Page 248 of Red Ruin

The bond falls that last hair shy of imprinting, but with powers as strong as ours, it doesn’t matter.

We’ve grown close enough to share senses and memories.

Now, they gift me their magic.

I take control, guiding Remy’s shadows into my chest. Together, we rope off a wisp of the lich’s rot. He holds it steady in shadow pincers. Sweating, straining, I guide Vhex’s eager hellfire to pin-point attack the decay.

The lich’s putrid power starts to sizzle.

His soul-scream claws my insides. Ialmostcelebrate.

Then the sizzle hits me.

My teeth snap shut, and I bite the tip of my tongue as the pain of immolation burns from the lich’s soul to mine.

Fucking stars.

We’re so entangled, it feels like purging my own soul.

I can’t hesitate.

Drawing this out will only make the hurt last longer.

Shaking, I finish ashing the thread. Then I reach for more. White spots pop in front of my vision. I sweat hot and cold, guiding fire and shadow where I need them.

Together, we sear off another piece of lich.

I groan with agony and relief.

It’s working. I just need more energy.

“Venom.” I drag Vhex’s horn and pull him to my throat. Reaching over my shoulder, I wind my fingers in Remy’s scattered hair and yank him to the other side. “Blood.”

They always remember those words.

Fire flashes at my canine tooth, echoing Vhex as he dips his fang. Pain-that-isn’t-pain burns the sweet, tender spot where my neck and shoulder join.

Syrupy flames rush into me like espresso poured over ice cream.

Melting.

Exhilarating.

The venom clears my head, shaking off the numbness and returning the life to my body in a cascade of prickles that spark from my fingertips to the tip of my nose.

When the prickle morphs into more of a burn, Remy makes a muffledmff.

His fangs pierce just above my pulse.

I want power, not lust, but his sucking mouth arches my spine.

Vhex and Remy press me between their bodies, desperate to be closer. Their hips rock with the push and pull of our energies.

I muffle a moan.

Maybe I do want lust.

But not yet. Not until the lich is gone.

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