Page 20 of The Shadows of Excess

I shook uncontrollably. “I had a dream. A demon did this to me.”

I saw Justice's familiar silhouette in a shadowy corner of the room. A dark purple bruise bloomed around his eye, and his lip was swollen. Yet, even in this state, he still exuded rugged charm.

Justice rushed over to my bed, concern flickering in his eyes. “What happened?”

I shot Damon an accusatory look.

He met my gaze, and his hand brushed gently over mine, a firm yet comforting touch. “I’m not about to apologize for being protective. No way I’m letting anyone hurt you. Not on my watch.” As he glanced at my bloody arm, his expression hardened, and a shadow of guilt passed over his face.

“Can’t believe this happened right under my nose,” he muttered, almost to himself. “I should have been able to stop it.” The weight of responsibility was evident in his tone, reflecting his unspoken promise to keep me safe.

“It’s not your fault.” I squeezed his hand. “These things are powerful.”

“Tell us what happened,” Justice urged.

“A demon slashed me with his long fingernails in my nightmare, and now…I have this.”

Three long, deep gashes marred my arm.

Damon gently lifted my arm and took in my wounds. “This is ugly.” Concern laced his voice.

I quickly told them about my nightmare, Lisa, and someone called Aurora.

Justice sniffed and glanced at my brother. “Damon, this blood. It’s been poisoned.”

My face paled, and a nauseous sensation churned in my stomach as I recalled the demon’s promise. Fear weakened my voice. “The demon...he was furious. He tried to leave a mark on me, but it was like something prevented him from doing it. Like he couldn’t imprint whatever he intended to.”

“I suspect it’s because of your rose tattoo,” Justice commented. “Remember, you’re linked to a weapon that comes from the Court of Blossoms.”

I frowned. “I’m not sure that’s good enough. He said I had until the next full moon to find someone named Aurora. If I don’t, he’ll claim my soul.”

“Tim needs to know about this.” Damon clenched his fists. “Damn it. I’m getting the nurse.”

Justice gave me a sheepish look. “You okay?”

I licked my lips. “Are you?”

Justice rubbed the stubble on his jaw and released a deep sigh. A glimmer of sadness appeared in his eyes as he looked at Damon. “Yeah.” His voice was heavy with guilt. He lowered his head, avoiding eye contact. “I wasn’t able to control my hunger, and I’m sorry for what happened.”

I turned away, unable to look at Justice. It was my fault he’d been attacked and needed blood.

Stinging pain pulsed in my arm. Tears welled in my eyes, and my lower lip trembled. What if we couldn’t find this Aurora, and I lost my soul?

CHAPTER ELEVEN

My pulse hammered in panic as I stared at the bloody gashes on my arm.

Damon returned quickly, his face etched with concern, accompanied by a blonde nurse. She gasped at the sight of my arm, her gaze darting between Justice and Damon. “What happened here? Did one of you do this?”

Justice’s dark eyes flickered with a hint of red. “We didn’t hurt her. We need you to treat her wound quickly and discreetly.”

There was a momentary glimmer of confusion in the nurse’s eyes before she nodded, seemingly reassured by Justice’s authoritative tone. “Of course. Let me take care of this.”

Damon watched the exchange with a frown. “Using our vampire charm now, are we?” he muttered under his breath.

Justice shrugged. “Whatever it takes to keep us out of trouble and get Sawyer the help she needs.”

The nurse worked efficiently, cleaning and dressing my wound. I hissed at the sting of the antiseptic. When she finished, Justice gave her a small, grateful smile. “Thank you. We appreciate your help.”

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