in exchange for the promise you will marry Calvin.”
A violent clench of my stomach sends bile to my mouth. “So you can get your hands on the grimoire.”
“Yes, it’s the end goal.”
“How can I be sure the spell you have will work? My mother has been trying for years to bring him back without success.”
Elena chuckles. “Well, I have a few more years of experience than your mother. This deal will obviously require a magical binding. Promises without it are only empty words.”
A trickle of dread licks the back of my neck. The last thing I want is to be magically bound to her.
“I’m not going to bind myself to you.”
She shrugs. “No blood vow, no spell. Remember, child, your lover’s life is on the line. If Lucca doesn’t wake, the blond Blueblood dies.”
A stabbing pain pierces my chest as vises of fear curl around my neck, cutting off my air supply. That scene I saw in the mirror is imprinted in my mind and the emotions it evoked in me have carved a hole in my chest. I haven’t figured out yet what I feel for Saxon, but I can’t be responsible for his demise. The idea of him dying such a cruel death crushes me. How could Elena Montenegro have known what those visions would do to me unless she saw my connection to Saxon herself? What else has she seen using the Nightingale relic?
“I could tell my mother and the rest of the council what I saw, and what you’re withholding.”
She snorts in derision. “Good luck with that. Who do you think they’ll believe? A living legend or a young, rebellious witch?”
Fuck. Knowing how those fools operate, they’ll side with Elena for sure. Sadly, even my mother will have a hard time believing me. I also don’t know when the vision I saw will take place. I could try to find another solution, but am I willing to gamble with Saxon’s life like that?
I swallow the tightness in my throat and spit the words out bitterly. “Fine. You have a deal.”
10
Saxon
I’m groggy as fuck when I finally wake up in my room. It takes me a moment to notice I’m not alone. There’s a dark figure sitting in the corner, and immediately, my survival instinct kicks in. I jump out of bed—or try. My coordination is shot, and I end up getting tangled in the sheets and falling on the floor.
“Please try not to hurt yourself on my account, son,” King Raphael says.
Ah, shit.
I get up in a most ungraceful manner, only to stand awkwardly in front of the male. I’ve known him for a long time, but still, there’s a trace of deep discomfort and shame whenever I’m in his presence.
“My king, what can I do for you?” I ask.
“You can start by telling me what the hell happened back at the gala.”
I swallow the embarrassment and clear my throat. “Aurora is my mate.” It’s pointless to lie to him, and I shouldn’t anyway.
My answer hangs in the air like a net of barbed wire while the king just stares at me without uttering a word.
“And how did that happen exactly?” he finally asks.
“We hooked up last week, and I drank from her. I didn’t mean for it to happen, nor do I want to be mated to her,” I’m quick to add.
“It doesn’t matter whether you want this or not. It’s done.”
Fuck.
“So there’s no way to reverse the situation? Aurora doesn’t know. I believe the bond is one-sided.”
“No. It’s not. She might not be aware of it yet because she’s not a vampire. I’d usually consult with the High Witch about these matters, but considering it involves her daughter, it’s better to leave her out of it for now.”
“With all due respect, my king, how does that help me? Aurora is engaged, and I almost killed the guy tonight.”
“I know. I was there,” he grumbles. “I brought you this.” He taps the table next to his chair, drawing my attention to a vial with a green liquid inside.
“What’s that?”
“A potion that will numb your mating bond instincts and keep you from committing murder. Mind you, it wasn’t designed for that purpose, so I’m not sure it will work well.”
“What is it for then?”
“Curing vampires who have fallen under the spell of sirens.”
Fucking great.
“It was the best I could find on short notice,” the king continues. “Aurora’s engagement must not be compromised by one of my own. I can’t afford to lose the support of the