Page 78 of To Vanquish Darkness

"I understand you're upset, but I have my orders. I can’t leave you unprotected."

"Oh, please. Like you're so loyal." Amalie wheeled on him. “A moment ago, you were threatening me. Seems like you pick and choose the orders you follow.”

Ren studied her. "You don't know me as well as you'd like to think. You'd be surprised what lengths I'd go to to get what I want." He stepped closer. The air around him seemed to hum with energy. "You're lucky Theo found you first."

Amalie drew a breath. "Go ahead and rat me out to Theo. Tell him to come for me. I’d love to tell him all about our little conversation."

She didn’t look back to see if Ren was following until she reached the market square of Valenciennes. Despite the late hour, there were still a few people milling about, finishing their supper. There was a group of men laughing loudly near the fountain. She angled past them, then ducked into a narrow alleyway. If Ren insisted on following her, she wouldn't make it easy for him.

The cobblestone streets glistened with recent rain, the air cool against Amalie’s cheeks. Her footsteps echoed off the stone buildings lining each side of the street, casting long shadows in the moonlight. She glanced over her shoulder, her heart leaping into her throat as Ren turned the corner.

Amalie wound through streets and alleys, weaving back and forth until even she wasn't sure which direction they were headed. Finally, she burst out onto a street lined with shops and cafés.

This was ridiculous.She needed to go home. She was hours in the wrong direction with no hope of losing her tail. Had Theofound her uncle? Was he trying to keep her family safe like he’d said? The idea of staying there in town for the night not knowing felt like drinking straight poison.

Why hadn’t Theo told her? Why hadn’t he let her come?

Anger welled within her, but she tamped it down. Now wasn’t the time. She needed to stay focused.

Amalie spun in the dimly lit alley, heart pounding as she weighed her options. She wouldn’t be able to travel tonight. Ren was right about one thing, the roads between towns were dangerous. Each route carried its own risks, plus, traveling at night could lead Ren or other vampires straight to her family. She couldn't let that happen.

She would find a bed for the night. Leave in the morning.

Just as Amalie made it to the street, a voice called out from behind her. "Amalie?"

She spun, then blinked at the figure striding toward her. “Marcel?” He was dressed well. Black trousers, an ivory cotton shirt, and a waistcoat.What was he doing there?The Pourfendeurs rarely left their radius, and this was too far north.

He pulled her close to the wall and glanced behind him. “There’s someone following you.” Amalie eyes locked onto his hand on her arm. He quickly pulled it away.

She swallowed and stepped back. “I’m aware.”

Marcel studied her. “What are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same thing.”

He scanned the street. “There was another attack.”

“I know.” She spoke too soon, realizing they probably weren’t talking about the same thing if he was there. Ren had said the attack was in Mordelles. A lump formed in her throat. “Have you—do you know if my sister Bethany is alright?”

Marcel shrugged. “I haven’t been to the country since the last time . . .” His eyes dropped.

The last time. When they’d walked past her uncle’s gate together. “Marcel?—”

“You didn’t come for us. You’re still . . . you?”

Amalie drew a breath. “I am.” She felt guilty, even though it was the truth. Shewashuman. She was herself. But she also very much wasn’t. How was she supposed to explain it?

Marcel studied her a moment. “I don’t believe you.” He nodded curtly and turned toward town.

“Marcel.” Amalie rushed after him, and though heads turned her way, she didn’t slow. “Marcel, I can prove it to you,” she hissed. “In the morning. I’ll step out into the sunlight?—”

Marcel frowned. "That would hardly be definitive proof."

Amalie pursed her lips. “Vampires can’t go in sunlight. How would that not be enough?” She kept her own rebuttal to herself. Theo had been capable of standing in full sunlight without turning to ash. She’d seen it with her own two eyes.

Marcel crossed his arms, his expression cold. "I need to find Olivie."

He stalked away from her, and Amalie stood in the street, defeated. She needed to talk to him. To tell him what she knew. But if he wasn’t going to listen, fine.

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