Chapter 26 · Curse of the Bloodline

"Get your filthy hands off me, you little rat!"

Kaelen’s voice cracked as he slammed his back against the cold stone wall of the vault. He was a high-born, a cousin of the clan, but right now he looked like a cornered dog. My hand was locked around his throat, pinning him so hard the plaster behind his head was starting to spiderweb.

"Rat?" I leaned in, my voice a low rasp. I could feel the Devouring Bone humming under my skin, hungry. "I remember when you called me 'brother' while you helped Victor carve the marrow out of my spine. Which one was the lie, Kaelen?"

Kaelen clawed at my wrist, his fingernails digging into my skin. "It was for the family! You were weak, Cain. A defect. Victor only did what had to be done to preserve the bloodline!"

I grinned, but there was no warmth in it. I shifted my weight, pressing my forearm deeper into his windpipe. I could feel his pulse hammering against my skin—fast, erratic, terrified.

"Preserve the bloodline," I whispered. "Funny how that always means making someone else bleed."

I didn't just want him dead. Death was too quick.