Page 21 of Crown of Briars
They were dying because ofme.Women and children, sobbing in the street as the dark mist took them, washing them away from existence.
“No,” I moaned, back arching as I tried to rid myself of the visions. “No,please.”
“Varius.”
“No,” I pleaded, tears streaming from my eyes. “I beg of you.Stop.”
“Varius!”
Hands shook me, jolting me from my sickly haze. I blinked blearily, and the blurry form of Tislora came into view. I must have been a frightening sight indeed, for Ineversaw this much concern in her eyes. Her dark brows were drawn together, her crimson lips turned down in a frown. Her eyes flared wide as she shook me more violently.
“Snap out of it, Varius,” she commanded me. “You are stronger than this.”
I struggled to draw breath, afraid I might vomit on her. I swallowed hard, then inhaled shakily. As air filled my lungs, my vision cleared, and the swarming visions faded from my mind.
“I have the blood for you,” Tislora said. “Are you strong enough for me to perform the spell?”
I shifted, trying to prop myself up on one elbow. But Mother of Shade, the throbbing in my skull only intensified. I gritted my teeth so hard that my fangs pierced my upper lip, drawing blood. The pain sharpened my senses, and I glared up at Tislora. “Do what you must.”
Something sharp sliced into my forearm, and I couldn’t hold back a growl as Tislora dragged her claw along my flesh, drawing blood. She held a vial, already half full of blood, to capture the black drops of my own. One thing I admired about Tislora was her ability to do what needed to be done. Others saw her as cruel and calloused, but in this case, it was efficient. She didn’t coddle me. She didn’t patronize me.
When the vial was full, my own darker blood mixing with the human’s, Tislora pressed her palm against my wound and murmured, “Belech.” Warmth surrounded the wound, and I felt my flesh begin to knit itself back together.
She then cupped the vial between her two hands and closed her eyes. “Et brusha das brignok.”
The combined blood began to swirl and churn of its own accord. A golden glow emitted from within, bright enough toilluminate the dark cavern. I squinted against the intensity of it, resisting the urge to shield my eyes. If I could endure days of torment, I could certainly bear to witness Tislora’s spell.
Gradually, the light faded, and she handed the vial to me. “It’s ready for you.”
I took the vial, which was still warm from her magic. Without hesitating, I poured the contents into my mouth, letting the thick blood slide down my throat. The metallic, coppery taste burned my tongue, and I coughed. Human blood was so foul.
Tislora’s fingers brushed against my various wounds as she murmured, “Belech,” over each one, healing them one at a time. I hissed as heat burned through each injury, followed by the soothing relief of her magic.
When she was finished, Tislora straightened, smoothing her hands along her black cloak. “It should take effect soon. Don’t rest too long. Clermont is expecting you in your chambers soon to prepare you for yourwedding.” Her tone held a touch of mockery.
I shot her a glare, already feeling strength in my limbs. “Jealousy is unbecoming of you.”
Her eyebrows lifted, her eyes turning steely. “I’m hardly jealous. Need I remind you that it wasmewho ended things between us?”
“So, nothing has changed then? You still feel this way?”
“I have told you before that I do not share. Whoever I bed must choose me and me alone.”
“I did notchoosethis,” I hissed.
“But it is still your fate.” Her expression remained somber.
We’d had this argument time and time again. It would end the same way it always did.
“She is hotheaded,” Tislora said. “Your bride, I mean. And a bit fragile.” She chuckled. “I worry you might break her, Varius.”
Anger flared, and I bared my fangs at her. “Get out.”
Another chuckle echoed, but before I could bark another order, her wings swept wide, and she shifted to her raven form before darting out of the cave.
Tislora was right; within minutes, the pain had receded, but my body still ached from the ordeal and needed rest. I slept fitfully for a few hours. When I woke, I was able to tuck my giant wings against my back, and my skull no longer throbbed. My stomach growled loud enough for the sound to bounce off the cavern walls.
I needed something to eat. It wouldn’t do for the groom’s growling stomach to scare off the bride before the vows were even exchanged.
