Chapter 4

The day after I block Alexander, Chloe's phone rings.

Chloe is about to hang up, but Alexander's voice comes through the speaker. "Serena, I know you're listening."

I freeze. My nails dig painfully deep into my palms.

"Stop being stubborn," his voice drops, turning soft. "Blood Moon is playing tonight. Remember? A hundred years ago today, we made our first blood bond to their music."

My heart violently clenches.

"The full moon is our bonding anniversary. Eight o'clock tonight, at the VIP entrance of the arena. I'll be waiting." He pauses, sounding completely sure of himself. "Just one last time. Okay?"

The call ends.

I stare at the dark screen. Tears well up without any warning.

He actually remembers. After a century, I thought he had tossed everything about me in the trash, but he actually remembers our anniversary.

"Serena, are you out of your mind? You're not actually going, right?" Chloe grabs my shoulders.

"I'm just going for the music." A thick taste of blood rises in my throat. "Chloe, just this one last time. If he really... if he actually still cares even a little bit..."

I pull away from her grip and rush into the bathroom.

Looking at myself in the mirror, a wave of intense nausea hits me. Because I forcefully broke the bond on my own, my face is as pale as paper and my eyes are sunken.

With trembling hands, I apply layer after layer of concealer, trying to hide the deathly pallor caused by the bond's backlash. I put on a brand new black velvet dress I bought specifically for tonight.

At seven thirty, I stand outside the VIP entrance of the arena.

I shiver uncontrollably in the cold wind. My organs feel like they are being ground to pieces, the aftermath of tearing the contract apart.

Eight o'clock. The entrance is completely empty.

Nine o'clock. The heavy bass of the opening act vibrates right through the venue's walls.

Ten o'clock. I make thirty calls. Every single one goes straight to voicemail.

Eleven o'clock. The lead singer's raspy voice echoes from inside the arena. They are playing "Witness."

My phone screen finally lights up.

It is a voice message from an unknown number.

I tap it with a shaking finger. Alexander's voice comes through, sounding dismissive with a hint of fake apology. "Serena, Lilith started throwing up blood out of nowhere. She's incredibly weak. I have to take her to the clinic, so I can't make it tonight. Sorry. Head home early."

In the background of his message, I hear the deafening roar of live bass. I hear the lead singer screaming the lyrics, "I was invited to witness your love story."

I also hear Lilith's laughter. It sounds clear, smug, and purposely close to the microphone.

"Alexander, this song is way too loud..."

The message cuts off.

With stiff fingers, I open the vampire social network. The very first post on the feed is an update Lilith made ten minutes ago.

In the photo, she sits in a VIP suite with the best view of the stage. Alexander's large hand rests on her waist. His side profile is hidden in the dim lighting as he leans down to kiss her hair.

The caption reads, "The best anniversary gift ever. Thank you, my lord."

I gag.

I drop to my knees on the freezing concrete. A sweet metallic taste floods my throat before I violently throw up a mouthful of black blood mixed with bits of torn tissue.

This is not the first time he has lied to me.

But why do I always act so pathetic, telling myself that this time will be different?

People and vampires pass by me as they leave the venue. Not a single person pays attention to a woman crying and throwing up blood on the sidewalk.

Three in the morning.

The concert ended a long time ago. The plaza outside is completely empty, covered only in glow sticks and trash.

"Miss?" A human cleaner holding a broom walks up to me. He jumps back when he sees the black blood around my mouth. "Are... are you okay? Do you want me to call an ambulance?"

I slowly lift my head and unclench my bloody, torn palms.

"I'm fine." My voice comes out entirely hoarse. "Don't bother."

I am not fine.

But I am finally hurt enough to know I have to leave.

I lean against the wall and slowly push myself up. The agonizing pain tearing me apart suddenly vanishes completely.

I grab a cab straight to the airport.

I sit in the noisy terminal for the entire night. The blood on my clothes dries and stiffens. I quietly watch the sky brighten through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

The boarding announcement plays. It is the flight to Rome. Today is the full moon.

My phone screen lights up again. Alexander sent a text.

"Are you done being mad? When are you coming back to the castle to bond? Don't forget it's a full moon today. Don't make me come drag you back."

I stare at those words. With a completely blank face, I pop off the back of my phone and dig out the SIM card tied to the Nightfall family account.

Snap.

I break the plastic card in half with my fingers. I toss it, along with the phone, straight into the trash can by the boarding gate.

I turn around and walk down the jet bridge.