[ Pobierz caÅ‚ość w formacie PDF ] couldn t stop it. Our home was completely consumed in mere instants. I lost sight of our parents before I could even try to reach us. And then, I saw you there, miraculously still alive. I didn t even know what I was doing. I just moved toward you and took you in my arms. I thought then that we d both die there, because there was no way, no way I could bypass that inferno. But then& the pendant somehow kept the fire in check. 102 Scarlet Hyacinth  The Snow King s pendant, Red said softly, his voice barely audible. His heart was breaking at his brother s words, torn between the memories, the realization of what a painful secret Robin had kept from him, and maybe, just a little bit of relief.  What ever happened to it? He sounded dazed, clinging to an irrelevant question so that he wouldn t have to acknowledge what truly mattered. Robin nonetheless replied.  That man took it back. He said that day that he would return to claim what we owed him. But& I never realized he was serious.  Why did you hide this, Robin? Red finally asked.  Why did you keep it from me?  I didn t want you to hate me, his brother answered.  You re the only family I have, Red. I couldn t take losing you, too.  You were cruel, I told him.  You were cruel and selfish and uncaring, too lost in your own guilt and bitterness to see Red was suffering. I was like that too once, but I never let my inadequacy reach such a point. Red just leaned against me, and the scent of his tears awoke something ugly and angry within me. Perhaps I would have said and done more, but suddenly, a strange feeling encroached on my consciousness.  Something s wrong, I said. As if on cue, a scream shouted from the living room. Robin s eyes widened.  Mina! he breathed out in a panic. He took off running toward the sound of his lover s voice. Red and I followed, already knowing what we would find. Indeed, the Snow King was sitting down on the very same couch we d used just minutes earlier. He had an arm wrapped around Mina s shoulders and his other hand rested against her swollen stomach. He chortled when he saw us.  Well, well, if it isn t Little Red and the big black panther. So glad you could join us.  Let her go, Robin shouted at him.  She has nothing to do with this. Little Red and the Big Black Panther 103  Oh I disagree. The ice mage smiled as he blew a gust of air in Mina s ear, and she shivered alarmingly.  I m afraid that the two of you weren t very nice back in Grimoire. While it does seem you understand that you can t escape me, you still don t fully comprehend the urgency of the situation. It angers me deeply that while I wait alone, the two of you retreat for a romantic tryst encouraged by these people. And he truly seemed angry, as proven by the fact that Vlad lay on the floor, unconscious, his lips going blue. He wasn t moving, and Vesper kept nudging him with his paw, trying to make him stir. Bitter guilt twisted within me when Vesper changed shapes and pulled his mate close, tears flowing down his cheeks. Vlad s other sisters watched impotently, seeming terrified and not knowing what to do. The Snow King obviously noticed the scene, because he threw a look Vesper s way.  Don t worry, young shifter, he said.  I didn t kill him. I could have, very easily. But I didn t. I have no interest in him. He ll recover once he gets enough blood, and if he doesn t stand in my way. Instantly, Monica and Veronica shot into action, biting down on their wrists to offer Vlad their blood. Vesper did the same without hesitation. The Snow King didn t try to stop them. Clearing his throat, he turned toward us again.  As you can see, vampires are very vulnerable to cold. Because of their undead natures, one simple spell can immobilize them completely. I just have to will it, and their hearts stop. He smirked.  An old and experienced vampire like the count there can and will snap out of it. However, it is not so for an unborn half-vampire child. You understand what I m getting at, right? Mina released a small sob.  Please don t hurt my baby.  I won t, as long as your brother-in-law does exactly what I say. You will help me, won t you, Mr. Hood?  I m trying, Red replied.  I have every intention of casting the spell. I just need more time. 104 Scarlet Hyacinth  You have one hour. After that& well, let s just say I might not be able to fulfill Lady Mina s request should you ignore mine. Robin extended his hand, perhaps to cast a spell, or maybe just to reach for his fiancée. He didn t get the chance to do either of those things. The Snow King retrieved a pendant that had been dangling from his neck and tossed it at us. Red caught it easily, and the moment it made contact with my mate s palm, the Snow King and Mina disappeared in a flurry of snowflakes. [ Pobierz caÅ‚ość w formacie PDF ] zanotowane.pl doc.pisz.pl pdf.pisz.pl blacksoulman.xlx.pl