The Vampire Gift 2: Kingdom of Ash by E.M. Knight

in knowledge and experience. I am going to set out a series of rules for you—”
    “Wait,” I say. She’s been talking to me as if I have a full understanding of what she wants, whereas in truth, I know nothing. “What about The Hunt? What are you going to do with me? Am I still going to be made prey?”
    She laughs. “That? That was nothing. A test for my sons, all three of whom failed. You were never in any danger. I’d never let a vampire taste your blood.”
    My eyes narrow. I don’t believe her. But I know better than to voice the doubts out loud.
    “When you walk off this plane,” she says, “every vampire in The Haven will be in awe of your strength. They will hate you for it. They will whisper amongst themselves and say that your powers were stolen, not earned. They will be envious of the speed of your ascent. They will loathe you for your introduction into the royal family. But most of all—most of all—they will fear who you have the potential to become.
    “I’m here to guide you, Eleira. You cannot think of me as your enemy. You and I want exactly the same thing. We want—we need—for you to prosper. We need you to take your proper place and lead The Haven into the 21 st century. I’m willing to treat you as an equal, if you give your word you will not go against me or challenge my rule. If I can be guaranteed your loyalty, you and I will be capable of spectacular things.
    “But,” her voice becomes hard, “if you choose to defy me, I assure you, I will make your life here a living hell.”
    She stands and gives a little self-congratulatory nod. “I’ve let it be known to the others that you have complete freedom to roam and explore the entirety of The Haven. There are no restrictions. You will find no doors that are locked to you. Consider it an extension of good faith. I’ve had your rooms made in the upper reaches of my castle. I’m sure after your escape, you will have no trouble finding your way back, hmm?”
    She smiles at me. “Raul is waiting for you outside. Think of what I’ve said, and what I’ve offered you. I will beckon you to me in three days. You can tell me your choice then. But truly, Eleira…” she gives a little laugh. “There is only one path forward for you, if you want to keep your life.”

Chapter Nine
     
    PHILLIP
     
    April’s sweet blood flows down my throat. It sinks into me and is absorbed instantly by my body. Soon it courses through my veins. I close my eyes and lose myself in the ecstasy of the drink.
    Never before have I felt anything like it. Never before have I even come close.
    I draw upon the carotid artery in her neck. I’m filled with the thick, robust, and precious fluid. It is my nectar. It is the stronger aphrodisiac I have ever known.
    The animal inside me struggles to be let free. After centuries of starvation, it is ravenous.
    Keeping its instinctual longing at bay is the most difficult thing I have ever done. But I fight it, even as I drink.
    I must stay true to myself.
    I lose all sense of place and time as I drink and drink and drink. I’m vaguely aware of somebody else having entered the cavern. I give the entrant the same amount of attention that I might to a faraway gnat or a fly. All I know is April. All I feel, all I taste, all I experience is the precious human girl beneath me.
    Her beating heart sends surges of hot blood into my mouth. It’s so strong. The blood is better, infinitely better, than the thin animal blood I’ve sustained myself on. It has kept me alive, yes, but it is putrid and weak compared to this.
    How have I ever resisted the call?
    I feel April start to weaken. Her body goes slack. Her limbs, which were full of strength only moments ago, fall to her sides. Her heartbeat slows to a dull and ominous thud-thud-thud.
    Alarm grips me, and I realize I’ve drawn too much.
    It’s the hardest thing that I’ve ever done, but I force my fangs away. I draw back from her and hold her upright.
    She looks at me