Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Poppy POV

When he stretched his hand out to me, I slowly stood up from the ground. My gown was already stained with Jon's blood, and I was shivering. Instead of taking his hand, I began to walk backward.

"Dirt is where you came from, human," he growled, moving closer. "And that is exactly where you'll return if you dare me."

"Kill me then," I said, my eyes falling on Jon as tears slipped down my cheeks.

"I could kill you, human," he said, now inches from where I stood. I could feel his cold breath on my face. It made me even colder; my teeth were grinding.

"Then do it," I glared at him. "And the gods will get their revenge on you and your cursed kind."

Blood continued to flow from the gods' stone at the altar.

"Oh, I hope they do, so I can bathe in their blood," he said.

I took a step backward, my eyes traveling to where Arya and Mother lay, hoping they would rise. Though we were sisters from birth, Arya was a witch and I was not. She could cast both good and bad spells. If only she could wake up now.

"No one is going to save you, human," he said. "Not even your gods or your family. So you better stop hoping."

I narrowed my eyes. "You might be the mighty, powerful King everyone is afraid of, but I don't fear you. You don't rule over me."

"That's where you're wrong, human. Because once I'm done with you, there will be nothing left," he said, wrapping his hand around my neck.

My right hand slowly moved to the dagger hidden under my gown. Ever since winter came, I had started carrying it—just in case.

I stared into his bloody red eyes, which only made my anger grow. He had killed Jon.

I swallowed hard as I struggled to breathe. The blade of the dagger was piercing into my flesh. His hand was so large that even the slightest force could crush me.

I thought about everything Mama had taught me since I was ten. All that training—only to be caught by the Vampire King. And now, I was to be his bride.

No.

Never.

I would rather die than be the bride of the man who killed the love of my life.

His grip tightened around my neck. I frowned, gathering strength. Without warning, I struck him in the stomach with my dagger.

He stepped back quickly, clearly not expecting it.

"So violent," he murmured.

"You killed him!" A painful scream tore from my throat as I charged at him. I had no idea if I could actually kill him. Can a dagger kill a century-old vampire?

This time, I aimed for his chest, stabbing deep. I thought it would kill him. But instead, he grabbed my hand and snatched the dagger from me.

He stepped back, bringing a hand to his chest, which was now dripping with blood. I seized the opportunity, turned around, and bolted for the door—only to be stopped by a female with a bow and arrow aimed directly at me.

"Bitch," she cursed.

"I know what he is," I said. "I know what he'll do to me if I become his bride."

I swallowed hard as tears began to roll down my cheeks. "I would rather die than marry him. Kill me now. Let me die with my people."

"I should kill you?" she asked, a dry chuckle leaving her lips before she lowered the weapon. "Who said I was going to kill you? You're not dying. I can't kill you. The King needs you."

I swallowed again, my heart pounding.

"Though I suppose he really doesn't need you—just your body and your blood, which he'll use to try breaking the curse." She smiled, raising the bow again as her eyes dropped to my neck. "He has incredible plans for how he'll deal with you later."

"So, are you going to try escaping and make me kill you? Or are you going to behave like a lovely bride and do what the King asks of you?" she asked, staring at me.

I exhaled sharply. I was ready to die—next to Jon, next to my family, next to the gods. Let them know I would rather die than marry a monster.

"You really want me to kill you?" she asked. "Nice."

Before she could release the arrow, the female beside her raised her hand, sending her crashing to the ground. She was a witch.

"You can't kill her," the witch said. "We need her alive."

I took a step backward, slowly turning around to see Rhain, who had now composed himself. He was walking toward me.

I waited until he got closer, then threw a punch at his face. He didn't budge and continued to move forward. Before I knew it, I was pinned to the wall again.

I tried to slip away, but he grabbed my neck. This time, he applied pressure, and his gaze was intense. I started to feel dizzy, my head turning heavy.

Taking a sharp breath, I blacked out.