Page 40 of To Vanquish Darkness

Theo exhaled. “I believe our monarchy has become lax. We’ve all agreed to the rules given, and yet many refuse to follow them. Even when they serve as a protection to our citizens.” His words were sharp. Pointed.

Amalie’s eyes widened. He was going to play this game, was he? “An interesting statement, considering it’s only the wealthy who get to have their say.”

Theo took a step closer. “Do we not all benefit from the laws?”

“So they tell us.” Amalie stood her ground.

“You’re not convinced? Tell me, what would a king have to do to convince his subjects that he was only concerned with their safety?”

Amalie glared it him. “He could probably start with keeping their family alive. And telling them the truth in the first place.”

Theo’s jaw tightened. He was close enough now, his scent washed over her. She fought against it, but her body was suddenly liquid. Amalie put a hand on the wall to steady herself. He definitely affected her differently.

“Paul, would you lead our wonderful guests to the dining room for cocktails?” Ren gave a winning smile.

Amalie’s eyes flared as the other humans were herded from the room and she was left alone with Ren, Etienne, and Theo.

“As riveting as it is to watch the two of you posture, I believe you’ve broken one of your own rules, Master Vallon.” Ren crossed his arms over his chest, all hints of amusement gone.

Theo glanced at him. “Which one?”

Ren shrugged. “You’ve instructed us never to bring someone into the castle who understands our true natures.” He looked straight at Amalie. “Tell me, why do you flinch when I appear? Why do your hands clench into fists? Humans are always more relaxed in our presence, more docile, but you seem to be the opposite.”

Amalie’s throat worked. She could pretend she didn’t know what he was talking about, but he’d already called her out. How could she explain herself?

“Amalie is a historian.” Theo turned to face Ren. “She’s been studying our history, and since she’s only been reading human accounts, her research is hardly fact.”

Etienne groaned. “Theo, this again? Why does it matter?”

“It matters that humans know the truth.” Theo turned back to Amalie.

Ren's gaze flicked to her, then back to Theo. "A historian. And you brought her back here? Pretending she was your lover?"

Theo's lips twitched. "You heard her. I didn’t pretend anything. I only thought it would be . . . educational.”

A flush climbed up Amalie’s neck.

“She doesn’t seem too fond of you.” Etienne looked between the two of them, shoving a hand in his pocket.

Ren’s eyes narrowed. “It’s always fun to have a challenge.” He strolled forward, his eyes locked on Amalie's. "Quite the turn of events. A historian who pays attention to something other than human folly. What have you learned, then? Besides how tender Theo is in his lovemaking.” He winked at Theo. “None of us were surprised to hear it, by the way.”

Theo’s already thunderous expression somehow darkened.

Amalie wet her lips. “I’ve learned that the histories I’ve read are incomplete.”

Etienne dropped onto the chair next to her. “Because nobody has bothered to write our history.”

“Why haven’t you?” Amalie looked between the three of them. That was an honest question. With all the books she’d read, all the research she’d done, she’d never come across one reference to a story told from a vampire’s perspective.

Etienne laughed. “Humans would never believe it.”

Theo ran a hand lazily through his jet-black hair, smoothing it into place. "Human histories are necessary because your lifespans are short. Those stories must be recorded more permanently."

"And your stories aren’t worth recording?" How much time would it save them both if vampires or guardians had written anything down about the sword?

A thought struck her. Was it possible her family did have a record? She thought of the books her mother had once kept in her study. Where had they gone?

"We remember everything perfectly,” Ren said.

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