I would like to understand it, too, I thought at Shade.
Understanding my grandmother is an impossible task, he replied dryly. But I know their arrangement involves him being allowed to send a set number of Hell Fae to study here annually. They’re too powerful for his hellhounds to guard and train, so he lets her do it.
Intriguing, I admitted. Have you met him?
Yes,Shade replied, his tone telling me he didn’t want to elaborate on it.
As our mate appeared ready to pass out, I decided not to press him and caught her by the waist instead. She’d just finished saying goodbye to the last of the Quandary Bloods and looked ready to sleep on her feet.
Zakkai was in front of us in an instant, his mouth finding Aflora’s as I held her steady with her back to my chest. The metallic scent of blood taunted my senses, telling me he was feeding her his essence to help bolster her strength again.
I frowned and engaged my link with Zeph. She just fed from us earlier.
Yes,he replied, watching the exchange. The Dark Source seems to be taking a lot from her. Is that normal?
I don’t think so,I replied. My father never required this much blood.
Is it because she’s mostly taking from other Midnight Fae and not the human vein?
Perhaps, I replied. But the blood coffee contained more than enough mortal essence to replenish her today.
I considered her as she moaned against Zakkai’s mouth, her body hungry for more of his blood. He didn’t hesitate in offering more, but my lips curled further downward at the display.
I think the source is preparing her for the next trial,I said slowly to Zeph. It must sense something big coming.
Sacrifice, he replied. Yes?
It doesn’t necessarily have to come in that order, but yes, that would be the typical path.And it could require so many things of her.
With my grandfather leading the way, who knew what he would do.
Then let’s take her back to the suite and properly nourish her, Zeph suggested.
Yes, I agreed.
We’d bathe her in blood if that was what she needed.
And then we’d hold our breaths and hope that we’d given her enough.