Valkyrie's Sacrifice (Academy of Immortals 3)

Strength

Tranquility.

Peace.

Strength.

Tranquility.

I will survive this demon’s den. I will reject the poison throbbing under my skin. I will repel the Vampire Princess’ advances. I’ll refuse their food. Their drink. Their sin. Their gluttony.

I repeat these words, over and over. An affirmation? A mantra? A prayer to the gods, who I am pretty sure aren’t listening. Or perhaps they’re laughing.

They should, because I did this to myself.

I broke my vow. Failed the test. Succumbed to temptation for pleasure and flesh.

Was it worth it?

For Hildi, yes. A million times yes. I’d do it over and over. I’d let her use me to fight the poison in her system each and every time. I’d let her pull my heart, drag me wherever she want

ed to go. But just because I don’t have regrets, doesn’t mean retribution isn’t coming.

It’s here.

In the form of pointed teeth.

The only thing I can do is hold my resolve, even though my body is burning up. Even though the hunger is eating me alive. I fight, despite the fact dehydration and blood loss are sucking me dry.

I won’t let her win. I will not give the Vampire King or his daughter the victory of my failure. To do this I’ll sink further and further into myself. Seeking peace. Resolving my strength. Striving for tranquility.

That’s how I’ll survive.

21

Hildi

How did I miss it?

How did I miss him?

These questions run through my mind as I assess and reassess our situation. We’d been in the Third Circle the whole time. The gluttony of sex, food, and drink. Comforts everywhere. It’d been so pleasant, so enjoyable, that I hadn’t even noticed. I’d forgotten our mission.

I’d forgotten Miya.

I look to my ally, my lover, my potential mate. He’s strung out and barely conscious, his neck mottled with bruises. What had she done to him? Where is my strong warrior?

I start toward him, but a man blocks my path. He’s big—taller than Armin. Hands clasped in front of his waist. I look around his frame, my heart aching at the sight of the Samurai.

“What did you do to him?” I hiss at Marielle.

“Sometimes the strongest people struggle the most,” she replies with an innocent shrug. “He fought at first, valiantly, but all those years of denying himself, all the delicious, enticing treats at his disposal…I guess he cracked.”

The temptations around the room are overwhelming. Food and drink are plentiful. Beautiful women and men lounge around the room. Their bodies are perfect, alluring, their energy hums. Jewels hang from their necks, sparkle in their ears, glint on their fingers. The room reeks of excess. There are others, mostly men, that immediately blocked the doorway. These are all minions of the Vampire King. We’ll have to fight through them all to get out of here.

“I don’t believe he caved on his own. Did you feed from him? Poison him?” I recall the way the venom flowed in my veins. The desire was unbearable. It had to be quenched. In the next second, I snap, pivoting toward Marielle. It’s not the first time I’ve wanted to hurt her, but gods, I want her dead.

Luke lunges at me before I get too far. His arms cinch around me and he whispers in my ear, “Too soon, Valkyrie.”