Page 98 of Kiss of Magic

“Yep. Because your magic doesn’t scare me.” He wrenched the neck of his shirt to one side, letting her see the tattoo made from basilisk blood. “I‘m protected.”

Lenore’s eyes narrowed. Narrowed even further when Dani took Blake’s hand.

“Please, Lenore. I need him here.”

“You have feelings for the hunter?”

“He’s… he’s my friend.”

“This is unexpected.”

“For me too. I’ll do the ritual, just let him stay.”

The elderly witch relented.

“Come. Both of you.”

She led them to the fallen stone. It lay surrounded by light, its surface a faint purplish tone. Dani ran a hand along it.

“Is that…?”

“Yes. The altar stone. The most important part of the lock. The part that accepts the key.”

“You want me to lie on it?”

“Yes, child.”

“And… and then what happens?”

“The ritual will harness the power which you have carried in your bloodline for five thousand years. That power will be sent through the lock to Nush’aldaam where it will end the demonic terror.”

Dani swallowed.

“And then I’ll die.”

“The ritual will take all your energy, all your magic. Every last beat of your witch’s heart. There will be no coming back.”

“Is there… is there any chance I can survive it?”

Lenore spoke gently.

“I am sorry, child. But your sacrifice will not be forgotten. You will be remembered as a saviour. A hero.”

For a moment, Dani was frozen.I can’t do this, she thought wildly. Then Blake’s arms went round her from behind and he pressed his warm lips to her ear.

“I’m here, princess. Whatever you want to do, it’s your call.”

“What if I’ve changed my mind?”

“Then we leave. I’ve got your back.”

She allowed herself to think about that for a fleeting moment. A future with Blake. A future with love and happiness.

But not for long. He’s human, remember? And when he goes the demon voices will be back, riding round in your head for the rest of your miserable life. Right next to your guilt and cowardice.

No. She’d already accepted her fate. As frightened as she was, she wouldn’t back out now.

“It’s okay. I’ve got this.”

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