Page 36 of Fading Sun

His voice is a soft caress, but there’s also an edge to it, a darkness that reminds me of the danger I’m dealing with.

The danger he represents.

“Stop,” I tell him, and surprisingly, he does.

“Yes?” He watches me, waiting, his eyes dark coals against his pale skin.

I’m marrying Damien, I think, although the words don’t come.

“I haven’t told them,” I say instead. “The truth about what you are, about what you want from me, or even your true name. They don’t know any of it.”

He sizes me up, as if he’s deciding if he believes me.

Then, slowly, he steps closer. “You’re considering my offer,” he says, and I don’t deny it. “You’re considering me.”

Suddenly, he’s here, his lips meeting mine in a kiss that’s as intoxicating as it is foreboding. It’s a clash of ice and fire, of darkness and light, and I’m lost in the sensation, in the overwhelming roller coaster of it all.

The passion is so insanely refreshing after Damien’s coldness.

Then, something shifts.

Because his shadows are caressing my skin, probing it, and soaking into it. They’re searching for my magic. Making their way into my soul and trying to absorb my light.

But I won’t let anyone take my light.

No, I think. This isn’t right.

So, I pull away, catching my breath and feeling for my magic to make sure it’s still here.

It warms beneath my skin, calming me, grounding me. But just when I feel steady again, Astrophel’s hand grips my arm, his fingers digging into my skin.

I try shaking him off, but his hold is tighter than anticipated.

“It’s him,” he says, cold and menacing. “You’re thinking of him. Your vampire king.”

Narrowing my eyes at him, I push my magic up to my skin, burning him and forcing him to yank his hand off my arm.

“That was uncalled for.” He shakes his head, disappointed. “Especially after you came here to pledge your loyalty.”

“That’s not why I’m here.” I keep my magical shield up, in case he reaches for me again. “I’m here to tell you that I’m marrying him. Tonight.”

“Marrying him,” he repeats slowly. “Why in the world would you do something as stupid as that?”

He watches me, waiting, as if there’s a right answer and a wrong one.

“Because he trapped me,” I finally say. “You saw it, on Little Island, when I couldn’t jump into the river. I can’t leave the city. Marrying Damien is the only way to free myself from the cage he’s keeping me in.”

“Do you love him?” he asks, point blank.

“I…” I pause, since despite everything, I can’t bring myself to lie. “I don’t know.”

He laughs, a sound that reverberates through the dark realm, chilling and hollow. “Oh, Amber,” he taunts, stepping closer again. “You and I both know that your heart will never be his.”

I say nothing. I have no idea what my heart will decide.

Especially since right now, I’m trying to do as Damien said and follow my head instead.

“In the meantime, play your role,” he continues. “Escape your cage. As you do, know that the ceremonies of the mortal realm mean nothing to me. I respect no vows. Once you’re free, you can finally be mine.”

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