Страница 54 из 162
The Nayúr refused to tremble under the male’s wrath, despite his massive frame towering over him. Without looking away, he said to the Kral, “It seems you have more information to reveal yet.”
“Name your second and only other condition and we will explain more,” the Kral replied, his tone level and cool where his cousin vibrated with barely restrained fury.
“I will caveat my terms. I will not seek to request House Vrak to relinquish the throne. Nor will I request that all the noble houses save for mine be extinguished. I do agree that we need to save our race from those zealots. This favor will not hinder the efforts of our shared goal—more land, more gold, and more power for the Demons. So long as I am pleased with the direction everything is heading.” Each word was carefully chosen to protect House Varrir’s interests.
The Kral and the Halálhívó knew it too. To be beholden to such a male was a massive risk, yet they needed his support to accomplish their goals. “Fine,” the Kral finally agreed, hoping he hadn’t put his fate in the hands of the Reaper.
“Seal it with a blood oath,” the head of House Varrir said, drawing a short, ceremonial knife from his belted sheath. The Halálhívó’s hand immediately flew to the sword strapped across his back as he stepped forward.
“There’s no need for violence. I have no intention of harming my new partners,” the Nayúr said, disdain dripping in his pointed look at the Halálhívó.
The Kral clenched his teeth, indecision warring through him. Swearing to uphold his terms before the Fates ensured they’d have to act upon whatever the head of House Varrir wished. And yet, it would prevent the Nayúr from forcing House Vrak to relinquish the throne. He drew a blade of his own and sliced into his palm.
“Your terms shall be kept,” he said, reaching for the Nayúr. The male cut his own skin and then pressed his wound to his Kral’s.
“I am at your service, My Kral.”
After the Halálhívó and the High Priestess made similar professions, they wiped their hands clean, the wounds already closing.
“Let’s begin weaving our future.”