Chapter 17 · The Man in the Blood Mirror

The blade cuts deeper.

I feel Adrian fighting it. Through the bond, his rage scrapes against the curse, clawing for a way through. But Victor's got him locked down tight. The knife drags another millimeter. Blood runs warm down my neck.

"Stop," I say.

My voice comes out steady. I don't know how.

Adrian's eyes are black. Completely black. No gold left. His hand shakes but the blade doesn't stop.

Victor laughs. He's standing ten feet away, one hand raised, fingers curled like he's holding Adrian on strings.

"He can't, darling. The curse doesn't allow exceptions. Not even for his precious bond."

I grab Adrian's wrist. His skin is ice-cold.

"I know you're in there."

Nothing. Just those dead black eyes.

"Your father's alive," Victor says. He's enjoying this. I can hear it in his voice. "Facility Twelve. Sublevel Three. We've kept him very comfortable. Well—comfortable enough. He's been quite useful."

My chest goes tight. I can't breathe right.

"You're lying."

"Am I?" Victor tilts his head. "You want proof? I can arrange that."

He snaps his fingers.

The air behind him splits open. Not a door. Not a portal.