Page 3 of A Vow of Shadow and Blood
That was a rhetorical question.
His laughter fills my veins like a soft caress.
As long as I get to kill some vampires tonight, I will do exactly as you please.
We’re not killing anybody.
Boring.
I push his voice to the back of my mind just like I have practiced over the years.
My hands sweep down the length of my navy dress, fingertips grazing the slit that climbs to mid-thigh until they find the familiar outline of the leather strap holding my dagger. The laws of Kalyn say it’s illegal for a human to carry a weapon, but I’ve never been very good at obeying rules.
I straighten my back, swaying my hips to the soft lull of the band’s melody as I head toward the table of vampires. Shocked looks and hushed whispers trail after me, but I weave throughthe purebloods without slowing, closing the distance to my target. My eyes pierce into Vincent until he turns to look at me. Amusement flickers across his face as our eyes meet, and my stomach drops.Keep it together, Adina.
As soon as I reach the vampires’ table, all eyes fall on me, their pupils as black as the shadows they wield.
The eyes of a monster.Athriel's voice slithers to the front of my mind until I forcibly push it back into the darkness. I hear a grunt in the distance, but my focus is on the vampires who watch me intently. Regret claws at me instantly, though I’ll be damned if I let it show.
I spare a glance at Jace, and I swear something close to relief softens his features.Don’t relax yet, kid. I might get us both killed.
“Gentlemen,” I purr, keeping my eyes locked on Vincent. A tingle creeps up my spine as he watches me with hooded eyes. He sees the challenge, and I know the exact moment I catch his attention. I extend my wrist, revealing the shadow-inked crest—an intricate weave of swirls and patterns that mark Blackwood House’s claim on me, and the potency of my blood. Excitement fills Vincent’s eyes, and I curve my mouth up into a fake smile.
“I thought you might care for something a little stronger.”
“Stronger,you say?” A teasing expression brightens his eyes as his tongue flicks out to wet his red-stained lips.
I move closer, blocking his view of Jace.
“Forgive me if I’m overstepping, but I just assumed someone of your status would appreciate a little moreexperience.”
I let my eyes dip to his crotch for a second before bringing them back up, and there’s no mistaking the lust in his eyes. I shift my weight just enough for the coppery brown skin of my thigh to slip through the slit of my dress. The blue fabric clings to every curve and dip of my body, sculpted exactly as its makers intended. Something flashes in his eyes, and I know I have him.
I look briefly over my shoulder and find Jace watching in disbelief. I almost groan at the fact that he didn’t take the opportunity to flee.Fool.
“Is there a reason you’re still standing there, newblood? I think your services would be much more suited to the rooms servicing the Sired,downstairs.”I force venom into my voice and feel instant guilt as soon as his eyes gloss over, but I don’t have time for sympathy; I’m trying to save his fucking life. Jace doesn’t move, so I sashay over to Vincent, sinking into his lap with a soft moan that makes him instantly harden beneath me. I push down the bile that rises to my throat.
This foolish child has no self-preservation at all. Humans truly are such a primitive species. How you’re not already extinct is a mystery,Athriel says.
You do remember that I’m one of thoseprimitivehumans you think should be extinct?
Yes, but luckily you have me.
You’re insufferable.
I zone out Athriel’s laughter and send Jace a death glare.
“Gods, fuck off, newblood. Do I really have to spell it out?”
Relief nearly escapes me in a sigh when he finally gets the message and turns away—but before he can take more than a few steps, Vincent’s voice cuts through the air.
“Not so fast, pretty one.”
My stomach drops as my eyes meet Tori’s across the room. Her expression mirrors exactly what I’m thinking. I’m too late.
Vincent beckons him over until he is standing in front of us. I close my eyes for a brief second when I see Jace fiddling with his hands as he moves closer.
“Do you know why I attend Blackwood Bloodhouse, Jace?”
