Page 147 of Savage Blood
Panic erupted from my father as he tried to grab the liquid, but it wouldn’t allow him to touch it. “What are you doing?”
As the molten crimson stone sank into me, traveling down my arm and into my torso, waves of bliss infiltrated my veins. There was no pain.
Never mind.
There was pain.
A lot of it.
A scream burst from my mouth as I jerked away from the table, the knife teetering in my chest. The dozens of candles sputtered, and their flames burned brighter. A radiance encased my flesh, and those black symbols Ruin had painted disintegrated, falling around the table.
Why did everything have to hurt so damn much?
Agony seared my insides and traveled out to my limbs, the tips of my toes, and the ends of my hair.
“I’m here, fiera mika.” Fane’s phantom form appeared by the table, gripping my real hand as he gritted his teeth, attempting to take some of my pain.
Sweat beaded on my glowing skin and soon popped along his forehead as he absorbed my anguish.
But he couldn’t stay connected. I knew what was coming. I felt it.
“Let go, Fane,” I pleaded.
He shook his head. “I’m never letting you go.”
“You have to. Just for a moment.” I squeezed his fingers.
“I’m not fucking leaving you, Tate.” He bared his teeth. “I’m staying right here.”
Let him stay.
Let him stay.
He is part of you.
He is strong enough.
As the amulet’s words echoed, I finally gave in.
I stopped fighting. And let it all in.
A blast of power erupted from me, and the sounds of screams, breaking glass, and crunching metal filled the room. Ash and fire lingered in my mouth.
So did blood.
Darkness swept through the room, blinding me.
But within that darkness, the ancient power swirled. It didn’t stay in my center like before. Those ebony tendrils raced through my insides, wrapping around every muscle, every organ, and every fiber of my being.
Fane remained by my side, his hand in mine, experiencing everything through our bond.
When the Infernal Sol finally settled, my wolf roared within. The demon power didn’t quiet her. Instead of fighting for dominance, they melded together and inhabited the same space. The ancient power wrapped my wolf in armor, and she embraced it all.
As the light slowly returned to the room, a deafening silence stretched. My heart beat firm and steady. And the pain vanished.
The ceremonial dagger had evaporated from my chest, and my wound had healed.
Fane squeezed my hand, his mouth open and eyes wide. “You’re still you.”
