Page 97 of The Veil of Blood and Magic

I reach inside of myself, mentally holding on to both of their Linked bonds pulsing in my soul. The ache to be near them is almost painful, as I’m sure they can feel now too. Separation wasn’t part of the plan. But they’re alive, despite the severity of Jagger's wound. It's the only thing that holds my sanity together as I look around the room.

It's stunning and vast, the walls drenched in a dark hunter green that reminds me of the forest we trekked through to get here. There are some paintings on the walls, adorned in golden frames, decaying flowers illuminated by moonlight.

Small wooden tables are positioned throughout the large room, some with water-filled crystal decanters and glasses atop them, others with stacks of parchment and ink and quills. Old books line shelves that reach the ceiling, and there’s a set of glass doors that look like they lead to a balcony, and another wooden door in the opposite corner that I hope leads to a bathing chamber.

I throw myself out of the bed, only then noticing that my old clothes are gone, my body draped in a red silk nightgown that stops just beneath my ass. My feet are bare, my hair down, and feels like I’ve been cleaned, either by some servant or magic, I'm not sure.

The prince...what power did he possess that knocked me out so coldly that I wouldn’t even feel a servant changing my clothes?

Unlesshechanged me.

A shiver runs the length of my spine.

I shove the thought to the back of my mind, racing to that door in the corner, opening it to see a bathing chamber, which means the one next to it should be the exit.

I try my luck wiggling the door handle but it's locked. I stomp my foot, grunting aloud before heading into the bathing chamber. I relieve myself before searching for any other exits.

Finding none, I head out through the glass doors. The breath catches in my lungs.

It is indeed a balcony, one that overlooks one of the highest portions of the palace, the royal city of Lingate looking tiny by comparison. The night sky seems close enough to touch, the moon shining brightly, looking as beautiful as they ever havebeen, like my entire world hasn't come crashing down around itself.

I should’ve killed them when I had the chance.

I should’ve killed them and accepted my fate.

But it wasn'tmylife at stake, but Jagger and Zev’s. I couldn’t let them pay the price for my revenge. Thanks to our Link, I know they’re alive, but I don’t know for how long.

The Collector knew. He said he knew the second I walked through his gates. But how? Enchantresses have been extinct for decades. How could he sense my power?

I rake my fingers through my hair, doing my best to hold on to what I can control. Which isn't a whole lot at the moment.

The Collector obviously kept me alive for a reason, even though my attempt on his life demanded death. I need to find out why exactly he did that.

Jagger and Zev are alive too. That can only mean one thing—he intends to use them as leverage, in order to get me to do whatever he wants.

My stomach turns at the thought, and I abandoned the balcony, prepared to pace the length of my pretty cage until I have a plan?—

“Thinking of jumping?” The prince’s voice breaks the silence, making me jump.

He sits in a wingback chair, his long, lithe body taking up so damn much of it. His face is illuminated by candles that are now lit among one of the wooden tables near him.

“Sit,” he says, nodding toward the bed.

My fangs punch out, hackles rising at the command in his tone.

“You can either do as I ask or I canmakeyou. I don't care which.”

I swallow back the bile threatening to spew from my mouth and make my way over to the bed, flopping on the edge of it toface him where he sits in the chair. My power gathers beneath my skin, prowling like a jungle cat ready to tear its claws through flesh.

“That wouldn't be a good idea,” he says, eyeing me, somehow sensing my power. “I have your two precious drifters under lock and key,” he continues. “An attack on me equals their death.”

I glare at him. “Perhaps you overestimate my attachment to them,” I bluff.

He crosses one long leg over the other, his black pants shifting with the move. I study him, wondering why he’s the one here and not his father.

“Again, this can go one of two ways. You will behave or you won’t. You seem like an intelligent female. You look like you enjoy life over death, so let me give you some advice. If I ask you to do something, do it.” His voice is smooth and commanding, ever the pampered prince of Lingate. “If you do it enough times, I might just reward you. Defy me, and I’ll kill what you love most.” He tilts his head, studying me with those silver eyes. “I have a gift for finding weak spots, but you made it all too easy with your display before my father.”

I swallow hard, icy shivers dancing over my skin. He already has Zev and Jagger…what if he finds out about Six? I don't dare look down at my body, looking for a splash of gold that isn't there. I would’ve felt if he wrote back to me. I would’vefeltit.

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