Chapter 16 #2
“We are all in attendance,” Mathias said, cutting through the council’s chatter. He gestured at one of the guards. “Seal the hall until the Flask passes its judgment.”
“Yes, Lord Regent.”
My pulse throbbed in my ears as Mathias turned to me.
“The blood of the goddess has guided the future of our great house since its founding. Arguably, helping us select our next queen is its most important role.” A few of the council members nodded as he spoke.
“It’s more vital than ever that the right vampiress assume control of the coven.
Someone who will fight for her people and lead us to victory, to reclaim our lands and remind our enemies of their place.
She who commands the four most capable males as her Devotion in Lady Eona’s image. ”
Bruvor applauded lightly. “Here, here.”
“We cannot risk placing a crown on the head of a weakling, a cheater, or a pretender. So, we rely on the Flask of Dominion to guide us in the matter of Lady Ilyana and her last-minute devotee.”
What a charade. My fingers twitched at my sides, itching to tear into the group of bloodsuckers. “In my defense—”
“There is no defense the council is interested in hearing from you,” he interrupted. “Don the necklace and speak with the Flask instead. If you live, we will continue to honor your place in the trials.”
I pressed my lips together. A wise enough decision from the council. My only defense—that I hadn’t had time to bind Finn into my potential Devotion—wouldn’t matter to the Flask because it already knew my more damning truths.
I stepped forward and slipped the necklace free from its perch around the Flask’s neck.
The chain slithered into my palm before I fastened it around my neck.
It settled against the hollow of my throat, already warm and active.
Heat seared my veins, chasing away any chill still lingering from my conversation with Adelaide.
“You’ve returned to me so soon, little huntress. Surely this is a record,” the Flask’s ancient presence whispered straight into my head. I held myself still as it slithered through the pathways of my thoughts, probing deeper still with an idle hum.
I closed my eyes, focusing on the intruder into my psyche. “Please.”
“And what a petty conflict. I’m of half a mind to incinerate this council. Too weakened by ideology to agree on a simple decision,” it mused in that venomous tone, sweet and deadly. “Ah, you would like to see them die, wouldn’t you?”
“I’d wield the knife myself.”
“That includes your precious betrothed now. The youngest king, tragically without his queen.” Pain radiated through my chest while its silken laugh caressed my thoughts.
“Vampires don’t have engagements, chaos bringer.
Either you are mates or not. And that brings us to the reason you’re even here. Open your eyes.”
My eyelids lifted at its command. Other than the rise and fall of my chest, my muscles were locked.
But I was angled toward Finn, and the bleakness of his expression churned a sick feeling in my stomach.
His lips moved soundlessly, but with the knowledge that the Flask was watching, each word fell like a blow: Spare her. It was my idea.
The Flask’s presence paused in consideration. “No,” I protested. “No, it was my idea! I’m not even a full vampire, I can’t bind a Devotion…”
I only trailed off because it was laughing again. “Even dirty blood can bind. Even a damaged heart can love. I see you, my lost child. Of course you, too, can be Beloved.”
Under its sweet words was the deadly edge of serpent fangs. Though it gave little indication, I could still feel it mocking me.
“Your desire for your Deaf devotee is clear. The half-moon approaches. Take him. Make his assistance a nonissue. In time, no one will remember that your Devotion was started after the first trial.”
I felt its teeth again, ready to scorn the blossom of doubt and fear its instructions inspired. Would Zane…mind? Could I somehow keep them both, like a true vampiress?
“Continue to entertain me, and you may remain in the trials until you’ve picked off all the weaklings infesting my house. That is my judgment.”
I sighed in a great gust. I was still alive, still an amusing pawn to this ancient artifact. Once its presence faded, I yanked the chain from my neck and coiled it back into its resting place.
“I continue to have a place in the trials,” I announced.
Mathias held up his hand as if he could stop the rising murmurs from the rest of the council. “What was its judgment?”
I swallowed and met Finn’s eyes rather than Zane’s, though I felt the weight of his attention on me from the other side of the table. “That I claim my devotee properly during the half-moon. It said that will make his assistance during the first trial a nonissue.”
Finn’s gaze was fixed on my lips. His mouth popped open, and then his expression brightened with hope.
“As I told you all, the most sensible solution,” Lord Valerius stated. “Not killing her or the Deaf vampire. What a waste of Made talent that would be.”
A few of the other vampires grumbled, and Lady Lorelei cut a look toward him that should’ve drawn blood. Zane ducked his head, not meeting the searching look I aimed at him.
“Release him, then,” Mathias told the guards. “I suppose an upgrade of quarters is in order, Lady Ilyana.”
A soft thump sounded nearby. Butters trotted straight to Finn the moment he was released and pressed against his legs. Finn bent to stroke him, the tension in his shoulders easing just a fraction.
“The upgrade won’t be necessary, Lord Regent,” I sniffed. The last thing I needed was to find new hiding places for my slayer’s kit.
“We will find you a bigger space once you enact the Flask’s will. The half-moon is only days away,” he continued as if I hadn’t spoken. “Congratulations, of course, for completing the first trial. May the goddess continue to smile upon your success.”
His lips tightened as he nodded once in dismissal. Gone was the knowing smirk. This clearly wasn’t the outcome he wanted, and I’d analyze why after I finally caught some rest.
I brushed past him to grab a hold of Finn. There was so much I wanted to tell him—once the combined weight of the Sanguine Council’s stares wasn’t placed on my back.
Finn crushed me to his chest, saying in a quiet, wavering voice, “I’m so glad it didn’t kill you.”
I patted his back twice, not wanting to release him to sign how I felt the same way.
A throat cleared nearby. Most of the council and guards were filtering out of the hall now that the show was over. Yet Zane didn’t move. He loomed beside us, jaw tight, heated gaze locked on me.
“I need to talk to her. Alone.” As Zane spoke, he made a few rudimentary signs. He’d learned them from me. For long meetings, to talk on hunts, and to share moments of privacy. I’d told him about Finn, speaking of my childhood friend like a fond memory. I never thought they’d meet like this.
Finn released me and rubbed at his wrists. It is late. I will head to bed, he signed. He flashed a tired smile my way. See you soon, Princess Chocolate.
Sleep well, Lord Duke Dungheap.
Grinning now, Finn sauntered off. Butters followed, fluffy tail upright.