Page 86 of The Blood Crown

“If there’s a chance I could destroy another relic—kill another demon prince—” she countered.

“It’s not worth taking if it kills you!” Ven’s voice rang out through the space, his tone slipping into that of the Wraith Commander. Imposing. Unquestionable. Crimson eyes lifted to her face, the fire in them banking. “I saw what it nearly cost . . ." His voice dropped to a whisper. "Do not ask me to pay that price, Aurelia.”

It wasn’t control that made him say the words. It was fear.

And she’d felt its icy grip those few moments when Fate could have chosen to favor Asmodeous instead of her.

It hadn’t been fear of her own death, but fear of what would become of the rest of them should she fail.

And it was the same reason that she needed to try.

But,thatwas a battle for another day.

Ven stalked toward the desk angled at the corner of the room, reaching for paper and ink and scrawling a note in hisneat, concise writing. Folding it once, he tossed it into the fire rumbling in the great carved hearth spanning the wall.

The flames roared, turning azure and indigo as they swallowed up his words, banking to flickering amber.

“If war is upon us—we need to be certain that our alliances remain. Send more scouts,” Ven said, eyes flicking to where Nira stood, awaiting his order. “Tell them not to engage, simply to track the demons’ movements—particularly the princes.”

He met each of their eyes as he scanned the room. “We prepare for battle.”

Nira squared her shoulders, the face of the Commander’s second back in place as she talked strategy with Karro and Seth.

Ven’s large hand covered hers. No hesitation, no reluctance in his expression.

He would fight for her.Allof them would fight for her—even with the odds against them.

Chapter 42

The familiar scent of ink and leather greeted Aurelia as she pulled the heavy walnut doors of the library open.

Warm air kissed her cheeks, her eyes adjusting to the glow of the hovering candles suspended overhead by magick.

When she’d gone back to the Capitol—when she’d never thought to see this place again—she’d squeezed her eyes shut and thought of it every night.

And now she was here. Back.

A shaky breath of relief escaped her despite the task that brought her here.

She’d left Ven and the Wraiths in the council chambers, needing a moment to herself. Whatever else they discussed, he could fill her in later.

After their last visit to the Allokin Kingdom, it was impossible to say when the Triarchy would reply to their request for audience—if they gave a response at all. And none of them could afford to sit idly by.

She’d put off coming here for as long as she dared, despite the urge to see this place again.

Don’t you wish to know what you truly are?

She’d hoped the words had been a trick—a distraction—but the coin of atonement only confirmed the sense of dread that had been twisting around her like a viper since she’d come back here.

Hello, child.

That voice still echoed in her mind. The deep, bodiless rumble of it whispering against her own thoughts—and yet, she’d managed to fight it.

Ven had told her once that the library somehow understood requests. Knew what you needed even when you didn’t. And Fate above—she hoped that was the case, because she couldn’t even begin to form the question aloud.

Her feet moved of their own accord, following the familiar path toward the second story of the library.

Those same worn leather chairs sat before the roaring fire. She chose one, pulling the low table between them closer, heart pounding.

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