Page 136 of Queen of the Crimson Throne

“In the journal, it said if the curse against vampires is reversed, all living vampires die.”

Luciana whipped her head in Lennox’s direction. “What in the stars was occupying your mind so much you failed to share that little tidbit of information?”

Lennox’s gaze slid to mine before giving her attention back to Luciana. “That’s what I was so preoccupied with, that’s why I summoned Astria. I needed to get answers from her.”

“And did you?” Declan asked.

“Yes and no.” She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “When I pressed her as to why she wanted us to destroy the journal, why we shouldn’t share that information with everyone—she said the people who are looking for the journal wouldn’t care about that. According to her, she thinks that will only make their goal come to fruition sooner. It will make their jobs easier in the long run. These people hate vampires so much they’d love to see them extinct.”

Astria’s tits. This was worse than I anticipated.

“Can’t Astria prevent that from happening?” Declan asked

Lennox shook her head. “She didn’t make it sound like she could.”

“So what are we going to do?” Luciana set her glass back on the table.

“I’m hoping I can convince them to destroy the book, if I tell them the circumstances.” Lennox chewed her bottom lip.

“Do you think they will do that?” Iasked.

“I don’t know, but I have to try.” We had to try or I mightdie.

“So there’s nothing we can do now?” Kara asked.

Lennox shook her head. “I don’t think so.”

“Luce, have you gotten anywhere with the Dhampir body?” Declan turned his attention to Luciana.

The witch slumped in her chair. “No. Everytime I feel like I’m getting close my magic runs out and I pass out. I can try one more time and then I need to get rid of the body. It can’t last much longer.”

I kept my eye on Lennox as the conversation continued. Nothing Lennox revealed was new information. We had both already known my dying was a possibility.

She was still hiding something.

“Lennox, wait.” I reached for her as I followed her out of the dining room.

“What?” She didn’t stop, talking as she continued down the hallway.

“We need to talk.”

“Oh, now you want to talk.” She stopped and turned toward me, crossing her arms over her chest.

“What else did Astria say to you that you‘re not telling us.” Something flashed across her features.

“Nothing.” She shifted from one foot to the other.

“Stop lying.”

“I’m not lying.”

I took another step toward her, forcing her to tilt her chin up to meet my gaze. “I know you better than you think, you’re hiding something.”

“Whatever Astria said to me is none of your business.”

“It’s my business when it makes you act like this to me.” Shewas silent as she looked at her feet. “Whatever she said upset you and I want to help you. Talk to me.”

“Despite what you might assume, I don’t need your help.”

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