Page 86 of A Vow of Shadow and Blood
“Have you worked for the prince for a long time as his…”
“Royal researcher,” she says proudly. “My family has always served the crown of the court of shadows, but I’m the last of my line.”
My brows furrow. Humans don’t have lines. We don’t even know our heritage. The fact that I was told that Willow was my sister is a shock in itself.
“I don't understand. How can you know that?” My eyes scan the area, making sure no one is around. “Humans are not permitted to know such things.”
Her mouth forms an O shape.
“I’m…sorry…I didn’t mean to confuse you. I’m not human. I’m a vampire.”
I scan over her features, and while she is very beautiful, her blue eyes match neither the sired nor the born.
“I don’t understand.”
She looks down as though embarrassed, and my confusion only grows more.
“My family was killed during the war. I’m the last surviving vampire of my house, but even during adolescence, my powers never manifested.”
“At all?” I shouldn’t care. I shouldn’t even be asking, but something about this knowledge piques my curiosity.
She nods her head.
“You can’t…” I’m not even sure what is appropriate to ask or why I’m even asking. Knowing anything more than the fact that vampires are monsters is unnecessary, and yet I find myself eagerly awaiting her answer.
“I have slightly heightened senses, but nothing like the others of my kind.” She pushes up her glasses again. “And my shadow-wielding abilities are nonexistent.”
“Why?” As soon as I ask, I want to kick myself. “Sorry, that was rude and none of my business.”
“It’s ok. I’ve been whispered about my entire life. It’s kind of nice to have someone ask so directly.” Something tightens in my chest as I watch her. “I’m not sure why, no one does, but Karius lets me live here and work for him. I could have dissolved my house like many did after the war and merged with another, but I’m one of the twelve, and I had hoped to continue my family name.”
Recognition suddenly hits. The empty seat back at the bloodhouse.
“You’re a council member, but you weren’t at the meeting back at Blackwood Bloodhouse.”
“I am, and I wasn’t. Karius always invites me, but I’m very rarely welcomed by anyone else. Sometimes it’s easier to avoid those kinds of things altogether. It’s hard to fit in when nobody truly knows what you are.”
Her words hit me hard. I know that feeling, and sometimes it can be so damn lonely. I look up to find her eyes glistening, and guilt clutches at my chest.
“I understand.” I can’t explain why, but I can offer her that. “So, why don’t you tell me everything that you’ve learned so far, and we can go from there?”
She looks up at me in surprise, and then a smile parts her lips.
“Ok.”
After hours of reading the library’s texts, we find nothing. Disappointment curls my stomach as I walk toward the servant’s dining hall. After hearing my stomach grumble one too many times, Iza suggested that I go and eat. The thought of being stuck in my room after being locked up in a dungeon for what felt like weeks was not appealing, so when she suggested that I might be more comfortable dining with the servants, I jumped at the opportunity. I have no desire to eat with Karius again, and at least this way I won’t be alone, but I also don’t have to be around any more vampires.
I found myself forgetting what Iza was at times; her blue eyes fooled me into thinking she was something else. She acts human. Oddly, I could relate to her being the last of her line. If anything happens to Willow, then I will be just as alone, and the idea ofit makes me feel sick. I shake away the thoughts, not wanting to imagine such things. I will get out of here, and I will find her.
The vampires may cloak their words in mystery, but humans give up information far more easily. I take a turn down what must be the tenth hallway and finally hear voices coming from behind a door. If I have followed Iza’s directions correctly, then this should be the right place. I blow out a relieved breath, and my steps hurry in the direction of the hall. Iza did offer to take me, but I honestly just wanted some time alone, away from vampires.
I pause at the threshold of the dining hall, my eyes widening as they sweep across the busy room. Humans are everywhere, and not a vampire is in sight. My chest tightens at the sheer number of people here, and my mind drifts back to the night I was in the tavern with Finn and Tori. That same heaviness clutches at my throat, sending panic right through my chest.
Breathe,Athriel reminds me.
And I try.
Laughter carries through the air toward me, and I spot a group of humans all gathered around a table sharing stories as they eat, their plates piled high with meats, vegetables, and potatoes. Behind them is a long wooden counter filled with large plates of food, and I’m surprised to find people casually just walking up to refill plates that are already empty. I look around, but there isn’t a single vampire guard in sight. Humans run the entire place. I step inside as I weave through tables filled with people, all chattering away and sharing stories. None of them even looks up as I pass by, too engrossed in the conversations they’re having.
