Page 16 of Blood

“Would you sacrifice the world to get your mate back?” the White Stag continues. “Would you sacrifice your mates to save the world?”

“I...” I don’t know how to respond to that question.

Would I be willing to let my guys go for the good of the world?

Would I let the world burn if it meant keeping my men safe?

Fear trickles deep into the roots of my soul, burning through me like candle wax.

“I...I don’t...”

“Don’t answer that, Violet,” Alex snaps harshly. “It’s a trick question. I told you. The White Stag gauges your purity. He’s luring you into a trap.”

The world is as quiet as a held breath. The only noise in the room is the pounding of my own heart, an anvil slamming against my rib cage.

“Come here, child,” the White Stag says, lifting a hoof and gesturing for me to come forward.

“Violet, no...” Alex warns.

“If you want the council’s help in the battle to come, you need to obey.” The White Stag’s booming voice leaves no room for interpretation or denial.

You need to obey.

Cold, eruptive wrath boils inside me at his words.

Who is he to say what’s pure and impure?

Who is he to play judge, jury, and executioner?

A volcano of emotion threatens to bubble up like lava, but I don’t let it show on my face.

“It’ll be okay, Alex,” I say, but my tone holds no true conviction.

“Violet!” Alex pleads, reaching for me.

But I’m a vampire and I’m faster than him.

Before he can grab on to my arm, I’m across the room and standing in front of the table.

The White Stag stares back at me with wide, intelligent eyes. His horns glimmer in the flickering candlelight in a way that’s almost ominous.

I could be making a horrible decision, but I hope not.

Taking a deep breath, and trying to quell the rampant racing of my heart, I lean forward and place my hand on the White Stag’s outstretched hoof.

CHAPTER 7

ALEX

I watch with bated breath as Violet reaches for the White Stag.

I’m not a praying man—especially after learning about all the atrocities Zeus has committed—but I can’t help but plead to every higher power out there that Violet survives this.

Please.

Please, God.

Please.

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