These Hollow Vows (These Hollow Vows 1)

“I’m not vulnerable—not like I once was. I’m getting better at using my powers.”

But he doesn’t look reassured. “Sometimes it’s your power that makes you so vulnerable.”

“Why do you say that?”

“It doesn’t matter.” He gathers me against his chest, and I can hear his heart racing. “All that matters is that you’re safe.”

“Is it truly so rare for a human to have magic?”

He huffs out a laugh. “Indeed.” He leans his forehead against mine. “You’re so damn special, and Finn knows it.” He swallows. “Even if he’s not responsible for you being drugged last night, he will try to convince you to bond with him. But whatever you do, refuse him. No one can force the bond on you. It has to be entered into freely by both parties.”

“Why would Finn want that? What could he possibly gain from that?”

Shaking his head, he slides his hands down my back and to my waist, tugging my hips flush with his. “He’d have . . . access to your power.”

And since Finn can’t use his own without shortening his life or becoming a serial killer of humans, he needs my power. Is that why he flirted this morning, was so good to me last night? Is that the real reason he’s been training me? Is this all a long game to gain my trust so I can be his puppet?

I can’t bring myself to believe it. Then again, Finn once told me that everything he does, he does to protect his people. Why would I think his actions with me were any different?

“I wouldn’t bond with Finn,” I say, almost to myself.

Swallowing, Sebastian gives me an insecure smile. “When you’re ready, I will be honored to bond with you. I would use the bond to protect you. I wouldn’t let anything happen to you.” He lowers his mouth to mine and brushes a soft kiss there. “Are you ready?” he asks.

I swallow. “Bash . . . I can’t. I need more time if—”

“To go to the summer palace.” He brushes his knuckles along my jaw. “The bond can wait. For now.” He turns toward the hallway and lets out a low whistle.

A goblin hobbles into the room. His bowed head jerks sharply to the side and his nostrils flare. He sniffs, then looks at me, accusation in his eyes. Can he smell Bakken? Does he know his kin was here?

“Take us to the summer palace,” Sebastian says.

“Yes, Your Highness,” the goblin says, but as he reaches for my hand, he smirks at me—a dangerous creature who holds my secret. Sebastian takes the goblin’s bony hand in his own, and then I do the same.

Before I can take a breath to brace myself for the free fall of goblin transport, I hear the sounds of the sea crashing on the shore. Then I see the light of the moon twinkling in the water and feel the sand beneath my feet.

Salty air tickles my nose, and the sound of the waves invades my senses just as the summer palace comes into view. I wouldn’t call it small by any stretch of the imagination. Its many spires seem to loom over the sea, but right before me are the grand windows that I know lead to the library. And the Grimoricon.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

“THANK YOU,” SEBASTIAN SAYS, releasing the goblin’s hand.

“I’m here to serve, Your Highness.” The goblin purses his lips and gives me one final knowing smile before disappearing.

There are beaches in Elora, but I’d seen the sea only once when I was young. I almost can’t remember that trip, riding on a horse with my mother, my father riding beside us, then my first tentative steps into the water, laughing as the waves knocked me over.

Sebastian’s white hair blows in the breeze as he looks out toward the horizon and the sun sinking into the sea. “Walk with me?” he asks.

I turn away from the palace and toward the sea. “I would like that.”

He leads me down the beach, clutching my arm to his side the whole time as if he’s afraid I might disappear. “This is my favorite spot,” he says, walking slowly. “The sound of crashing waves has always brought me comfort. The Golden Palace is continually bustling with servants and courtiers. I preferred it here from a young age, but didn’t get to come nearly as often as I’d like.”

“It’s beautiful. Very peaceful.”

He nods. “I’ve come out here a few times in the weeks since you came to the palace.” He cuts his eyes to me for a long beat. “I’ve had a lot to think about.”

I swallow, my eyes burning. I feel so close to saving Jas, and more than ever I’m terrified that the moment I save her, I will lose everything else. Or worse, that Mordeus will somehow get out of the bargain and I’ll lose her.