Claimed by Shadow Page 0,145

quick," he said grimly. "One slice, clean across the jugular.”

I stared at him. "What?”

He closed my hand over the hilt. " Myra condemned herself from her own lips. You heard her. By every law- human, mage, or vampire-she deserves death.”

The pieces finally all fell into place. I didn't much care for the picture they made. "This is why you really wanted me along, isn't it?”

He didn't try to deny it. "I swore an oath to protect the Pythia and her heir, with my life if necessary. The Circle believed I would disregard it on their order, that I would kill Myra with nothing to prove her guilt. But when I give my word, I keep it." His lips curled into a sour smile. "Which is why I don't give it often.”

"You didn't bring me along to keep Myra from shifting," I accused. "You expect me to kill her!”

His expression didn't change. We might have been discussing anything-the weather, a football game. It was surreal. "If I could do it for you, I would," he told me calmly. "But Agnes is correct. Only the Pythia can discipline an initiate.”

"We're not talking about discipline! Myra isn't being sent to bed without supper." I looked at Agnes, hoping to find support. "This is life and death!”

She shrugged Myra 's slim shoulders, her face blank. She trained her for years and they must have been close once, but there was no sign of regret on her face. "You said it yourself. I can't hold her. Not for long.”

"If this is what the job does to you," I told her bluntly, "I know I don't want it.”

Blue eyes met mine, and suddenly they were a little sad. "But you have it.”

I felt the knife blade bite into my hand, where my grip had slipped from the hilt, and the pain seemed to suddenly bring everything home. I shook my head violently. "No. We'll find another way.”

Agnes regarded me gently. It was extremely weird to see that expression on Myra 's face. "There isn't one. What were you planning to do? Keep her tucked up your sleeve? Carry her about with you? Sooner or later, she would get free. I taught her too much to doubt that." Her expression became more stern. "And dealing with rogues is part of your job. That's the rule.”

"It isn't my rule," I said hoarsely.

"Someone has to do it," Agnes said implacably.

"Someone has to take responsibility. And whether you like it or not, that someone is you.”

I swallowed hard. The tears I hadn't shed earlier were rolling down my face, but I didn't care. Another death, this time not only my fault but by my hand? That was not the plan. That was, in fact, the exact opposite of the plan. I'd wanted to win, but not like this. I was sick of death, especially death I helped to cause. A bitter taste flooded my mouth. "I can't.”

Agnes bent down and a gentle hand cupped my face. "You haven't even started to learn what you can do yet. But you will." She stepped away from me, a small, sad smile on her face. "I would have liked to have trained you, Cassie." She looked at Pritkin. "She'll need help," she said simply.

Pritkin was back on his knees, his face white. "I know.”

Agnes nodded and looked at me. A spasm passed over her face for a moment, but she regained control. "I will never teach you most of the lessons you will need," she continued, "but I find I have time for one.”

I only realized that the knife was gone when I saw it in her small hand. "Agnes, no!" I scrambled to my feet, but it was too late. She didn't hesitate for a second. By the time I reached her, she'd already sunk to her knees, Myra's pristine white gown drenched in blood. She settled to the floor almost gracefully, her body a pale smear in the middle of all that vivid color.

I stared around frantically, but there was no sign of her spirit. Neither hers nor Myra's. I whirled on Pritkin, who was still on his knees, watching the blood spill across the boards in a widening stain. For a second, he looked lost, like a bewildered child. Then the expression was gone so quickly I wasn't sure it had been there at all.

"Where is she?" I demanded, my voice shrill with fear. "I can't see her!" He looked up at me, but it was almost as if his