Shadow Princess (Zodiac Academy, #4)

by Caroline Peckham

My heart jolted as I held her, her words washing over me and making me feel like the biggest asshole in the history of the world. I tried to force that feeling down too, but it wouldn’t go anywhere. “They will,” I said gently. “Just bow, Darcy.” “I can’t…bow,” she said, the call of sleep making her voice soft. I laid her down on the pillow and a couple more words slipped from her lips. “I won’t.” Her eyes fluttered closed, and I realised I was still holding her hand. I stared at her for far too long. The Vegas, to the very core of their beings, had iron wills. It was why we were trying this different tactic. But the frightening thing was, I saw my own will mirrored in hers at that moment. Even on the verge of oblivion, she fought. She refused to give in. That wasn’t going to change. Just like the other Heirs and I were never going to give in. I pulled my hand from hers and drew a blanket over her before slipping out of the door and shutting it firmly. I lingered there for ten whole seconds, at war with my emotions. I finally managed to bury them deep in the pit of my soul and walked away, plastering a smile on my face as I headed back to the party. I’m Seth Capella. I’m not weak. I don’t break for anyone. And I certainly won’t break for a Vega.

good