not performing this spell within a protected ritual space, but the elements are represented here, and the sun is high in the sky. I have enough power inside of me to overpower this broken coven, and I am determined to make this work.
Mamá begins to shake convulsively. Her grip loosens, so I grab on to her even harder, holding her upright with my free arm. I keep the other clasped around her hand, squeezing tightly so she continues to bleed onto the talisman.
Blood seeps from her palm and splatters onto the floor, but I ignore it. If I have to, I will bleed her completely. In order to contain this evil, I know I must be prepared to sacrifice anyone, including my own mother.
Mamá screams a gut-wrenching howl that ends abruptly, and she falls limp in my arms. Unconscious, she rests against me, and I lower her to the ground.
I hold her hand out before me, and I watch as darkness swirls round and round, being sucked into the talisman. I think I even hear it. The evil this coven created by dabbling in black magic screams in agony, begging for life, for freedom. It sounds scratchy and weak, and I smile, knowing it will be forever contained.
I do not release Mamá’s hand until the black veins stamped across her skin dissipate. Only then do I know she is truly free, finally safe. When I lower her hand, I peel back her fingers, taking the talisman with me.
I back away from her, and as I do, the other witches rush to her, collapsing at her side. They do not look at me, but I know they are aware the spell was successful. Their magic, like my mother’s, resides in this talisman now, and the witches are cursed to live and die a mortal death. But I like to think that is a far better fate than the alternative.
I glance at Will, who is turning ashy. His eyes are still open, and they have glossed over. But he no longer stares at me with pain or accusations. The glint in his eyes is gone, but somehow, I know he is at peace. I just wish I still had time to convince him that he did exactly what he set out to do: he found a home; he had a family.
“Are you okay?” Jasik asks, and I crane my neck to look at him, tearing my gaze from Will’s cold body.
My sire stands in front of me. He reaches for me, cradling my head between his palms. He still looks broken and pained by the loss of his sire. I sense his exhaustion, his weakness, his hunger. But I also see his love and his devotion to me. That alone will get us through.
I nod and bring my hands up between us, resting them against his chest. He releases my face and steps back, glancing down. I show him what I was holding. Cradled in my palms, I have the black onyx pendant, and somehow, even though I know it is not possible, it looks darker than it used to.
“Their magic is in there?” Jasik asks.
“That is not all,” I whisper.
I swallow the lump in my throat, watching as the darkness swirls within the crystal, but it is contained. It loops round and round, moving back and forth, swirling in circles on an endless cycle for all eternity.
“What are you going to do with it?” Jasik asks.
“Keep it,” I say, fixated on the swirling magic within the center of the crystal.
“Maybe we should just destroy it?” Jasik suggests, snapping my attention into focus.
I blink several times, clearing my vision. I look up at him and frown. “We can’t. That will only release the magic inside. The earth might be able to consume the coven’s magic, but it cannot contain the evil inside.”
“But if someone gets their hands on that talisman…”
I nod, understanding. “He will have control over an entire coven’s power, including the dark energy the witches created.”
“Then we will protect it,” Jasik says.
“We have to,” I agree.
“So what happens now?”
I look up at him and smile. I release a long, sharp breath, relaxing as the tension in my shoulders finally loosens.
For months, I have been beaten and abused, bloody and bruised. But now, the war is over. Powerless, the witches are no longer a threat, and while the possibility of rogue vampires will always lurk around every corner, we can live without worry—because eternity is a long time to fret over fruitless feuds.
I glance at the others. Jeremiah and Holland hold each other closely, and I realize true love can survive some fairly brutal moments. It gives me hope, which is something I have not felt in far too long.
Malik and Hikari stand beside them, and the other vampires that survived look to us for guidance. Without Amicia, we will be forced to rebuild the manor as someone else takes leadership, but most importantly, we will find a way to move on, to release the pain and simply live—which is all we ever wanted.
Finally, there is peace in Darkhaven.
I glance back at the talisman, watching as it sways from my steady hand. The magic contained swirls relentlessly round and round, ever searching for the stone’s weakest points. It yearns for freedom, and I can’t say that I blame it. There is something spectacularly awful about being held prisoner within your own shell.
I think about Jasik’s question, about what happens next, and I come to one conclusion.
“Now, we rest,” I say.
And within the black onyx crystal, the darkness laughs.
Acknowledgments
Writing a novel is no easy feat. It takes countless people to publish a book—from the writer who drafts the story, to the editor who perfects the words, to the designer who mends the pages, to the marketing team who spreads the message. One person can’t do it all, and I am immensely grateful to have such a supportive team behind me.
To Nicki — I dedicated this one to you because, in the short time we’ve known each other, you’ve become one of my best friends. Selfless and strong, helpful and understanding, you’re everything I strive to be, and you’re an excellent role model for Ava, who shares your headstrong personality in all the best ways. I see a little of you in her, and I hope you do too.
To my cohorts, Shawna, Francie, and Heather — It’s hard to think of my life without you three in it. Your friendship means more than I can ever explain. Although we’re separated by distance, with thousands of miles between us, we’re always readily available to lift each other up. That’s the kind of friendship that lasts a lifetime.
To my readers and my family — You’re the reason I write; you’re the reason behind my desire to tell stories people want to read. Writing isn’t easy. It’s emotionally draining and mentally exhausting, but I can’t imagine doing anything else. Without you, I wouldn’t be the writer I am. I love you.
To Waterhouse Press — I probably say this too much, but I am exceptionally proud to write for you. I can’t imagine a better home for the worlds I create.
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Also by Danielle Rose
Darkhaven Saga:
Dark Secret
Dark Magic
Dark Promise
Dark Spell
Dark Curse
Dark Shadow
* * *
Pieces of Me Duet:
Lies We Keep
Truth We Bear
* * *
For a full list of Danielle’s other titles,
visit her at
DRoseAuthor.com
About Danielle Rose
Dubbed a “triple threat” by readers, Danielle Rose dabbles in many genres, including urban fantasy, suspense, and romance. The USA Today bestselling author holds a master of fine arts in creative writing from the University of Southern Maine.
Danielle is a self-professed sufferer of ’philes and an Oxford comma enthusiast. She prefers solitude to crowds, animals to people, four seasons to hellfire, nature to cities, and traveling as often as she breathes.
For more information, please follow Danielle Rose at:
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