Page 127 of The Vampire's Bride

“It’s all right, Finn. They’re with me.” Aerlyx calls out, and the male’s shoulders sag forward. “They won’t harm you.”

His bright blue eyes sweep over us as his vibrant blue wings flutter agitatedly behind him. “You could have warned me, you know. Instead of just showing up out of nowhere, bringing twoVampires and a”—he looks Eben over and wrinkles his nose—“wolf shifter to our place of business.”

He crosses his arms over his chest. “It’s bad enough that you’ve left me here alone to take care of the bakery these past few days.” He huffs out a frustrated breath. “Do you have any idea how hard it is to run this place without any help?”

“I’m sorry.” Aerlyx sighs heavily. “I had things I needed to do. Besides, you were hardly alone, Finn. You have Niza here to—”

“Niza quit.”

“She what?” Aerlyx sits up. “Why?”

“Seven hells if I know.” Finn shoots him an irritated look, placing his hands on his hips. “Maybe because we were short-staffed, or perhaps because our boss left us here alone… it could have also been the long hours,” he says sarcastically, counting out on his fingers. “Or maybe it was all the angry customers, complaining about having to wait for their orders and—”

“All right, all right.” Aerlyx groans, pressing his palm to his forehead. “I get it. You’re upset. I’m sorry, Finn. But please, can we argue later? I’m completely drained and I have a pounding headache.”

“Fine,” the Fae huffs. He gestures to us. “The sun will be up soon. What am I supposed to do about these two?”

Aerlyx cracks one eye open and looks at me. “The safest place I can offer you is the cellar.”

“What about Juliet?” I ask. “Can you take us back to the manor when night falls?”

“I… don’t know,” he says a bit reluctantly. “If I can, I will.”

“What does that mean?” I frown. “I have to get back to her. She’s alone and—”

“I’ve never used up this much of my magic before. I don’t know how long it will be before I’m able to create a portal again.”

“Where are we?” Eben asks. “Perhaps we can take a carriage.”

Aerlyx shakes his head. “It’s at least a four day ride from here to Nightshade.”

Four days. Worry tightens my chest. “That’s too long, Aerlyx. There has to be another way. Juliet is alone at the manor. If any of the others decide to come for her, it’s not safe.”

“She’s not alone,” Damar cuts in. “Lysander is there. He’s a good fighter. You trained him yourself. And he’s smart. He’ll take her to Greyvale castle as soon as possible. I’m sure of it.”

“And my family will guard her once they’re there,” Eben adds.

The light grows stronger in the window, and I grit my teeth against the stinging pain in my eyes.

“Follow me,” Finn says. “We need to get you into the cellar before you both catch fire, or”—he waves a dismissive hand—“whatever it is that Vampires do when they’re left out in the sun.”

The cellar is clean, well-organized, and much larger than I’d expected. I thought it would be damp and confining, but after Finn brought us several blankets and pillows, it’s surprisingly comfortable, considering everything.

Closing my eyes, I struggle to fall asleep. I keep thinking about Juliet. Even though I know Lysander and Reyla are with her, I’m concerned about Prince Raine’s warnings. He said our Great House had many enemies. I’m worried Stryker or one of the others may send one of their Day Guardians to the manor to kidnap or hurt her.

Pushing down these terrifying thoughts, I turn onto my side and glance at Damar across the way, remembering his words toStryker and Prince Raine. “Thank you,” I whisper, and his eyes snap open.

“For what?” he says gruffly, voice rough with sleep.

“You stood beside me when you didn’t have to. It would have been easier for you to cut ties with me for my actions. To expel me from your Great House.”

“OurGreat House,” he says pointedly. “Of course I defended you. You are part of my Clan.”

“Not by blood.”

“Since when does that matter?” Silence settles in the space between us as his gaze holds mine intently. “You have a question,” he says. “What is it?”

“Why risk your reputation for me? I am made, not born. I was a Shadow Blade. I was your enemy.”

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