To Vanquish Darkness (Le Sombre #1)

Chapter 39

39

213 BC ANCIENT GUAL

A urelia stood behind the shroud, extending her wrist. The fabric was rough against her skin, ancient and worn. Her hand shook and she cursed herself. Her parents had prepared her for this, and she hadn’t been afraid. Not until she’d heard the stories.

A hand encircled her wrist and she sucked in a breath. His hand was large, his grip firm, but not cruel. He could snap her bones in an instant. Pull her through the shroud and devour her whole.

"You’re frightened." His voice was low and soothing. "I won't hurt you."

Aurelia exhaled, heat rising to her cheeks. "That's what they say." Please, don’t choose me. Just take my blood and let me leave.

His thumb brushed over her skin. "You believe the rumors, then?"

"I've heard enough to make up my own mind." Her words were sharp, but she couldn’t erase the tremor from her voice.

The vampire didn’t speak. Aurelia’s palms started to sweat, her wrist still at his mercy. When she thought she might burst, he finally lifted her hand, and his breath whispered against her skin.

"My name is Theo. So you'll know who to blame if you have any complaints."