Page 127 of Eternal Craving

Marcus swallowed a sob. “I want to know why.”

I was caught between a longing for survival and the need for it to be over. In a trance-like state, Marcus traced the serrated edges along my neck. Delacroix loomed close behind him, clutching the head. His hands appeared to shake with excitement.

“You manipulated me.” Marcus held my gaze.

I couldn’t let your sister die,I thought, hoping he could understand.

“Manipulated us.” Marcus swung around and sliced through Delacroix’s throat.

Delacroix staggered back, aghast, blood gushing from his wound. He dropped the head, and it landed with a thud. Marcus turned back to face me and reached for the stake in my side, yanking it out.

Delacroix vanished, leaving a bloody trail. Marcus kicked the head across the room.

I flew out of the chair, and we headed into the corridor.

“I owe you my life,” I said.

“You owe me more than that.”

I pointed to his spectacles. “You won’t need those anymore.”

“I noticed.”

“We’ll talk more later.”

“I’ve got to get to Rachel,” he said. “The River Thames Inn, was it?”

I nodded.

“I’m coming back for Delacroix.” Marcus sped along the corridor.

“Don’t take him on alone,” I called after him. “Avoid the sun!” I cringed at my damp shirt, stained with remnants of skin and blood. I ran in the opposite direction, down the central tunnel.

Someone had carved their way through before me. I climbed into the muddy hole following in their tracks and soon reached the other side. Benjamin sat beside a black coffin, its lid off. He rocked Sunaria in his arms, talking to her. She looked paralyzed.

“Let her go.” I spoke the words slowly.

Benjamin held her closer. “He wants me to bring her to him.”

“You and I both know that’s not going to happen,” I said.

“I drank from him. I saw things.”

“Saw what?”

“His power.”

“He gave you up to me.” I stepped closer.

“I did whatever he asked because I’m scared of him.”

“It’s me you should be scared of.”

Sunaria slid out of his arms, and I caught her. Grasping the end of the stake in her side, I eased it out. I’d never seen her so vulnerable. Her dress was filthy, evidence that she hadn’t surrendered without a fight.

“I’ve got you now,” I whispered.

I grabbed Benjamin’s arm and, controlling his squirming, clutched the scruff of his jacket and held him over her. Even with Sunaria’s face nuzzled into his neck, I could see her color returning.