“Part of the trial... oh wait... I can’t tell you that. Sorry.” Skye’s face fell, eyes dropping.

  Evaine patted her shoulder. “It’s okay. I know. It’s vampire law. Blah, blah, blah.”

  Her bright smile beamed, childlike but edged with a touch of insanity. “Otherwise, I would! You know that, right? You’re my favorite sister.”

  A smirk ticked up the corners of Evaine’s mouth

  I’m your only sister! Living anyway.

  She wasn’t about to point that out, so she nodded, her curls bouncing. “Of course.”

  “Good!” Tiny fingers enveloped hers, pulling her along. “We should get you fed.”

  “Wait. Where’s Jacob?” Evaine tried to use her body weight to slow their pace, but it didn’t faze Skye. She was stronger than everyone, except maybe Julien and the other elders.

  “He’s training with Raven.”

  “I guess that’s good.”

  “It is. You both need to be at the top of your game.”

  As Skye drug her along, Evaine caught glimpses of her darting through caves and scaling walls, fear wafting from her in the memory like it was her own. Usually, she didn’t get emotions from vampires, but this time, they were overwhelming.

  That’s interesting.

  Skye’s lithe body trembled, pinned against the cold stone as blood-curdling howls and screams echoed off the walls, and then suddenly, there was the tearing of flesh, blood spurting, and lethal growls.

  The visions were gone as quickly as they came, and Evaine wished she’d collected more details because she was pretty confident it was Skye’s trial.

  “Are there really monsters under Krev, Skye?”

  “Someone has to guard the Luminary.” Tiny, salient fangs flashed as she grinned over her shoulder before bouncing down the stairs. “They’re called the Inmortui.”

  “What are they? Pets?”

  Skye’s head snapped up, a serious gleam in her inky eyes. “They are not pets, Evie! They are killers, plain and simple.” She scanned the hall before she whispered, “There is only one way to kill them, and that’s fire. But if you stab them in the eyes, it slows them down. Remember that.”

  “Stab them in the eye?” Evaine asked.

  Skye’s tiny body cringed as she gestured with her hands. “Sh! It’s a secret!!”

  “Okay, Gotcha.” Evaine’s index finger met her lip before she whispered, “Thanks.”

  Clearly, Skey was taking an enormous risk sharing information about the trials, and that meant a lot to Evaine. Though she couldn’t help thinking that she needed to figure out a way to share it with Jacob.

  Maybe we can catch up with him before breakfast.

  “Do you know where the boys are sparring, Skye?”

  “Out in the garden.”

  “Can you take me there?”

  “Sure.”

  They weaved through the castle effortlessly, onto the back terrace, and down the stone steps leading to the garden. Jacob bounced around Raven just outside of arm’s length, Raven tracking his every move. There was dried blood under Raven’s nose and a bruised lump on his cheekbone.

  As they approached, Jacob lurched with a quick combination, the first swing missing but the second, an uppercut, finding its mark and forcing Raven’s head back when it connected with his chin.

  Evaine heard the popping crunch of Jacob’s fingers as they took the brunt of the impact.

  It was a hard blow, but Jacob wasn’t fast enough to put adequate space between them before Raven hauled him back by his collar. With a quick jerk, he brought Jacob to the ground and dropped a sharp knee into his gut, knocking the air from him.

  When Raven’s stormy eyes flicked up, satisfaction reflected in the swirling pools as he bounced to his feet and straightened his shirt.

  Rolling to his side, Jacob gripped his stomach and groaned, “Hey, Evie.”

  “Are you okay?”

  “Fine. Great.” He rolled the other way before flipping over and pushing to his feet with both hands, shoving the stray strands of his ponytail back from his face. “I think the fucker is trying to kill me before the party even starts,” he grumbled as he closed the distance.

  “With Ansel’s blood in your veins, you should heal in no time.” Raven scoffed as he strolled past them toward the terrace. “Your reaction time should be faster. You aren’t trying hard enough. Evaine did a better job than you.”

  “Such a fucking joy!” Jacob rolled his eyes, then smiled. “Whatcha doin’ out here?”

  “I was looking for you. Skye said you were practicing, and I wanted to hang out before the baptism crap.”

  “Just in case?”

  “In case what?”

  His lips quirked in a sassy smirk, but his eyes reflected something akin to worry. “In case I kick the bucket.”

  “Don’t put that shit out in the universe, asshole!” She slapped his arm. “You’re just asking for the bad Ju-Ju.”

  “Whatever, Kitten. Right now, I’d take any kinda Ju-Ju I can get.” Protective mask back in place, his eyebrows raised suggestively.

  “That’ll have to wait until after our quality time.”

  “I’m supposed to meet up with Xiao in an hour, so you better get to qualitying before I ditch you for the cute Asian boy.”

  “He does have pretty eyes.”

  His laugh warmed her insides as it wrapped around her like a hug. “I wonder why you think that.”

  “Why?” Skye asked from behind them.

  “Because they’re green,” Evaine said. “And I like green eyes.”

  “Because they are Gage green.” Jacob quipped.

  “Oh,” Skye caught up, sliding her arm into his on the other side.

  Images of blood and skin flashed in Evaine’s mind as Jacob smiled at Skye, but then they were gone, jealousy panging in her gut instead. What was it about their relationship that just made her hair stand on end? She couldn’t figure it out, so she changed the subject. “Skye told me a fascinating secret, Jay. Maybe if you’re nice to her, she’ll tell you too.”

  His eye went wide, mouth gaping; a cross sort of tone to his voice as he said. “One. I’m always nice to her.” Tsunami-colored eyes narrowed on Skye. “And two, why are you telling Evie your secrets? I thought we were BFFs now. What the fuck, Skye?”

  There was an edge of hesitation in Skye’s tightened lips, her shoulder tight, arm crossed. “I’m not supposed to tell either of you anything. If Tati finds out.” She tilted her head, eyes glazing for a moment before she said, “He would be so mad.”

  “He won’t find out.” The smile Jacob flashed her oozed kindness. “I swear. I’ll keep it a secret.”

  There was no way Skye could resist. It was like the sun shining on you after hours of rain. Her gaze flicked around before she pushed on her toes and whispered, “The only way to kill the Inmortui is to use fire, but if you stab them in the eye, it rattles their brains and slows them down for a while.”

  Jacob’s brow furrowed, lips pursing as his head ticked to the side. “What the? Huh?”

  When he glanced at Evaine, she smiled. “Just remember to stab them in the eye.”

  He tossed his hands up and said, “Who the fuck is them?” way too loud.

  A jolt went through Skye’s body as she bounced in place, little fists clenched at her side. “Sh!”

  Evaine took another tack, snapping, “Shut it, jerk!” and hit him in the gut, forcing a gut out of him.

  She enjoyed the couple of hours she spent with Jacob and Skye before finally letting him leave to find Xiao. During their time, she kept picking up glimpses of what Jacob was planning to do with the boy, and bits and pieces of music, as they skittered through his mind. They were beautiful bursts of colors and emotion and made her appreciate how his brain worked. It was no wonder he was so talented.

  Shortly before sundown, Julien showed up in their suite, his face lighting up as he caught sight of her sitting in one of the wing chairs with her book.

  “Frankenstein? That is one of my favorites, Ma Petite.”

  “It’s one of mine too.” She set it on the table as he handed her a black bag. “What’s this?”

  “It is your gear for this evening.”

  “My what?”

  “You cannot have a trial without gear, Ma Petite. And that is yours.” Cool fingers enveloped hers. “Now, come here and let me help you out of those rags.” Devious eyes glimmered with mischief as he hitched an eyebrow and smirked, fangs peeking from under his lip.

  “I can dress myself.” She said but still put her hand in his.

  “What is the fun of that?” His arm wrapped around her, gripping her ass cheek, frigid fingers biting into her jaw as he stole her breath.

  When he broke the embrace, a devilishly sexy smile washed over his handsome face. “I spent the last couple of hours thinking about how much I enjoy being inside you.”

  A small part of her wondered if he’d been avoiding her all day because he was tired of dealing with the silly little fledgling. To hear him admit how much he wanted her quelled that anxiety and lit her on fire. Gripping the loose strands of his gold-spun hair, she pulled him close, her tongue slipping between his lips and tangling with his, fangs dropping as desire pooled in the crux of her body.

  “You’re wasting time, My Lord,” she whispered when their lips parted.

  His eyes were wholly black as he lifted her chin with his finger. “It’s Envoy, Ma Petite.” The low smooth purr deepened to a demanding growl that rattled his chest. “Now, strip for me, Pet”

  It sent a thrill through her core as he stepped away, and she didn’t hesitate, shimmying her yoga pants off and kicking them to the side before quickly adding her shirt to the pile. Damp, frigid air bit her bare body as she crossed her arms over her stomach, feeling more exposed than expected as he eyed her.

  “Hands at your sides.” His muscles bunched and flexed as he slipped his jacket off and tossed it on the back of a nearby chair. “Good girl,” he purred when she dropped them. “Now, come here and get on your knees.”

  Something unexpected clicked into place, her head cocking as she said, “Say please.”

  His brows hitched, pulling his eyes wide. “Pardon?” The low growl rumbled his chest as he unbuttoned his shirt and tossed it on his jacket.

  Evaine clasped her hands behind her back, pushing out her breasts as she straightened her shoulders, her chin lifting. “I said, say please. I don’t plan to spend my last day on earth on my knees for anyone. And if I survive, well, I’ll deal with the consequences then.”

  Julien stalked towards her, devouring the distance between them in two steps, icy fingers biting into her face. “You are my perfect little creation and more powerful than you give credit. I do not want to hear you talk like that. Understood?”

  She nodded softly.

  His lips caught hers in a fierce kiss, his naked chest causing the best kind of friction as it brushed her tight nipples, the vibration sending shivers down her spine as he growled, “This is the last time you disobey me.” When he pulled back, a minute smile curled his lips. “But to your point, this is your day, so I will be lenient.”

  Unyielding hands gripped the outside of her thighs, fingers digging into the meat as he pulled her into his arms, forcing an unexpected squeak from her as she wrapped her legs around his hips. With fluid ease, he walked them toward the bed, dropped to the edge, and straddled her across his lap.

  When his brutal, demanding mouth found hers, he latched a hand at the back of her neck, pinning her in place as he devoured her.

  She fumbled to free him, his cock cool and hard as she stroked it, and a low growl slipped between their sealed lips, rumbling his chest as his fangs tore into her tender lip and drew blood. With a solid grip on her hip, he guided her where he wanted her, her slick slit taking every inch of him in one hard thrust. She whimpered, arching into him with the divine ecstasy of it.

  Twined fingers at the nape yanked at silky strands until she cried out, the burning pain kicking up her pleasure. The sting as he drank from her lip mingled with the salient sensation of his nails digging into her hip to drive her down savagely. Each stroke built the tension, her body bowing under the potent aphrodisiac of his assault. His invisible fingers worked the sensitive nerves, forcing breathy cries as she clenched around his shaft; stars swirled behind her lids, head lolling back as she rode him with abandon.

  “Look at me, Pet.” The deep rumble brought her to attention, ruthless lips bruising as he kissed her breath away.

  When he broke the embrace, his cool breath washed over her blood-stained lips. “You feel so fucking good, Pet.” His tongue ran along the seam. “Bite me, Ma Petite Filles.”

  Hesitation strangled her nerve, her hungry, black eyes eating up the flex of his broad shoulders and corded arms as he jerked her head.

  “I will not tell you again.”

  The burn of her scalp and relentless pounding of his cock as it hit just the right spot drove a whimper from her before she complied, fangs sinking into his thin lips. Blood seeped into her mouth, tingling her tongue as she lapped the spicy elixir, clamping down when the craving became too much to resist.

  Low grunts radiated from Julien as his thrusts became harder or erratic, bruising her with his sharp hips as they collided.

  Tension strung her taunt above the promise of a blissful abyss, nails digging into his shoulder and back as she clung to him. Every nerve ending screamed for release; she clenched tighter, riding him incessantly.

  Another hard jerk of her hair freed his lip and brought her eyes open as she edged toward release.

  “Do you want to cum, Pet?” His teeth gritted, the pace of his thrusts ruthless.

  “Yessss.” A barely audible hiss.

  “Yes?” There was a sharp, expectant tone to his question

  His cock hitting that spot deep inside that made her thighs tremble and her back arch, that cool tingle washing over her.

  “Yes, Envoy. Please,” she begged.

  “That’s my good girl. Now, come for me.” The low, gravelly whisper shot right to her pussy as he devoured her lips, tongue pushing into her mouth. His hand slipped between them to help her along, and it took very little to take her over the edge, exploding with sensation as he spilled into her.

  Her limbs were heavy, her body languid with exhaustion.

  He cradled her, stroking her hair as he butterflied kisses over her face. “You did so well, Pet.”

  When she could speak again, she asked, “Will you miss me if I die tonight?”

  Julien’s cock twitched inside her as he gripped the sides of her face. “There is nothing that can stop you when you put your mind to it, Child. You will prove it tonight; I am sure of that.” He kissed her swollen lips, the tart, coppery hint of his blood earning him a soft moan as she licked it from her lips.

  “It is time to prepare, Ma Petite.” He lifted her easily and steadied her until her legs found the will to work, a sexy smirking ticking up as he let go. “Now, are you still capable of dressing yourself, or do you want my assistance?”

  The mischievous way he eyed her as he adjusted himself made her wonder if she could talk him into round two, but when she glanced at the window, the sky was already dark, and she thought better.

  “I’m fine.” She snatched the bag full of her gear from the floor as she passed it and closed the door behind her.

  Folded in the bag was a one-piece body suit made of a spandex-like material, though it was thicker and more resilient to tearing. The black catsuit fit her like a glove as she shimmied into it and zipped the front. There was a red insignia above her right breast. She immediately recognized the Ouroboros, but instead of a snake, it was a scaled dragon with large wings eating its tail. Inside the circle were sharp lines forming a hexagon with a small circle inside it and a triangle nestled inside that. Several of the small symbols she didn’t recognize, but the ankh stood out, which stood for eternity. In the geometric design sat an ornate M and A for the Ministerium Aevum or Ministry of the Ageless.

  As Evaine wondered what the other symbols meant, Julien knocked on the door. “Ansel is not a patient man, Ma Petite. We are late, so hurry along.”

  The dark, winding stone stairs that led to her doom closed in on them as she followed Julien deep under the castle. Fear spiked inside as she wrung her hands together, her breath short pants and heart thumping wildly.

  “Calm yourself, Evie. Fear is like chum in the water to vampires.” Julien shot over his shoulder before he drew her into a large open cavern.

  Her Doc Martens were silent on the stone, but still, everyone turned to look at them as they hit the bottom. Julien planted a kiss on her temple.

  “Make me proud, Pet,” he whispered against her skin before joining the other emissaries.

  All the fledglings wore identical suits.

  When she stepped up next to Jacob, he snaked his arm around her. “Hey, Kitten.”

  “Hey,” she mumbled.

  A full-on panic attack was a real possibility as she worked to slow her breathing. Death wasn’t high on her priority list, especially considering she hadn’t killed Tristan yet. It seemed unfair to die before she got her revenge. Julien was sure she’d get through this alive, but she wasn’t. What she knew was that his blood gave her a boost of stamina, like a kick of speed that wired her and made her feel invincible as it mixed with Ansel’s. She wondered if that was even allowed but then pushed it aside as Tristan and Ansel strolled into the room.

  Tristan’s dark eyes caught hers, anger simmering in the coffee pools.

  Unable to maintain eye contact, she glanced around the large room carved out under the castle; the walls honed to a smooth sheen, high ceilings stretching above, and wide passages wound through it.

  Baldric, the burly consul member with the shaved head, stood in front of a large stone door with the same insignia carved cleanly into the rock like someone used a laser, the dragon chasing his tail, the geometric design, and the M.A.

  He cleared his throat, silencing the low hum of whispers. “Tonight, you have the honor of following the many before you through the Baptismus in Sanguine. This trial will be treacherous, but we will not send you in unprepared. Once you enter the catacombs, you will have your choice of weapons, and I suggest you choose wisely because once you leave the safety of the Sanctorum, there is no turning back.”

 

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