Page 22 of Midnight Reign
Just as Asher’s eyes roll back, a firm hand grips my shoulder.
“That’s enough,” a familiar voice says, and my insides wither at the tone.
I release Asher, who slumps to the floor and I gather my wits, plastering a sycophantic smile on my face as I turn around. “Dad.”
“Corvus,” he says, eyes narrowed. “I hear there has been some commotion today. Fill me in on your side.”
I glare at Asher, who is rubbing his neck and making a slashing motion at my throat. I can practicallyhearDad’s eyes roll, but I ignore him as I fall into step beside him. I am the sameheight as him, and we look like we could be brothers. The only difference is the swaggering attitude that only a thousand-year-old vampire can have that can never be replicated.
I follow my father out of the dining hall, aware that I’m bloodless and will have to come back for Adelaide after this discussion. I just hope she is okay in the meantime. I’ve stashed the flask in my room, knowing the temptation will be too much for her.
But how the fuck do I even begin to explain everything that’s happened?
“Well?” he prompts, his tone deceptively casual. I know better than to be fooled by it.
“There was an attack on the academy,” I start, deciding to go with the most pressing issue first. “Strix. Dozens of them.”
My father’s eyebrows raise slightly. “Strix? Here? That’s unusual.”
“Yeah, no shit,” I mutter, then wince as he shoots me a disapproving look. “Sorry. It gets weirder. All of the senior staff, bar Blackthorn, disappeared right before the attack.”
“So, I hear.” He is livid. Absolutely fuming. If he were Ignatius, his head would be on fire right now, but only someone who knows him, as well as his only son does, can tell.
“Hmm.”
“And?”
“And what?”
“What else?”
“You already know.”
“Humour me.”
Damn him.
“Fine. The Strix were after Adelaide Black, Randall’s daughter. They got her, abducted her, Randall did a ritual, and opened some funky portal, which Blackthorn is being super sussand shady about, and Addy is now a full vampire. Anything else?”
He chuckles. “Nicely recapped for the ancient vampire, Corv.”
I give him a stiff smile. He is playing nice vampire now. Why? What the fuck does he want?
“So,Addy, hmm?”
“Yeah, what of it?”
“You are interested in her?”
“I’ve claimed her. She’s mine.”
He blinks. “Really?” I can see the wheels turning. “This could be advantageous.”
I bristle at his tone. “She’s not a pawn, Dad. She’s mine to protect.”
He raises an eyebrow. “Calm down, Corvus. I’m merely considering the implications. This is unprecedented. She is potentially very powerful.”
“No potentially about it, and she’s off limits,” I growl. “To everyone.”
