Nora's POV
"James!" The word tears from my throat as I strain against the iron shackles binding my wrists to the ancient oak. The hagstone burns against my palm, its cord cutting deep into my flesh as I yank with desperate force. Blood streams down my arms, but I don't care. "James, fight her!"
Beck raises one pale hand, and James's body goes rigid. His gray eyes glaze over as her dark magic takes hold. "Join the others," she commands, her voice dripping with satisfaction. James moves like a marionette, his muscles fighting against invisible strings.
"Bring me another sacrifice," Beck orders one of her vampire puppets. The creature disappears behind a cluster of pine trees. Heart-wrenching screams pierce the night air before he returns, dragging a trembling Academy student by her hair.
The girl can't be more than eighteen. Terror has drained all color from her face, and her entire body shakes as Beck approaches with the ceremonial blade gleaming in the moonlight.
