Page 70 of To Vanquish Darkness

Amalie finished drying herself, then plucked the comb from the shelf and worked it through her hair. She needed to find something else in those books. They needed a way to stop vampires like Ramon, to vanquish them permanently.

But Theo?

Amalie’s thoughts snagged. She set down the comb and lifted her arms to braid her hair. When she was finished, she dressed in the clean shirt and slacks, then re-entered her bedroom. Nosooner had she crossed the room to her writing desk than a knock came at the door.

“I want to come with you.” Amalie gripped her mother’s coat.

Her mother turned and crouched in the hall. “There is something I have to take care of, mon chou. I’ll be back soon, and I need you to protect your sister.”

Amalie looked back at their bedroom door. “But I’m scared.”

“Go in and lock the door. I’ll do our special knock when I return . . .”

Theo didn’t have a special knock. And even if he did, he couldn’t possibly be back so soon.

"Don't worry, I'm not going to come in." Ren's voice slid through the crack like butter, sending shivers across her skin. “I couldn’t even if I wanted to.”

She tiptoed to the door and checked that the lock was turned. He didn’t have the key, but with one kick, Theo had leveled Ramon’s door. What was keeping Ren from doing the same?

“Why couldn’t you?” Amalie asked.

Ren was quiet a moment. “This room is warded. It’s the only room in the castle with enchantments. It’s why Theo claimed it.”

Amalie stared at the back of the door. “It’s warded?”

“Nobody can get in without the key.”

“Not even through the windows?”

“Not unless you opened them.”

Amalie blanched. “Right.” She glanced back at the shutters. They were drawn. She vaguely wondered if she’d see the pinks and oranges of sunset if she pushed them open.

“You’re on guard duty, then?” It wasn’t really a question. Theo would never leave her with another vampire. Not even one from his own coven. But he did have reasonable doubt that she’dstick to her room. Perhaps he thought if a vampire was in the hall, she’d be more likely to follow the rules.

“There was a complication earlier. Theo felt it necessary that I stay back. To make sure his objectives were prioritized.” Ren’s shadow moved across the thin gap at the bottom of her door. “I’m glad for the task, actually. The last thing I want to do right now is traipse around Mordelle. The town is a dung heap.”

Amalie pursed her lips and didn’t speak. Theo hadn’t liked when Etienne noticed her southern traditions in the kitchen. She wouldn’t give any more details that could link her to her family.

Ren sighed. "Not much of a talker, are you?"

She waited a moment. When he didn’t continue, she said, “I’m not going to leave my room. You can go.”

He chuckled. "So you do know Theo. You’ll understand, then, if I stay. The last thing I want to do is upset him. Didn’t go well for the last vampire who crossed him."

Amalie’s stomach soured, remembering Ramon’s fingers landing on the stone with a sickening thump. "You don't say,” she murmured.

Wonderful. She was going to have to study with Ren sitting there. He’d hear her moving around the room. Possibly keep wanting to talk.

Amalie took a step back and paused. If he wanted to talk . . .

“Why do you listen to him?”

Ren scoffed. “Theo? Why do you?”

Amalie pursed her lips. “Don’t all humans get drawn in if you desire?”

"Fair enough." There was a long pause. "Theo is stronger than most. I suppose I listen for the same reasons you do.”

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