Page 44 of Blood Lord

"Having a group of humans that want to help you can make all the difference between surviving and overcoming the dark elves. You could have a great victory with minimal damage with someone like me at your side."

"You said a group."

I nod, nearly bouncing on my toes. I can feel Brinda's gaze turning less icy, and I'm growing excited as I share my plan with her. "Yes. There are many others like me on the surface that want to be out from under the dark elves. They are oppressive and cruel, and it would take me no time to gather more people to help us."

"Humans would choose a life with vrakken, a literal predator, over some thin, annoying creatures with poor magic." Brinda shakes her head. "I think you overestimate your potential."

"I think you underestimate what is happening on the surface," I counter. "The humans have no allegiance to the dark elves. It is very, very rare that anyone would willingly choose to be around them. The dark elves have done nothing but enslave, tortured, sold, abused, and used us for generations. Telling anyone that they have a choice for something more, they will take it."

I take another breath to calm my racing heart as I add, "I know you all have magic and could easily kill humans, but most people will choose the possibility of safety rather than knowing what kind of torment waits for them. And humans are hard workers. That's why the dark elves love to use us. We could accomplish so much together."

I take a small step forward, closing a little of the distance between Brinda and I, and I have to fight a smile as I feel Raziel's fingers trail over my sides. As much as I want to remain in the safety of his arms, I know I need to take this step forward with my head high and my bravery on full display.

"You asked me what I'm worth, and to the vrakken, I am invaluable. I want to be the first ever link between the humans and the vrakken, to help you all grow and thrive. I can help you all excel on the surface. To me, I'm worth more to you, alive and free, than the magic in your veins because I can take you places even your own abilities can't."

As my last words leave my mouth, I fight to keep my heart from beating out of my chest. I hope I didn't come across as cocky, but I really needed to prove that I am needed by them or they will shove me back in that box and keep me in agony until my body gives out.

And even knowing that, I meant everything I said. I do believe life is better with the vrakken, even though they can inflict so much damage, because they are at least rational. They are governed by a set of rules, and while they may want to drink from humans, I believe they will not treat their partners as so little, unlike the dark elves.

I can see that Brinda cares deeply for her people, and I know that they will all make sacrifices to get out of here. I've seen it on every vrakken's face. They hate the dark elves and they miss the freedom of the surface.

Internally, I beg Brinda to believe me. I can take them so far. She just has to say yes.

Please. Please, send me to the surface with Raziel.

25

Raziel

My heart swells as I listen to Selene. She is so incredible, and I just can't believe how well she is doing in the face of Brinda and the Council. Few vrakken could stand before the Matriarch so bravely, and yet, she stepped up before their scrutinizing gaze and dared them to say she isn't worth her life.

Not only that, but she handled herself beautifully. She spoke with great reason, extensive knowledge, and the commanding presence that only the Matriarch herself usually carries.

Despite how eloquently she spoke, I am concerned that they will dismiss her. I fear the worst, and if they condemn her, saying that they don't need her when they obviously do, I won't be able to save her.

The terror fills my heart, and for a brief second, I consider going for it now. If I have to Change her to save her from the life Brinda wants to subject her to, I will.

My fingers rake over my wrist, and I consider it. I could rip my skin open and dive into her neck, both of our blood spilling into each other's mouths before anyone could stop me. I'm certain Selene would survive the Change, and no matter what punishment is handed down to me, it would be worth it.

Because nothing would break me like stealing Selene's innocence. I don't want to take her humanity, and as my sharp nails bite into my skin, I decide against it, relaxing my fists. I can't do that to her.

The silence continues to feel the room until I feel like I'm suffocating, and yet, Selene still stands tall. Her shoulders are pushed back, her head is held high, and she hasn't broken Brinda's eye contact.

It's just as I said, she's braver than any vrakken. We may have magic and strength and speed. Some of us can even fly, and none of us can die, and yet, we wouldn't dare take the risks she does. She knows all that could come crashing down, and she does it anyway.

I want Selene's verdict to fall on its own, without my meddling, but the silence is killing me. My fears break through my resolve, and without fully deciding on it, I step forward, my arm going around Selene.

Brinda's eyes move to me, and I know that this could be a mistake, but the words are already falling out of my mouth. "If it helps your decision, Matriarch." She looks like she's going to snort at my calling her by her formal title. I can't think of the last time I've said that, though it must have been centuries ago. "Selene is my mate. As the mate of not only a vrakken, but an Elder, I believe she should be given the same rights as any other vrakken mate."

I suck in a breath, hoping that I am not further condemning either of us. "We all know that Selene must keep her humanity to provide the type of service as she has outlined for you, and in exchange for that, in addition to allowing us to perform the mating ceremony and maintaining our safety, we will swear our lives in servitude to the Council."

I know that it will be a selling point to Brinda. While she might consider it wrong to allow a human to partake in vrakken ceremonies, though the mating ceremony is rarely—if ever—used, she has wanted me as part of the Council for a long time.

With my wisdom, age, and wings, I bring a lot of value to the Council. She's been telling me for hundreds of years that instead of moping about, I should put my time to good use. I always told her I had no interest, and I still don't. But if it protects Selene, I'll make the sacrifice.

Besides, working at Selene's side is my dream come true no matter what it is.

As the silence continues, I feel the need to keep talking, which I know is her tactic. "During my time on the surface, I spotted several areas where the vrakken could set up bases. They are hard to detect, are generally avoided by humans and dark elves, and have such intense magic that it would be easy to construct base-wide sun glamours to protect everyone."

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