Half Blood Rising novel Chapter 24

I tried to move, but excruciating pain shot through my limbs. That bitch grabbed me by my hair and lifted me back to my feet. More pain lanced through my chest. I needed to gather myself, but someone struck me with an attack of magic. There was one streetlamp out here, but I could see everyone’s faces pretty clearly. The mage narrowed his eyes at me, he probably recognised me after all. The councillor appeared confused.

“What is she doing here, Councillor?” Leonidas asked. “I thought no one from the inside knew we were meeting here tonight?” I was far outnumbered and weakened by protective wards. Truly, all I cared about right then was how I wanted to stab that bitch right in the gut and then twist the blade a few times, too.

“Traitor,” I spat, trying to break free from her grasp, but she pushed me towards the ground, then kicked me, taking full advantage of the fact I wasn’t in my usual form. Someone’s magic was affecting my nervous system. Damn it! I wanted my knives.

“I have no idea why this girl is here, but we should make a deal, anyway. No one else needs to die,” the councillor said calmly. “This one is special, she’s a half-vampire breed with strong magic. Take her and let my daughter go. She’s important to the school.”

“He’s right; she survived my injection of power, and no one ever does,” the mage said, the same one who’d blasted me with energy before I’d joined Moonlight Academy, fuelling me with anger. I’d bet he was not expecting to see me here.

Leonidas smiled, and then smoothed his chin, and his energy kept tempting me once again. I needed to taste him, touch him.

Was he hypnotising me again? I had to close my mind, so he couldn’t get to my memories. He still obviously had no idea who I was.

“I don’t need to make a deal with you. The half-blood is already mine,” the ancient said, approaching him. “Ramona caught her, and I know all her secrets. Let’s talk about the real reason you showed up here.” The councillor flinched as Leonidas placed his hands behind him and then began circling around the official. “Richard needs to have a free hand. We have a few excellent candidates who should be admitted to the Elite. You only have to change the voting system, and your daughter will be free.”

My energy was growing very slowly as I tried to pick myself up off the ground, but each time, Ramona pushed me back down with her heel. My ribs were hurting, too.

Lachlan was probably in the area, but I had no way to reach out and pass him a message. We’d never bonded that way, but I’d heard it was possible between lovers. Ramona still had her damn foot on my back, and she was pressing the heel of her boot into my spine. I was taking long deep breaths, trying to think about my options. The deal was going ahead whether I liked it or not. There was no way I could stop it now.

The councillor appeared troubled but prepared to agree to anything. The ancient had his daughter, but this wasn’t why he was scared. I found it odd that such a powerful supernatural from the High Council was submitting himself to a vampire.

Leonidas had something on him, because his daughter didn’t seem important to him at all.

“Very well, then. I can convince others and charm the newest members, but this isn’t a long-term solution. Sooner or later, the High Council will figure out what is going on,” the councillor mumbled.

“There are five talented vampires who must pass the admission process,” Leonidas responded automatically. “Your daughter is going to die tonight if we do not agree. Her energy is diminishing.”

I felt tingling inside my body that began in my toes and then moved upwards. I was gaining power, but from where, I had no idea. I couldn’t let them win just yet. Half of my genes were from my fae family, and I suddenly remembered Oldman’s words. My magic was stronger than I realised. I was a ticking time bomb that could explode at any moment.

“Have you fucked him yet?” Ramona asked, leaning over me. “I bet he jumped into your bed the moment he found out I betrayed him.” She was obviously still jealous.

My strength was returning, and I just needed to wait for the right moment. The pain was fading as quickly as it appeared. Her long blond hair was hanging next to my left side. Suddenly I had an idea.

“Let her go, and I guarantee you’ll get what you want,” the councillor repeated. “Three of the elder board members are now dead. They have been making everyone’s life difficult. I assure you that I can make this happen.”

I didn’t wait, I just pulled her hair, as a switch flipped inside me. That incredible power shocked even me, as I felt light rushing through my veins. It exploded through my palms. Ramona screamed, landing on her side and I shot to my feet, breathing hard. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw four other vampires making their move towards me.

I kicked the bitch several times, hearing her bones breaking, and then removed the wooden stake from my boot and stabbed her in the back. I was glad I’d thought to bring it with me, just in case. Now was my “just in case” moment. My intuition had yet to let me down, and tonight was no exception.

Foreign, dark, twisted magic embraced my body as two other vampires advanced on me. There was nothing stopping me now.

I sank my fangs into one’s neck as he tried to grab me, and I ripped his throat out, kicking the other one in the stomach. There was an animal inside me that was repulsive, but I was fighting for my survival. The vampire roared with pain, falling to the ground before death could claim him. Another pair of hands grabbed me from behind. For a second, I couldn’t move as my arms were being stretched. I spat bits of flesh and blood on the ground. My breathing was whizzed.

“You’re causing way too much trouble for me, my dear half-breed.” Leonidas was saying, approaching me. “Rodrick, sign the contract with the councillor. The board is ours, and it will be a new beginning. A new transition, the old times based on purity are finally over.”

One of his vampires was holding me as I tried to free myself. I could feel the blood dripping from my face.

His incredible blue eyes pierced through me. I craved him, desired his blood, as my fae side fought with my maker’s instinct.

He touched my hair and moved it aside, smiling. Despite his age, he was still attractive. I wanted to taste him so badly now, even if my heart screamed no.

“Don’t do it. The board will never allow dark magic to pass through the Elite Academy walls,” I whispered, not recognising my own voice. This was what Oldman had once said to me, and I remembered it. There was no place for dark magic in the Elite. Every single student who wanted in needed to pass the trials. This deal wasn’t going to happen.