Empire of the Vampire (Empire of the Vampire, #1)

by Jay Kristoff

And if he’s neither willing nor able to lay it to rest, then he’s no god at all.

“Take comfort, Chevalier. All things end.” Gabriel looked up at that, blood-red eyes glittering. “Oui, vampire. All things.”

“I could see Chloe standing at the base of the ruined tower, sword in hand, hacking at an oncoming wretched like a lumberjack at a tree. She fought with all hell’s fury, but she was a nun, after all, and that sword was far too big for her.

“‘So what’s your fucking story?’”

“‘A brave woman enjoys the wild’s kiss on her skin, Sister,’ the slayer said. “‘And a wise man knows to come in from the rain,’ the priest smiled.

“‘It wasn’t yours to save! Not like that!’

“‘Because everything I have sssuffered, everything I am, is because of you.’ “Again, she gifted me that hideous smile. “‘Because I hate you, brother.’ “I dragged a hand across my bloody chin, spitting red again. ‘Then why save me?’