Freak Show (Alexa O'Brien, Huntress #7)(71)

“Your friend foresaw much of what you would face, as many witches have. She gifted you with a piece of earth, enchanted for you and you alone. Wear it. All the time. Die with it on, and it will keep the wolf within you.”

Hurst spoke like a grandfather telling children fantastic stories of monsters and magic, things they would never believe. Or perhaps that was just how I felt, like one of those wide-eyed kids, peering at him in dazed wonder.

How had Lena possibly known what I would face? Sure, Arys and I had both encountered witches who knew of our bond and even our fate. Yet this was so outrageous, so hard to believe. Lena had been like a mother to me. Better than my own mother, in fact. To think that she had known, that she had done something so thoughtful for me, it made me want to weep.

“I must inform you, however, that the amulet will only save your wolf. It will not save your light. You sacrificed that part of you when Arys gave you his blood.” Hurst watched me closely. Too closely. “There is only one way to save your light. It requires a sacrifice from another. One willing to take your darkness for you.”

A heavy weight settled upon me. I stared at the book, and I detested it with every part of my being. What kind of a revelation was that? It was torment, that’s what it was. More torment to carry around inside me while I awaited my fate.

“Wow.” I let my gaze travel around the grand library. There were no words for what I was feeling. “I appreciate the information, but you should’ve let me keep thinking there was no way. That’s the kind of shit I’d rather not know.”

Hurst allowed me a moment to absorb that bombshell. With a gentle smile, he offered, “Ignorance may feel like a protective shell, but it is a cage. You must set yourself free.”

Did I have to? I let out a breath in a huff and nodded. “It’s hard.”

“It is. I know. That’s why I wanted to share this with you. Before you return home. You have much to face yet. You must trust that you can.”

I drank the rest of my coffee, focusing on the sweet vanilla flavor. It was important for me to find pleasure in simple joys. Those little things were so easily overlooked in the face of greater chaos.

“What if I can’t? There’s all this talk of me leading vampires and werewolves. What does that even mean? Leading them where? To do what?” My words ended on a shrill note. All the latte bliss moments in the world couldn’t keep me grounded in the face of such uncertainty.

Hurst regarded me with a pensive expression. I found his wise, owlish quality to be both puzzling and comforting. Spending so much time cut off from the human world had to do something to the psyche. I could totally see myself ending up that way.

“There are those who see the future, and those who plan the future. Neither are guaranteed. Do not worry yourself with such things. In time, all things will be revealed. Your efforts are better spent on what is soon to come.” He patted my hand warmly. “Would you like more coffee?”

“No, thanks. I’m good.” What a weird conversation. I was going to be replaying this one in my head for weeks. “And just what is soon to come? You talk like you know.”

Hurst clasped his hands together and settled back in his chair. He wore the scent of old books like a second skin. It tickled my nose, and I stifled a sneeze.

“There is much speculation regarding the demon whose mark you bear. The underworld feels he will soon make a move toward greater power. He is feared by many and subject to very few.” He paused, and this time he exhibited an air of reservation. “You and Arys must be on guard. He will do all he can to corrupt you both.”

I might have been new to this world compared to an old vampire like Hurst, but I wasn’t born yesterday. Warning me about Shya was like telling me the sky was blue. Of course, I appreciated the sentiment.

“He already is,” I sighed. “But thank you. I appreciate the warning.”

“I won’t keep you much longer. I’m sure you’re eager to get back to your twin flame. It pleases me greatly to hear how well you two have managed your union. It’s an honor to my bloodline.”

Despite my polite refusal, Hurst’s human assistant brought me another coffee and a plate of cookies. Not quite what I would have expected as the guest of a vampire, but I’d happily take it.

As I nibbled an oatmeal cookie, my stomach growled. Arys better have ordered that steak. I eyed Hurst with open curiosity. Making the most of our remaining time was essential.

“What is it about our bloodline that makes us so strong? Did it start with you?” I asked. Arys had never been able to answer that question.

“No, it did not.” Hurst stared off into the shadows. Something wistful passed across his face. “As you know, many vampires possess metaphysical attributes of varying degrees. Others possess none at all. Tales from the old world claim the origins of the vampire are linked to a deal made with the devil. Of course, there is no way of knowing for sure.”

I stared at him in wonder, my cookie forgotten in my hand. I gestured for him to continue.

“One folk story states that the first vampires were born of demon blood. A king with three daughters made a deal with the devil to preserve his children always by making them immortal. Or as immortal as a human can be. Another story agrees that the first vampires were created from demon blood but created to be an affront to God. More than human but less than demon, and all dark. A mockery of humankind created to prey on humankind. In both, the first generation of vampires each possessed different demon traits. Traits that have been passed on throughout the years as new vampires are made. Some theorize that the strengths of those traits vary based on the strengths of the individual, and I’m inclined to agree with that for the most part.”