Page 69 of Reign

Emma’s waiting up for me when I step into our room, the under-cabinet lights in our kitchen slinking across her hunched form as she perches on a stool near our countertop.

“Glad you made it,” she says, straightening as I shut the door softly behind me.

“There were a few unexpected twists.”

“I figured, since a senior’s—”

“Never been initiated before. I know,” I finish for her on a sigh.

Emma responds with a laugh that surprises me. “You’re done. I get it. Go rest, and we’ll talk about next steps tomorrow.”

She shocks me again when her heavy arm lands on my shoulder. She gives a squeeze so minute I have to concentrate to feel it, then drops it to her side. “Well done, Callie. You did great.”

I offer her a slanted smile, then slide my jacket off my shoulders, kick off my shoes, then drag my beaten ass to bed.

“Wait.” Emma catches me by the wrist—my wounded one. “What’s this?”

I respond dryly, “Ever heard of a blood vow?”

“Shit,” Emma hisses. “That kind of thing hasn’t been used since, like, the Dark Ages. I can’t believe my idiot brother agreed to this.”

“He didn’t.”

“Huh?”

I’m reluctant to get into it, but this is Emma, one of the only friends I’ve kept. “Tempest did the blood oath with me.”

“You did what with who?” Emma’s eyes pop wide.

“Remember a few seconds ago when you said we’d get into the next steps tomorrow? I’d like to play that card again…”

“Nuh-uh, Callie Ryan. Explain to me how Tempest is now your soulmate and my brother is not.”

I do it in a rush, unwilling to dwell on the devastating moment Chase officially scorned me, yet Emma’s astonishment won’t fade. “What’s the big deal? It’s not like we’re in a forced marriage or anything. In fact, I’d argue Tempest is the best soulmate to have. He’s the human equivalent of a cold-hearted vampire. He has no feelings and doesn’t give a damn what I do. I can still break into the temple and get the binder.”

“Assuming it’s still there.”

My lips tighten at Emma’s decision to voice what I’ve been afraid to dwell on. “If it isn’t, we’ll find out where she put it and grab it from there. I will avenge my mother, Emma.”

“If you’re looking for someone to understand your passion,” Emma says softly, “you know I’m your girl. But don’t disregard their rules. Sabine will make good on the debt you’ve created with Tempest. Some way, she will.”

“There’s nothing more she can do to me that could break me.”

Emma gives a sad, slow shake of her head. “Don’t be so sure. I mutilated myself to get away from their rules. Think about that.”

I open my mouth—

“And there’s always my brother.”

“We won’t have to worry about him.” I shake my head resolutely. “By the time I’m done, there won’t be enough Virtues or Nobles remaining to make good on a blood vow or a threat to a prince.”

“I hope you’re right.”

“I am.” It comes out more clipped than intended, but I can’t take it back.

Emma and I war with our eyes for a few more seconds, until her shoulders slope and she motions in the direction of my room. “Go on, then. Catch some sleep.”

I nod grimly, tempted to crush her into a sudden, meaningful hug. We’re on the same side. We can do this.

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