Page 24 of To Vanquish Darkness

"It was a bloodline. Humans with blood that could heal. Regenerate. Blood that was—" He paused again, stretching his words. "Highly desirable to us."

Amalie's heart seemed to crystallize in her chest. Bloodline. Lives. Generations. "The gods gave a human bloodline to vampires?"

"In a way, but?—"

"They gave youhuman beings?To feed on, to keep as, what? Slaves?"

"It wasn't like that."

"Then please, explain how it was." Amalie quickened her pace, fueled by indignation and disgust. The gods were unpredictable, but this? How could the gods bless humans by forcing them to associate with the cursed? By stripping them of their freedom?

A muscle in Theo's jaw flexed. "It was a bonding between human and vampire. A mutual decision. One that would eliminate the terror and darkness created by Le Sombre, and in exchange, humans of the guardian blood were given safety. Companionship. Pleasure."

That word slipped through her like water, and Amalie's mind snapped back to Theo holding her in his arms. His breath against her skin. The warmth that surged in her veins instead of pain at his bite. "Why are you telling me this?" Her voice was a whisper.

Theo’s eyes flicked to hers. He shrugged. “I told you. Youdemandedthe truth.”

Truth. The idea that she’d hear it from him was laughable. Wouldn’t he tell her anything to suit his purposes? To draw her into his palm and mold her like clay?

Amalie’s stomach curdled as a thought slammed into her. “Do you have them? Now? Is that where we’re going? If you’re expecting me to?—”

Theo’s face transformed from predatory to devastating. His perfect lips spreading wide over glaringly white teeth, his browlifting, and his eyes glittering in the hazy moonlight. He threw back his head and laughed.

Amalie was speechless. Somehow, she hadn’t considered that his facial muscles could do anything other than glower, brood, or feed, and the result was nothing short of spectacular.

It was like watching a sunrise or holding up a glittering gem to the light. Amalie didn’t realize she’d stopped walking until Theo turned back.

“Humans. You’re so quick to draw conclusions.” He sobered, but a smile still sat on his lips. “And are nearly always wrong.”

11

1836 NORTHERN NORMANDY, FRANCE

Amalie stopped where the grass gave way to an endless stretch of sand, her shirt clinging to her sweat-soaked skin. The moon was again obscured by dark clouds, and she was glad to be out of the trees so she could keep track of Theo’s shadow in front of her. “How much further?”

“It would be quite a bit less if you’d allow me to?—”

“You’renotcarrying me.”

Theo had offered more than once, but she couldn’t do it. Couldn’t willingly be cradled in his arms. She had to keep her wits about her, and that meant distance was necessary.

“Suit yourself, but we have to move faster. The tide will rise before the sun.”

Amalie winced as she stepped down onto the packed sand. The edges of her heels burned, rubbing against the damp leather of her boots. She would surely find blisters there when she took them off.

Exhaustion tugged at the edges of her mind, but she gritted her teeth and tromped along behind him, ignoring his annoyed look each time he turned to make sure he wasn’t getting too far ahead.

She didn’t want to feel tired. She didn’t want to feel weak. Any abnormal physical sensation sent streaks of terror over her skin. Was this the moment she would turn? Was that twinge or that stumble proof that her body was groaning under the weight of a curse it could not bear?

To distract herself, Amalie focused all her energy on Theo. She cataloged how his form seemed to blur at the edges when he quickened his pace. How his intoxicating scent became more powerful when he exhibited heightened emotion. How even when she closed her eyes, she could sense him, point to exactly where he stood.

Though not watching him was next to impossible. The fluidity of his movement was just alien enough to create a fixation. She wanted to put him behind glass or creep up on him while he was sleeping so she could inspect him without shame. The thought of observing him without his notice, of touching him or running her fingers over his sharp angles sent a flush across her chest.

No. Attraction wasn’t her fault, and she was doing research. Learning everything she could to be of use to the Pourfendeurs.

“Faster,” Theo barked.

Amalie slogged through the damp sand, dragging her boots free each time they sank in the muck. “I’m going as fast as I can.”

---