For the first time, Brynleigh wondered about the shadows. Were they a remnant of her Maker’s Binding? Had they always been there?
She added those questions to her seemingly never-ending list.
Brynleigh made it to the fence before she was ready—although truth be told, she would probably never be ready for this—and unlocked the gate. It creaked as she pushed it open. She stepped into the yard, her skin tingling as the wards washed over her.
There was no turning back now.
The wards were an alarm, alerting Jelisette to her progeny’s presence.
Brynleigh strode up the walkway on vampire-silent feet, her movements graceful and smooth. The first time she’d come here, the homey quality had been comforting, enveloping her in a sense of peace.
That feeling was long gone.
Her shadows writhed in her veins, and although her skin was free of damage, the torture she’d endured had left chasmic gouges on her soul.
She was returning to face the woman who’d betrayed her, sent Zanri to kill her, and hadn’t even had the decency to try and get her out of prison.
Jelisette was the closest approximation to a mother figure Brynleigh had left. Her sire should have looked after her, cared for her, and guided her as she learned how to be a vampire.
Instead, she had used her progeny as a fucking pawn and abandoned her when she needed her the most.
And now, Brynleigh was prey, walking into a predator’s den.
Before she could change her mind or remember what a monumentally bad idea this was, Brynleigh raised a fist and knocked.
Her hand had barely connected with the wood when the door flung open.
Swathed in shadows and wearing a black sweater dress and tights, Jelisette was darkness personified. Piercing, ancient black eyes met Brynleigh’s, and ruby lips peeled back in a snarl.
Danger, Brynleigh’s shadows screamed. They throbbed and writhed in her veins, urging her to get away from here. But there was no backing out now.
“Inside,” Jelisette snapped. “Now.”
Brynleigh’s heart was a thundering drum. On one hand, she didn’t want to enter this house. An air of death surrounded it. On the other hand, she didn’t really have a choice. Ryker had made it clear that if she didn’t hold up her end of the deal, they would put her back in prison.
She would rather die a thousand deaths before letting that happen.
Swallowing the icy fear rising in her chest, Brynleigh shoved aside all her feelings and followed her Maker inside.
As soon as she stepped over the threshold, the door slammed shut.
Shadows streamed from Jelisette’s hands as she turned the deadbolt. It fell into place with a terrifyingthunk, like an executioner’s axe hitting the chopping block.
“You broke the rules, daughter of my blood.”
CHAPTER 8
Predators and Prey
Curses, each viler than the last, ran through Ryker’s mind, frost crept down his spine, and his magic swirled in warning.
Zanri had mentioned the rules during his interrogation, too. Ryker wasn’t entirely sure what they were, but he knew they were bad. Nothing that came out of Jelisette’s vile mouth could be good.
A hitched breath that Ryker was intimately familiar with came through his custom headphones. His cock didn’t get the message that this was a serious moment because it decided now was the time to come to life. He shoved those thoughts aside.
Forcing himself to stay on task, Ryker pressed his palm flat on his ear, as if that would help him hear better. If he closed his eyes, he could pretend they were still in the Choosing. Pretend their wedding night hadn’t yet taken place. Pretend their love was still uncomplicated and unbroken and perfect.
Brynleigh whispered, “I know. I’m sorry.”