Page 104 of The Vampire's Bride

His mother would never forgive me, nor would I forgive myself. He is like a younger brother to me.

“You two stay here,” I command. “Protect the manor while I do a sweep of the grounds.”

I’m not sure where Aerlyx is, but I imagine he is somewhere nearby. These wards were enhanced by his magic; he had to have sensed they’ve been crossed.

A hint of spiced apple hits my nostrils. I follow the scent and lavender eyes blink at me from the shadows. “Can you sense where they are?” I whisper.

He shakes his head.

“Follow me,” I tell him.

Rushing out into the night, I spread my wings and take to the sky, circling the property as I scan below for any signs of an intruder.

It could be the blood witch, but I doubt it. In the past, she has always simply appeared without warning. My wards are useless against her because she controls my curse. She would not have activated them.

My thoughts turn to Juliet. If we were still at the castle, I would worry it might be her attacker. The one who left her for dead may have come to finish where he failed before, worried that she will regain her memory and report him for his crime.

But no human would dare venture so deep into the kingdom of Morrowynd. Not without a powerful Vampire patron to assure their safe passage.

And I doubt Stryker has anything to do with this. If he wanted to attack, he would wait untilwego to him. Just as we are doing tomorrow to attend his ball, I think to myself bitterly.

Movement in the shadows catches my eye as I circle over the gardens. Folding my wings, I swoop down low to investigate. Dust and leaves swirl around me as I carefully alight on the ground, my senses trained on my surroundings.

Awareness raises the hair on the back of my neck.

I am not alone.

“Show yourself,” I demand. My claws lengthen into dagger sharp points as my fangs descend. “I know you are here.”

“You found me rather quickly.” A deep voice spears the darkness.

Clenching my jaw, I turn toward the sound. Red eyes meet mine as a familiar figure steps from the shadows, like a ghost appearing from the past. “Impressive, Valaric.” Damar arches a brow. “It seems youdidlearn something from me after all.”

Time has not changed him, but then again, my kind are immune to its ravages. My gaze travels over his shoulder-length hair, a deep blue color at the roots that gradually fades to silvery-white ends.

His pale skin is a stark contrast to his dark tunic and pants and the flowing blue cape that conceals his black wings. His crimson eyes gleam in the moonlight as he studies me, his mouth set in a thin line of disapproval.

“Why have you come, Damar?” I meet his gaze evenly. “Why now, after all this time?”

“Is that any way to greet the one who took you in? Who trained you in our ways?” he responds smoothly. “The one who made you a Lord of the Great House of Greyvale?”

He never fails to remind me of my place or all that I owe him, but I do not let it dissuade me from seeking the truth. “Answer my question,” I demand. “How did you get past the wards?”

He arches a condescending eyebrow. “Did it ever occur to you that because I am the High Lord of House Greyvale, that such things would not affect me when I decide to visit one of the many homes owned byourClan?”

Guilt pulls at the edge of my resolve. He speaks the truth. I had no right to ward our estate without informing him. And yet… knowing his disdain for humans, I’m not entirely sure I can trust him around Juliet.

“Why are you here?” I ask again.

Instead of answering, his lips curl in an enigmatic smile. “Have you kept up with your training, Valaric?”

Before I can respond, he moves into a defensive stance, a challenge in his gaze as he issues a command. “Defend yourself.”

Without hesitation, he lunges forward, his attack swift and precise.

Instinct guides my movements, and I spin away, avoiding his strike and countering with one of my own as we fall into the familiar but lethal dance of combat.

Damar kicks out, and I twist away, but not fast enough. His leg connects with my side, and I go flying back, slamming to the earth with a pained grunt.

---