Chapter 49. Be the Hero

Kane

Guilt burns in my chest. I have no desire to give in to King Peter’s demands, especially if it endangered my family. Despite all that has happened between us, Lex is my brother. I should not give him up.

“I don’t want to send you as a hostage,” I tell my brother. “I’m going to refuse King Peter, and he can deal with it–”

“Stop,” Lex interrupts me. “You’re just prolonging the inevitable.”

“Lex–”

“King Peter will never stop. This man is looking for any excuse to come after you. If you’re seen refusing to concede on old traditions, you’re going to look worse in the eyes of the other vampire kingdoms.”

“I don’t care what they think.”

“You should. You used to. That’s what made you a good king. You thought about what was best for your kingdom above all else.” Lex sighs, looking wearier than I’ve ever seen him. “And it’s my turn to be the same way. I’ve been selfish long enough.”

“Lex, if you become a hostage, I can’t pr