Page 82 of Happily Ever Bitten (Underworld Royals 2)

“Meaning?”

“Power. And I don’t mean the kind that rules kingdoms, but the kind that comes from the soul. She grew up a halfling, the lowest of the low in Graystall society, and she’s blossomed into a beautiful warrior. Her confidence shines, as does her heart. I think this is the right path for her, even if I don’t agree with the road Lucifer forced her down to get there.”

I considered that. “She’s very strong.”

“Yes.”

“I intend to keep her.”

“I know,” Valora replied. “And I don’t think she’d give you a choice at this point.”

My lips twitched. “I think you might be right about that.”

We finished our wine in silence, then Valora rose to signal her leave. I pulled her into a hug, thanking her for her insight. “It’s not that bad having a sister,” I said, releasing her.

“It’s not that bad having a brother,” she returned, winking at me. “But if you hurt my best friend, I will kill you.”

I nearly laughed; however, the serious glimmer in her eyes told me that would be the wrong response. “I’ll never hurt her.”

“I know. Because if you do, I’ll kill you.”

“Double threat,” I drawled. “Got it.”

“Good.” She broke the serious stare and grinned. “Now go—”

An explosion outside rattled the palace walls, causing me to stiffen.

Grigory! Zaya cried out into my mind.

I ran into the bedroom and collapsed beside her on the bed. What is it?

Death, she whispered into my mind, her arms wrapped around her stomach as she curled into a ball. I… I can feel their dead souls… They’re here. Death is here.

It burned.

The darkness loomed.

My vision wavered.

Everything… shattered.

I couldn’t focus, forgot how to breathe, the onslaught of death suffocating me.

Grigory’s voice echoed over my head, but I couldn’t hear him, the enchantment weaving its way over the land agonizing my soul.

I struggled against it, trying to cut myself loose from the suffocating net. What kind of power is this? I wondered, feeling the push of an unnatural energy source coming straight for the palace. It felt as if I were the target, the invisible ropes wrapping around me and squeezing the life from my lungs.

Stop! Grigory shouted into my mind, his presence a splash of cold water to my senses. He yanked me forward, his power shadowing mine, providing me with the building blocks I needed to climb out of the darkness.

Dim light spilled in through my lids, my chest heaving with the force required to steal a deep breath. I shuddered, my limbs reminding me of cement blocks, weighing me down on the bed. I can’t move, I realized, panicking. I can’t move!

“Shh,” Grigory whispered. “Focus on me.”

I couldn’t see him, but I felt his lips against my ear.

“Breathe, baby,” he encouraged me. “And try to blink.”

I did, my vision clearing a little more each time to reveal the high ceilings of his bedroom. Then Valora’s worried expression came into view as she stared down at me from above. I frowned at her. Valora?

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