Page 100 of Blood Moon
Abba placed a hand on Julian’s back and took a step forward with him. It stilled me.
“This is the last time your kind will harm us. You will die, with the Blood Moon high in the night sky. Your blood will feed our children, and our children’s children until there is none of it left.”
“Please,”I said, trying my hand. “I’m sorry for what my mother did, but I am not her. And I did not ask to bethis.I didn’t know about the treaty or the betrayal. It isn’t me that caused your pain and suffering, and I’m sorry it happened—I am—it was awful and merciless, but please let me go. I amall—” My voice cracked as I fought back tears. “I’m all my father has left.”
Abba released a long breath, rolled her eyes. “It has been a pleasure knowing you, and it really is a shame Rena didn’t teach you about your heritage, but as all things do, this is coming to an end. Julian,” she said, pushing him ahead. “It’s your time. After this, you can heal.”
Julian approached me, the dagger still in his hands. He stood before me like a fallen angel with a stone face. I willed him to look me in the eyes, to remember. We didn’t need to shed blood for a past we couldn’t partake in.
And then his eyes were on mine, and I couldn’t breathe quite right. It was strange how a single glance brought back every memory I’d ever had with Julian. But this was the end of all the beginnings. I knew it. Julian raised his arm high above me, dagger fixed in both hands, and I shut my eyes for the last time, praying Death would be easy on me. Maybe, in it, I could finally find tranquility.
A loud clunk, and I felt no pain, only tears.
When I opened my eyes, Julian’s back was to me, arms spread out, shielding my body like armor.
Not a shuffle or a word from anyone. The silence was lethal. Abba cleared her throat, pointed to the space behind us. “Julian, honey. Why’d you throw that dagger?”
“She will not die by my hand.”
Growls now, from everywhere. He backed into me.
“Blood for blood, Julian,” Abba said calmly. “Did we forget why we’re going through this ritual in the first place? Please, stop with the dramatics, dear. Complete this task, or I’ll be very, very disappointed in you.”
Another person stepped forward, and I recognized him. It was Chase. “You’re a spineless coward, Julian!” he yelled. “Mother, this job should have been mine!”
Abba held up a hand.“Chase,”she gritted, hushing him, and she took a step closer to Julian. “Julian.” She clenched her teeth. “Kill her …now.”
“It’s against treaty rules.”
Her eyes grew wide, and she raised a brow. “Ha! Treaty rules. What do you know about the law of the land, boy?”
“I know it’s against the law to kill a fated mate.”
Abba hissed. “Whatare you saying?”
“Mirabella and I are fated to each other.”
Whispers spread quickly, and Chase rushed forward. “Mom, he’s lying!”
Abba revealed her teeth. A hunch in her spine as she slunk toward the alter. “Julian, you have disobeyed us time and time again. Killing her is part of the treaty, so move now, or so help me, you will die right along with her!”
“I am telling the truth. It was confirmed in a vision when I drank her blood. If you kill her, you’ll have to kill me, too.”
She tightened her gaze, lips thin.“Her blood?”she questioned. “Her blood was off-limits before the ritual. Does no one listen to a single word I’ve said?!” She stomped a foot. But had Julian only told her that to keep them from killing me, or was it true?
“Ahh …” Abba began again, singing almost. “So, you fell in love with an enemy, and now you’re confused. I suppose historydoesrepeat itself. You are worse than Aadan the First,” she hissed, and in a zip, she had the dagger in her hands.
“Abba, what are you doing? I’m not confused, and I’m not lying. I saw it. I felt it. It’s against treaty rules. You can’t kill her.”
My breathing hiked. He was telling the truth. Julian had imprinted on me. We were fated mates.Oh, my god …
Abba inched closer. “If you continue to stand in the way, then you are turning your back on your family, and this dagger will go through you and straight to her.”
“You’d killme?” His voice broke.
Abba moved forward.
“You said you loved me like I was your own. You called me your son!”
