Chapter 414

"Kobold!!!!" My scream tore from my throat, bouncing off the ruins before floating up into the sky.

He appeared instantly, holding a pint glass full of fresh blood. "You called?"

"The fail-safe. You were counting on me to break the compulsion and destroy the ring so that the virus would jump directly into Drio and Isabella."

"I've watched you all these years. Smart, deadly. You'd make a fine heir. I had no doubt you'd figure it all out and play into my hands."

"How? That doesn't make me the Executioner. Drio and Isabella were doomed the moment you put that virus in the ring. All of it is your doing, not mine." I bit the inside of my cheek to keep my voice steady. "They'll be quarantined by now. And if you think you can use my blood to release the virus somehow-"