Page 16 of Land of Shadow

“Yes, ma’am.” Fatima bows out.

Juno clasps her hands in front of her. “Vince, Mr. Dragonis, if you don’t mind, I need a word with my sister.”

Vince moves toward the door, but Valen stays seated. Vince notices and stops. “You heard her.”

“I did.” He doesn’t even look at Vince.

“Then—”

“I’m certain you understand the ramifications of what the governor just revealed to the world. I cannot allow anyone to take her blood for any reason.” His gaze meets mine.

I feel like the floor is sliding out from under me, like what was once solid is now the consistency of pudding. “Is this some sort of collective insanity? What the hell are you talking about? I need to check her blood and yours. You could’ve given her?—”

“I assure you I gave her nothing other than what she bargained for.” His lofty tone raises my hackles.

“Youassureme, do you? Well, I can assureyouthat if you don’t butt the hell out of my?—”

“Georgia!” Juno steps forward, putting herself between Valen and me, though I don’t miss the hint of a smirk on his lips before she blocks my view. “Valen is right. We can’t give you our blood.”

My heart seems to do a double thump, my breath stolen away for a moment. “What? Why not?”

“Think of it like a trade secret.”

She could’ve backhanded me, and I’d be less surprised. “Do you have any idea how insane you sound right now? I’m not leaving here until I have?—”

“For now.” She speaks over me. “Just for now, Georgia. Once the election is over, you’ll have access to so much more. I swear to you. You’ll be the first one to take a crack at the cure from this new species of blood. But not now.”

“I don’t understand.” I shake my head. “Your life isn’t a fuckingtrade secret. You could be infected right now. I need to know exactly what happened up on that stage.”

“What you saw is what happened. I cut myself. Valen’s blood healed the wound.”

“How?”

“That’s what half a dozen heads of state and counting want to know. And they will knowafterI’m in the White House.” She has the nerve to look triumphant.

I step back from her. “If what I saw was real, then?—”

“It was, Georgia. I wouldn’t lie to you?—”

“Ifit was—” Now I’m speaking over her. “Then this could save lives just like you said, but you’re holding it hostage until you win your election?” I can’t believe what I’m hearing.

“In point of fact,I’mthe one holding it hostage.” Valen stands and casually buttons his suit coat, his long pale fingers making quick work of it. “We won’t provide anything until the governor has earned her seat in Washington.”

I sidestep Juno and glare up at him. “So, I’m supposed to just take on faith you’re some magical unicorn with healing blood?”

He simply stares back at me, face impassive, though I could swear derision or amusement shimmers in his eyes. I fist my hands, my face flushing.

Juno turns and looks at him over her shoulder. “She won’t take any blood. You have my word.”

Valen strides to the door. “Keep to your word, Governor. You know the consequences if you don’t.”

Vince bristles and follows him into the hallway.

“Did he just threaten you?” I dart past Juno and run to the door.

“Stop!” Juno grabs my shoulder and yanks me back. “Georgia!” She spins me to her, and for the first time in a long time, I see fear in her eyes. “You can’t do anything to him. You can’t stop this. I’ve asked you to trust me. Ineedyou to trust me, for all our sakes.”

“Trust what?” I yell. “You haven’t told me anything! I can’t keep believing you when you shut me out. What the fuck is going on? Tell me the truth!”

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