a hand atop my wrists, soothing my nerves with one simple touch.
“I know this is difficult for you, Ava,” she says.
I nod, my mind flashing to the last time she and I spoke alone in the solarium. She ended up forming a blood promise with me, which still has not been broken. There are so many strange quirks to magic. These are the moments I realize how similar vampires and witches truly are. Both creatures use blood to form unbreakable bonds.
“I hope you know that I still consider you a member of this family, even if you are no longer a vampire,” she continues, and my heart swells.
I smile at her, genuinely, purely, relishing in the familial love she showers over me. Amicia has only known me for a short time, but she has already shown me more support and greater trust than the witches ever have. It is strange that the people we love most are not necessarily sharing our life’s blood.
“Will told me about his trip,” Amicia says.
I frown, casting my gaze away from hers. But the moment I look down, Amicia’s hand catches my chin, bringing my gaze back up to meet hers. She taps the bottom of my chin lightly but firmly, a clear motion in an order to keep my chin up, my head held high.
“Throughout life, we are tested during times when nothing seems fair,” Amicia says. “Your choices in these moments reflect your character. I know you are scared. Never in all my years have I met someone quite so—”
“Stubborn?” I interrupt.
“Selfless,” Amicia corrects.
“You are a generous soul, Ava,” she says. “You give all that you have to everything you do and to everyone you love, even if they are undeserving of such devotion.”
I swallow hard, nodding. Amicia has never been fond of my link to the witches, and now it must just kill her to know there is an actual bond formed. Their claws are rooted deep now, and she knows I may never escape.
“Yes, you are rash and impulsive, but your tenacity is impressive. You have an unshakable will to protect those less fortunate than you. You might be reckless and relentless in your pursuits, but you are young. As much as you do not want to hear this, you are still a child. You have so many years ahead of you. Promise me, if you grow up, you will never lose the strong, independent woman you are becoming. Hold on to her, because she will never lead you astray. The warrior within you is worth your admiration and your loyalty. She is who you should devote your life to protecting. She is who you should nurture.”
“If,” I whisper, echoing her words, my voice broken. “You said if I grow up, not when.”
Amicia smiles softly, but it does not reach her eyes. “I will not force you to choose. This life is yours, and you should do with it what you want, not what someone else forces you to do. I have made it clear to every vampire in this house, including Jasik, that you are not to be pressured into completing Will’s spell. If you wish to sever your link, you have my full support. But if you wish to stay this way, I hope you know how much I have greatly enjoyed getting to know you.”
As Amicia speaks to me, it feels as though she is saying goodbye, like she already knows which path I plan to walk. The realization of her words begins to settle over me. I do not want to die, but I am terrified of using even more magic. Every day, the evil within me gets stronger, stealing my life bit by bit. What if I am too far gone now? What if using this spell will be the boost it needs to finally take control? I will lose these last few weeks of sanity in one moment of empty promises.
“Enjoy yourself today, Ava. Do not worry about curses or magic. Just have fun. Think about your options, and remember, this is no time to be impetuous. Consider things carefully before you make your decision. Either choice comes with a cost. You must be prepared to bear that weight regardless of how you plan to spend your remaining days.”
With her final words, Amicia stands and walks away. The moment she crosses the threshold into the sitting room, she begins to glance back, but as soon as I see the corner of her eye, she stops.