Page 29 of Bloodween

But he had to let go, so I could win. My legacy wouldn’t die with him.

October 31st, 10:18 p.m. — Fifteen Hours Post-Ritual

The next time I came to, the room was thinner. Quieter.

It felt like I was alone, but I wasn’t.

He was there.

I stared at him. At Varek. My angry little wolf true to form.

His eyes opened, and I jerked, almost falling off my bed if not for the restraints still binding me.

Bound. That’s how I felt as he glared at me—bound to him.

“You used us.” I almost lost my mind at Dorian’s voice. He stood at the side of Varek’s bed, same tone, same fury.

Was this a dream? Or were they really here? It didn’t matter. His words were facts.

“I did,” I admitted. Each word hurt leaving my raw throat.

“Why?” he spat.

“I told you why. Your blood.”

“But why me?” he pressed. “We—he—felt something different with you. It didn’t make sense, but I know you felt it too. I saw it in your fucking eyes, Armisha.”

I blinked, trying to swallow the lump forming in my throat.

Power had no room for feelings.

Power had no room for feelings.

Power had no room for feelings.

Especially now, when I was already so weak.

“Say something,” he barked.

“I’m sorry,” I mumbled.

Varek growled, eyes on Dorian.

“We don’t believe you. You’re heartless. Selfish. Your type,” he motioned around, “would clearly do anything for power.”

“You’re right.” The words ripped out of me. “It wasn’t even supposed to be you. Renna⁠—”

His eyes widened. “You were gonna kill Renna?“

“Yes,” I ignored his judgment, “but plans change, and⁠—”

I looked away, afraid to see his face as the truth left my lips. In this moment, he was more handsome than I remembered. Varek more beautiful. His coat gleamed, even with the remnants of blood.

“I wish it wasn’t you. But someone had to be betrayed. Someone had to be sacrificed, Dorian.” Eyes back on him. “It was either me or you. At least you can say you saved Renna.”

His jaw twitched at her name.

“This isn’t about her! Varek never wanted Renna, but the moment he smelled you… he wanted you. Then you let him mark you and⁠—”