Page 37 of Clash of Kingdoms

Vine’s eyes shifted to me, examining me with that hard gaze. “I know your kind.”

I said nothing.

“Vampire.”

I didn’t confirm or deny it.

Vine turned to Rancor. “You have more friends than you previously mentioned.”

“He’s not a friend,” Rancor said.

“More like a cousin,” I said, refusing to give more than that.

Vine kept his stare on Rancor. “Leave, and take these two with you. We’ll give you our instructions shortly.”

And then I felt it, a flickering candle, a light that had barely enough fuel to sustain it. It was merely a glimmer but still enough for me to absorb. Disgust and resentment…and vengeance.

I knew it would be unwise to overstay our welcome. “Huntley.”

Vine’s emotions intensified, turning from annoyance to full-blown anger. It was hard to understand what had provoked it, but now that little candle flame had turned into a forest fire.

Huntley remained in the chair for a moment, but then he stood up and approached Vine’s desk. “Listen to me?—”

I grabbed him by the arm. “Huntley.”

He stilled and slowly looked at me.

All I had was a stare, but I hoped that would be enough for him to understand the danger we were in.

He seemed to get it because he took a step back.

“Thank you for your time,” I said diplomatically. “We’ll leave now.”

Vine’s expression remained the same, but his insides boiled like a hot pot on the stove.

The three of us turned away and walked down the long rug to the opposite door that felt like a league into the distance. Our backs were turned to him, and I’d never felt more exposed in my life.

When we were out of earshot, Huntley spoke. “What is it?”

“He’s angry,” I said. “Really angry.”

“We’re not getting out of here alive,” Rancor said.

I had the same fear. “Be prepared to fight.”

“There were so few of them on the way here,” Huntley said. “Child’s play.”

We pushed open the doors and stepped onto the bridge that led back the way we’d come.

But the path was blocked…by a dozen armed demons.

My sword was in my hand instantly, and Rancor and Huntley followed suit. The demon in the lead was the one who had escorted us down here—and he wore the biggest grin. And to make matters worse…there was something else.

An enormous serpent.

Enormous wasn’t even the right word. Fang was enormous. This thing was gargantuan, standing next to the bridge, its big body fading into the blackness of the chasm below. It had yellow eyes, and its mouth was already parted to show its exposed fangs.

“You should have taken my deal.”