Chapter 31 · Hollowborn - Chapter 31: Layla's Back Door

Marcus is still standing. Blood's pouring down his chest but he's smiling like I just proved his point.

"You think that's enough?" His voice comes out wet. "Your mother tried the same thing. Drove a blade right through my heart."

I pull the knife out. More blood. He doesn't even flinch.

"She learned the hard way," Marcus says. "You can't kill what's already bound to the ritual. The pact doesn't care about one body. It cares about bloodlines."

Cole's on his knees behind me. I can feel him fading. The soul fragment inside me is barely a whisper now.

"Ivy." His voice cracks. "Don't."

I don't look back. I'm staring at Marcus and the way the light's crawling under his skin like worms. The same light that's been eating Cole from the inside.

"You want the pact?" I say. "Fine. Let's finish it."

Marcus laughs. It sounds like glass breaking. "You don't even know what you're offering."

I reach into my jacket. My fingers find the locket. It's warm. Too warm. Like it's been waiting.

"I know my mother died trying to stop this," I say. "I know you've been hunting me because I'm the last piece you need.