Page 66 of Wicked Bonds
I watch his face for any sign that he knows what I’m about to say, but it’s perfectly neutral and Soren’s giving nothing away. I’m going to live to regret this, I just know it. But, well, I’m not going to live at all, am I? Any chance is work taking at this point. “The original. Not the one everyone knows about, but the contract that started all this. It’s hidden somewhere in the academy.”
Soren’s eyebrows raise up. It’s the closest thing I’ve seen to surprise on his face ever.
“Is it, now?”
“You know about it, don’t you?”
“Knowing about something and knowing where it is are very different things.” But he moves to his bookshelf, runs his fingers along the spines until he finds what he’s looking for. It’s old, leather-bound, pages yellowed with age. He sets it on the desk between us, careful not to let our fingers touch when I reach for it. “Page 247.”
I flip through carefully, afraid the ancient pages might crumble.
“‘The nature of willing sacrifice versus coercion,’” I read aloud. “What does that mean?”
“All blood magic requires sacrifice,” he says, returning to his seat. “But there’s a difference between blood freely given and blood taken by force. The Accord, as it stands, walks a very fine line between the two.”
“I didn’t freely give anything. I was marked without my knowledge or consent.”
“No, but your ancestor did. The original witch who signed the Accord, she made that choice. And blood magic, especially generational blood magic, considers that consent enough.”
“That’s bullshit.”
“That’s magic.” He shrugs. “It doesn’t care about modern concepts of individual autonomy. But here’s the interesting part. Look at the next paragraph.”
I read further, squinting at the faded text. “A contract signed under duress or deception may be challenged if proof of coercion can be established.”
“Exactly.”
I look up at him sharply. “You’re saying the original witch was coerced?”
“I’m saying that’s one possibility worth exploring.” He closes the book gently. “The Crescent Moon Coven has always been very careful about their version of history. But there are other versions. Other stories. Other truths.”
“And you know these other truths?”
“I know that nothing is ever as simple as it seems. And I know that the Coven has gone to great lengths to hide the original Accord for a reason.” He stands again, moves to pour himself another drink. “I also know that asking these questions, pursuing these leads, will paint a target on your back bigger than the one you already have.”
“You know.” Because of course he knows. At this point I’m sure Thorne and Harry probably know, though if they did they would have made it into a meme by now. I don’t bother asking why he didn’t tell me. He’s a demon. Explanation enough. “I’m already marked for death. How much worse can it get?”
“Oh, Rose. You have no idea how much worse it can get.”
The bloodmark throbs again, harder this time, like it’s responding to the conversation. I press my hand against it, feel the heat through my sleeve. “Will you help me?”
He’s quiet for so long I think he won’t answer. Then, finally: “What makes you think I’m not already?”
“Uh, I don’t know. Maybe because I haven’t found anything yet and the clock keeps counting down to my death?”
“Fair.” He returns to his desk, but stays standing, hands braced on the surface. “I can’t help you directly. There are restrictionson my involvement. But I can continue to point you in interesting directions. Share fascinating historical texts. Discuss theoretical possibilities.”
“Why can’t you help directly?”
“Because I’m bound too, in my own way. Not by blood, but by other contracts. Other obligations.” His eyes go completely black for a moment, then return to their normal darkness. “We all have our chains, Rose. Some are just prettier than others.”
“Lucien said something similar.”
“Did he now?” Something sharp enters his voice. “And what else has our vampire prince been telling you?”
“That you’re dangerous. That I shouldn’t trust you. That you’ll drain me dry given half a chance.”
“All true.” He grins, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. “Though I notice that didn’t stop you from coming here.”
