Page 43 of The Vampire's Mercy

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Hate…

“No,” I breathed, Elio moaning around my hardness.

Disgust…

Disgust and lust and rage…

Rage.

So much rage…

He’d killed my friend. He’d killed my friend and threatened the lives of my people.

Filthy mortal. Filthy mortal. Filthy… Filthy…

Filthy light burning bright.

Filthy…

Filthy…

Shining…

Piercing… Piercing…

Light.

BURNING!

BURNING!

BURNING!

I pulled out of my thrall’s mouth, staggering backward, terrific agony blazing inside my chest. The Heart of All pulsed with the rapid speed of a terrified heartbeat, veins shone with ruby fury.

Because of him.

Because of the elf.

He’d been the first in a long time to attack me. Useless, yes, but the intention scratched at me constantly.

Paris…

I couldn’t bear the audacity of it.

I couldn’t bear only seeing his face inside my head.

“Majesty?” Elio got to his feet, wiping the side of his mouth.

“Leave,” I commanded him.

He gathered his shirt and left.

Paris…

I dressed, my fury rising, fueling every step as I tore out of my chambers toward the dungeons below.

I’d kill him. There was enough murk in my head already, and his presence only contributed to it.

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