Page 122 of The Vampire's Bride

“To win their war.”

“But how would bringing down the Northern Veil help them with that?”

“If Morrowynd were to suddenly find itself overrun by dark creatures, the first people we would turn to for help would be the ones who helped our ancestors create the Veil in the first place: the Order of Mages.” He pauses. “And their aid would no doubt come with a price—a pledge to fight alongside them as they wage war against the Dark Elves and the others.”

An icy chill runs down my spine. “Have you spoken to anyone else about this?”

“No.”

“Why me?”

“Within the royal court and the High Council, secrets can easily be turned into weapons. Depending upon who wieldsthem, they can be twisted… used to ensnare or destroy.” His crimson eyes meet mine evenly. “You are a made Vampire—an outsider among our kind. You may be a Lord of a Great House, but you do not think like the others. You do not run in the same circles as the rest of the nobility. You are not constantly plotting and scheming to better your House or position.”

He gestures to the manor. “Lord Damar is similar. He is not power-hungry like the rest of the nobility. It is one of the reasons his words hold so much sway upon the Council.” His gaze holds mine. “I saw enough of your mind to know you would not betray me. Not unless you thought I was a threat to those you care for.”

“I promised you my loyalty, but I will not be used as a pawn,” I state firmly. “When I was a knight, I learned too late that I followed a king with no honor. I will not make that mistake again.”

“You misunderstand,” Raine says. “I don’t want a pawn, I want an ally. Someone I can trust.”

“Trust is something earned.”

A hint of amusement curves his mouth. “Then I will endeavor to earn yours, Lord Valaric.”

As Raine’s gaze holds mine, it occurs to me that I may have misjudged him. Perhaps he is not the male I thought him to be. But until I know for certain, I will maintain my guard.

“Tell me who cursed you,” he says, changing the subject. “Since we’ve established that I need you on my side, I would like to help you deal with this problem. After all, I cannot have something disrupting my plans.”

Despite our conversation, I’m wary of divulging all my secrets. But if he can help me with this, it’s worth the risk. “The blood witch Talindra of Vangmar.”

A string of curses leaves his mouth as he scrubs a hand roughly through his hair. “Why in the seven hells would youget involved with a blood witch? Did no one teach you how dangerous they are?”

Like most people, I was aware of the dangers, but I was so consumed by grief and rage that I didn’t care. I never expected to survive when I sought my revenge against those who took everything from me. “When I made the bargain, I did not believe I would live long enough to have to repay it.”

He gives me a frustrated look. “Here.” He pulls a knife from his belt and hands it to me. “Take this.”

I look down at the blade. The black wooden handle is carved with a pattern of vines with leaves and thorns wrapped around it. The metal is etched with intricate symbols and runes. “What are these markings?”

“A dark enchantment,” he replies. “If you nick your opponent and draw even one drop of their blood with that blade, it will remember.” He looks down at the knife. “It is called ‘Oathrend.’ After it has touched the blood of your enemy, all you need do after that is to throw it and it will find its mark and strike true.”

I give him a skeptical look. “You truly believe this will work against one with her power?”

“Silver may not be fatal to our kind, but I assure you that it will most certainly kill a witch.” He gives me a sobering look. “Now, find a way to quickly dispose of her. We cannot afford to have you tangled up in some ridiculous curse while the fate of the realms hangs in the balance.”

He clenches his jaw. “It’s the best I can do for now. A blood witch is not an easy thing to take care of. If I think of anything else that may help you rid yourself of her, I will contact you.”

I’m shocked at his offered support. He’s right. Her kind are dangerous because they are tricksters. They layer their spells and curses with traps. It is the reason I’ve refused Damar’s helpin the past. Because her enchantment could be such that any outside force could have devastating effects on those cursed and the ones trying to help.

“No.” I look at the prince. “This is something I must do. Otherwise, I risk Juliet’s safety.”

“Fine. But be sure to shore up your defenses and deal with the witch as swiftly as possible.” He gestures to the manor. “It is good that you have Day Guardians,” he says referring to Eben and Aerlyx. “For I suspect you will need them.”

Worry prickles my skin. “What do you mean?”

“Your bride is human, Lord Valaric,” he says pointedly. “As I mentioned earlier, word has already traveled far and wide about your true wife, and I’m sure it will spread even further. Any who may still harbor resentment toward you for your past transgressions, might seek to strike back by targeting Lady Juliet.”

Ice fills my veins as Raine continues. “Judging by the thoughts I listened in on this evening, I believe your House may have more enemies than you realize.”

“Who did you—”

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