanthestubbledmesstheywerebeforetheball.Ishake thethoughtaway.Ofcourse,itmattersnotwhatmylegsarelike.Thiswomanisahealer.Shecaresnothingforthestateofmy limbs.
“May I examine your ankle?” she says. Her voice is as soft and warmas her eyes, and I find myself quite unable to
concentrateonthesubstanceofhersentences.Thisismosttroubling.IwonderifI’mhavingsomesortoflapseonaccountof the pain frommy ankle. Only the pain isn’t actually that bad. It’s mostly troublesome to walk. The worst of the throbbing ceasedovernight I lift mylegoff the floor. Her fingertips glide against myskin. I swallow hard and have to lookaway. Everytouchis electric Itmustbemagic Everypressofherfingerpadstomycalf,myankle,myfootisunbearable
Heatandliquidelectricityflowsfromherhandsintomybody.Itswimsupmylegs,higher,higher.Mybreathingquickens, mynostrilsflare I’movercomewith with I’mnotevensure
Shetrailsherfingershigherupmycalf,towardmyknee,palpatingandsqueezingtoassesswheretheswellingstops.Only, witheverycontact,thecurrentflowingbetweenussoars,untilit’sravagingmythighs.
She touches me again, palpatingjust above myknee, and Imust stop breathingaltogether as the tinglingsensations slip betweenmythighstomycore.
TotheplaceItouchwhenI’malone
Aboltsurgesbetweenmylegs,myundergarmentsgrowslick.
Thisis Idon’tknowwhatsorcerythisis,butitshouldn'tbehappening Ijerkaway,myeyeswide.“Whatareyoudoingtome?”
Shefrowns.“ExaminingyourlowerlegtoknowwhereIneedtoputthecompressesandapplyherbs.”
“Youswearonthewitch-godsyou’renotusingmagic?”
Her frowndeepens. “No, miss, it’s againstour ways to use magic withoutyour express consent. You’d see me draw my bloodbeforeyoufeltthemagicagainstyourskin Iseverythingokay?”
Ishakemyhead.“I’msorry,I’vemadeamistake.Thisis…Imustgo.” I’mupandoutofthechair faster thanIcanreliablymove.Iwobble.Shegrabsme,catchingmebeforeIcanfall.Butof course,thatmakesanotherboltofwhatInowrealiseisdesiresurgeinsideme.
I snatchmyhand away, deeplyconfused, and take mycane and hobble out of the shop as quicklyas I can. I leave the womanwhosenameIdon’tevenknow staringafterme,thatsinglefurrowedlineburiedbetweenherperfectlyteasedbrows likeamarkerinthesandofLantisBay.
AmarkerthattellsmeIcannevermarryanyofthemenattheballs AmarkerthattellsmeMamaisgoingtokillme.
RED
Listen,Iamfullyawarethatahunterdosingonadrainer’sbloodis awkward Hell,it’safuckingnightmare,andIswearI neverintendedittohappen.Believeme,Ihatemyselfforit.ButIalsocan’tstop suchistheperilofbeinganaddict. Andyes,Ihatemyselfforwhathappenedonthebridgewithher. ButeverytimeItakeadose,evenasingledrop,I’mstronger,morealert,morepowerful
Knowingthatistwistingmeup inside.Fuckingwithmymind.We hunters hatedrainers.Whatsortofbitterironyisitthattheirbloodismakingmeabetter hunter? The problemis whenthe bloodworks its wayoutofmysystem,I’mcompletelyscrewed I’mwrackedwithintense fatigue,tremors,andahungerthatcannotbesatiated.Ifthat’sanythinglikethehungernewlyturneddrainersfeel,thenit’sno wondersomanyofthemdesiccateattheendofourstakesforgettingoutofcontrol.
Butofcourse,thedealersdon’ttalkabouttheaddictiveproperties,nodoubtamanipulationontheirpart.Keepuscoming back,jackinguptheirpocketsfullofsilvercoins.
IftheAcademyfoundout well,Icouldkissgoodbyetomyjobasheadofsecurity I’dneverbeallowedtoteachatthe school again.Andlook,Iwill giveup.It’sjust…difficult…andrightnow,Ihaveitcompletelyundercontrol.Ionlyneeda singledropaday,alrightfine,afewdrops ButImakesureIstayinhunterterritorywhileItakeitsothatanydrainer’sblood I’vetakenwon’tbestupidenoughtotrackorattackme.Vampiresnevercometothissideofthecity.It’snotworththerisk.Too manyhunterstoowillingtoendthemonsightandaskquestionslater.
SoI’msafe.
Ihaveitundercontrol.
IstepintotheHunterAcademycastlegrounds,andI’mgreetedbyadozenstudentspracticinginthefrontcourtyardbefore lightsout.
“Don’tstayuptoolate,”Icall
“Wewon’t,”theyshoutback.Oneofthestudentswavesandheropponentseizestheopportunityofherdistractiontosweep herlegsoutfromunderher.Ismile.ItremindsmeofmeandAmelia.
When I first joined the Academy at thirteen, right after Mumdied, I used to go home on the weekends The first thing AmeliawoulddowhenIwalkedthroughthedoor wasthrow pillowsatmeandpretendtobeamonster,squealingwhenI’d wrestlehertotheground
Ameliawenttolivewithourmum’sbestfriend,Oriana.AndeventhoughOrianatreatedherlikeherowndaughter,Amelia stillcravedtheweekendswhenI’dreturn Ididtoo Weclungtoeachotherbecausewebothcarriedthesameloss,thesame scarsonourheart.Ithinkthat’swhyherbecomingavampirehurtssomuch.
Oneofthefirstyearsyelps,pullingmebacktoreality.Iglanceoverjustasthey’redroppedontheirass.Blessthem.The first-yearstudentsarealwaysthiskeen Allofthemseekingapproval Fightingtobethebestintheirsquad,thebrightest,the onewiththemosthopefulfuture.
Maybethat’swhyI’mdosing Desperateforalittlefun Ispentyearsbeingresponsible Stayinglateattraining,doingextra shiftssoIcouldsendOrianacoinforAmelia.ButAmeliawasalwaysreckless,awildandfreechildinawayIneverwas. Likethattimeshebroughthomeastraycat Shehiditinthegardenshedforamonth,calleditScrapsbecauseshewasfeeding itthe leftovers fromdinner. Oriana losther shitwhenshe found out, butAmelia had falleninlove withthe cat. Whatwas I goingtodo?IendedupbringingitbacktotheAcademyandlookingafteritforsixyearsuntilitdiedallsoshecouldcontinue tovisit Sheneverdidthinkanythingthrough
Well,maybeI’mjustembodyingmyinnerAmelianow.I’vespentmylifebeingsensible,andforwhat?Tolosemysisterto theonefuckingthingItriedtoprotectherfrom Myfingerstrailovermyarm,theredtalliestottingup.I’veaddedtwomoreinthelastcoupleofmonths.There’sfifty-eight now.Onefor eachkill.Thoughsomeofthosetallies arecreatures andnotvampires.Buttherearen’tenoughdrainers onmy armtosatisfytheragethatpoolsinmygutforwhatthey’vetakenfromme. Who they took.
Imake mywaythroughthe castle,pastthe lecture rooms andtraininghalls.Pastthe studentaccommodationandintothe staffdigs.Mostofthestaffandtrainershaveotherhomes.Familiestheyreturntosotheydon’tstayinthecastle.
Myfamilyisdead Ormightaswellbe
WhenAmeliaturnedtwoweeksago,Ilosteverything.There’snooneleftnowexceptme.Iunlockmydoor,slideontomy bedandpullthevialout,poppingitonmybedsidetable
Ipickup mysketchbookand a charcoal pencil and Idraw. Ilose myselfinmarkingthe paper, mymind wanderingas I smudge lines and use my tiny putty rubber to wipe away highlights When I’mdone, I realise what I’ve drawn Who I’ve drawn.Evenwithoutaredpenciltomarkthecolourofhereyes,there’snoquestion. Iscreamandthrowthesketchbookacrosstheroom.
OctaviafuckingBeaumont Ihateher.
Isnatchupthevialanddrizzleacoupleofdropsundermytongueandsigh WhenIglanceatthevialit’sempty Whatthe fuck?Didhetrickme?Somekindofvanishingblood?Thereshouldbethree-quartersofavial left.I’ll havetogobackand demandarefundtomorrow That’sthelastthoughtIhaveasIfallasleep;Idon’teventakemyclothesoff Mydreamstakemebacktotheclub.Thebeatofthemusicthumpingthroughmychest. Beat.Beat.Beat.
Warmthatmyback OctaviafuckingBeaumont
“Don’t.Get.Anycloser.Mostvampiresthisclosetomeendupdead,”Isay,repeatingthewordsIsaidintheclub. Onlythedreamveersawayfromthememory Octaviasmilesagainstmyneck,tiltingherheadintothecrook,inhalingthe scentofmyskin.Shespinsmearound,andthistime,I’mslammedupagainstthewall.
Thebladepointedathergutisgone.Instead,it’smyhandgrippingherwaist,athumbskimmingunderthefabricofhertop. Itsendsapulseofheattomygroin.It’sallsofamiliar…
No. No. No. I can’t dream about her. Not like this.
“Youwantme,”shebreathesintomyear Herwordsthrummingunderthebassofthemusic No, I’mscreamingsilently. I want to kill you. Butthat’snotwhatcomesout.“Yes,Iwantyourblood,Octavia.” Shesmiles,herfulllipscurvingintoabroadfang-filledgrin Hermovementsarequick,sofastIdon’tseetheflash Ijust smellherbloodasitoozesfromherwrist.Shelicksherlips,smearingthebloodacrossherfangswithhertongue.
Mypussytwitches.
“Useyourwords,Red.Tellmewhatyouwant.”
ButIcan’t.BecauseIshouldn’twantthis.It’swrong.It’simmoral.It’severythinghuntershate.EverythingIhate. Isn’tit?Butdreamsaren’treality,soinsteadofslittingherthroatasagoodhuntershould,anunexpectedsetofwordsslip out.
“Iwanttolickthebloodoffyourfang”
Thismakeshereyesglint,asparkburstingtolife.“Goonthen,Idareyou…”
Istepupoffthewallandintoherpersonalspace.Foracoldblood,thespacebetweenusisferociouslywarm.Islidemy handsupandaroundthebackofherneck Foramoment,wejustholdeachotherintimeandspace Hercrimsoneyesboreinto me, pouring electricity and desire and something so molten and forbidden it steals the breath from my lungs and I stop breathing
“Takeit,Red.Takewhatyouwantfromme.”
Iriseupontiptoes,ourmouthslevelnow Sharingtheclub’sstickyair Shegripsmesuddenly Avice-likeholdkeepingme balancedonmytoes.
Ileanin.Mybreathingrestarts,fasternow.Pumpingbloodaroundmybody,throbbingbetweenmylegs.Thisclosetoher, the scentofoud and old spices mixes withthe irondribblingfromher wrist It’s intoxicating Messes withmyhead, Iwant everything.Herblood,herbody.Desireswimsthroughme.Ileanin.
“Takeit,”shewhispersasmytongueslidesovermylips Ido.
Ourlipsbrush,ashiverrunsdownmyspinesoexquisitemyeyesrollshut Fuck Mypussydrenchesmyknickers Sowrong.
Myheartthudsagainstmyribs,makingbloodroar inmyearssomuchlouderthantheclub’smusic.Ican’thearanything except the rushofadrenaline and the screamingdesire pushingme forward Octavia is still as death Allowingme to ease forwardinmyowntime.TheonlyreasonIknowshe’saliveistheintensegripofherfingers.Abruisingholdonmyarmsthat growstighterwitheverysecond
I lean in, let my tongue glide over her fang. It’s cool and sharp, it nicks the fleshy pulp of my tongue. And yet it is consuming;mywholebodyfizzestolifeasmybloodmixeswithhers.Herlipscloseovermineashertongueslidesintomy mouth,caressing,dancing.LickingupeverydropofbloodIcangiveher.
She sucks mytongue into her mouth, lockingme againsther lips. Her eyes shutand she lets outa whimper as myblood
reacheshertastebuds.Shesnaps,releasingmymouthandliftsmeoffthefloorandontothetablebesideus.Hercrimsoneyes burnhotlikemoltenfurnaces.
“Delicious,”shesays “Fuckme,”Isay.
“Youfoundyourwords,”Octaviasays I grab the buckle of her belt and pull her hard betweenmylegs. All myprotests fromthe beginningof mydreamhave vanished
Sheslidesherhandbehindmyneck.
“I’llgiveyoueverythingyouwant,Red…youjustneedtoask.”
Iunbuckleherbelt,myheartpoundingasIslipmyfingersunderthefabric Asirenripsthroughtheair.
Louderitscreams Louder
Theclublightsflashon.
No Fuck
Notasiren.Analarm.
Myalarm.
Shit
MyeyespingopenandthemortificationofwhatI’vejustdreamtaboutsitsheavyinmymind.Iscreamintomypillowand thendragmyselftotheshower MuchasIwishIdidn’t Ihavetogetridofthislingeringache Myfingersslipthroughthe waterandbetweenmylegs.
“Fuck,”Igrowl.Ileanonehandagainstthewall astheother glidesbetweenmyfoldsandupandover myclit.Igritmy teeth,furiouswithmyself,butIneedtogetridofthis…this…urge.It’swrong.It’sprobablythemostfuckedupthingI’veever done,touchingmyselflikethisafteradreamlikethat.
Irunthewaterovermyfacewishingtheurgewouldleave Thisisjustonemorereasontogetridoftheaddictiontoblood Iwonderifthedealersoldmedodgybloodaswellassomekindofmagicvanishingvial.I’mdefinitelygoingtohavewords withthemtonight
WhenI’moutoftheshower,waterylightseepsthroughmywindow.Myheadthrobs,adullpulseremindingmethatnomatter howmuchItake,addictionmeansit’sneverenough.
Igetdressed,makebreakfastandeatinasilentfurytryingtoerasethedreamfrommymemory AsIexitmyflat,Ibump intoLincoln.
“Red,hey Yousleepwell?”hesays
“Morning,”Isayasherufflesmyalreadyunrulyhair.Lincolnis,withoutdoubt,thebesthunterandhumanI’veevermet. AlongwithBella,wholivesinNewImperium,theclosestcitytous,they’remybestiesandI’ddieforthemboth Lincolnslidesanarmaroundmyshoulder.Itfeelsmorelikeatreetrunk.Themanisbuiltlikeacastle,hasajawthatcould cutdiamondsandwomenfallingathisfeettwenty-fourhoursaday.Toobadforthem,hedoesn’tdateuntilhereallyknowsa person AndIknowwhatyou’rethinking Butwehaven’t.
Wewouldn’t
He’smorelikethebrotherIneverhad.Besides,Iam,like,really, deeply intoboobs.Justnotboobsattachedtoadrainer… obviously.Anddon’tyoudarethrowmydreamatme,itwasjustadream.Meaningless.
Ipullahandovermyfacetryingtoeradicatethememory.
“Youreadyforourbirthdaynextmonth?I’mthinkingahugepartyinthatclubintheMidnightMarket.Youknow,theone
