Aria's POV
Elona's lower lip trembled. "Mommy..."
My heart broke. I wanted to tear Viktor apart. I wanted to shift and rip through every vampire in this castle. But Elona needed me alive. I forced myself to smile at her.
"It's okay, sweetheart."
Her eyes filled with tears. "Are you coming to get me?"
"Yes." I looked directly at Viktor. "I'm coming for you."
He smiled. "After the Embrace."
I nodded. "Fine."
Viktor walked toward the table. Then he drew one of his claws across his wrist. Blood immediately welled from the wound. The scent hit me. My entire body reacted. My fangs descended. My pulse thundered.
Viktor poured his blood into a silver cup. The dark red liquid seemed almost black beneath the candlelight. He held it out to me.
"Drink it."
I stared at the cup. "Will this co
