Her free hand drove his chin upward. His head bent back until he was certain the next push would snap his neck, and his protest became a scream as she ripped into his exposed throat.
"AAAH!"
Blood poured down his collar. He beat at her arm while she drank, feeling the strength leave his blows until his hands merely scraped at her sleeve.
Then cold stabbed through the wound and reached his chest. It spread with his heartbeat, setting his veins alight beneath his skin. She was forcing the curse of her bloodline into him through the bite, and he could do nothing except hang in her grip while it took hold.
"Ple... please..."
She tore her mouth away and threw him across the floor.
*Thud!*
Edmund landed on his shoulder, his cry breaking into a wet gasp as his cheek struck the rock. He clawed at his ruined neck while blood ran between his fingers.
The woman stood over him with her lips stained red.
"Rejoice, filth. Her Majesty's grace granted you rebirth."
