Page 135 of The Vampire's Bride

Up ahead, I notice a settlement in the distance. Nestled deep in the mountains, the town of Grimwood is a haven carved out of the snow-covered wilderness. The wooden fortress walls are impressive. Heavy wooden beams reinforced by stone at the base. It encircles the entire town, protecting the inhabitants within from the hidden dangers lurking in the forest.

When we reach the main entrance, the massive wooden doors are already open with four human guards standing post. I pull back on the reins, slowing my horse as we approach, and Reyla does the same.

“Welcome,” one of the guards calls out. “What business have you here today?”

“We’ve come to seek shelter at the inn,” Reyla answers. “To warm ourselves by the fire and partake of a meal.”

They allow us to pass through without hesitation and give us directions for the inn. I glance behind us and see the Orc come through as well.

The wooden buildings are huddled close together with steep, sloping rooftops and smoke curling up from their chimneys. The main thoroughfare is a well-trodden cobblestone path that winds through the center of the town.

Merchants sell their wares from small stalls, calling out to us as we pass. Children, bundled in thick coats, play in the snow, their laughter filling the air.

Many of the townsfolk offer friendly smiles as we pass, seemingly welcoming of strangers.

The clouds overhead block out most of the sun, making it seem much later than it is.

When we finally reach the inn, a woman arrives to stable our horses. As soon as we step inside, a young man with warm brown eyes and a friendly smile greets us.

“Hello, travelers. My name is Jaryd. How may I help you today?”

“We’d like a room, if you have one available, and a meal,” I tell him.

His grin widens. “I have both.” He gestures behind him. “Choose any table you’d like while I get your meal and the key for your room.”

Sturdy wooden tables and benches are scattered throughout the ground floor. The walls are lined with shelves holding an array of mugs and bottles, their contents glinting in the firelight. There’s a bar at the opposite end of the room with a few patrons seated on stools.

The air is thick with the smell of hearty food and the faint, bitter scent of ale. The crackling fire burning in the large stone fireplace lends a comfortable warmth to the room.

As I glance around, there are at least a couple of dozen humans, some High Elves and Fae, but there are also a few Orcs, dressed in thick leather armor and heavy fur cloaks sitting in the far corner, drinking from their tankards. Perhaps the Orc that followed us is coming here to meet them.

My suspicions are confirmed a moment later when he pushes through the doors. Thunderous laughter booms from his companions as they greet him warmly. Catching me staring at him, he lifts his tankard in acknowledgement before turning his attention back to his friends.

Reyla takes a seat across from me. I lean in and drop my voice to a low whisper. “Do you think we’re safe here?”

She nods.

My thoughts turn to Lysander. In Corvania, the villagers were wary of Vampires, despite that their village is in the Vampire kingdom of Morrowynd. “What about Lysander?” I ask. “Do you think he will be welcomed when he arrives?”

“Yes. We’ve traveled through here before and stopped to rest. They have rooms below for Vampire guests.”

Relief fills me. “Good.”

Jaryd walks over to us, carrying a tray of stew and drinks. “Here you go,” he says cheerily, setting the bowls down before us. “And here is the key to your room.” He holds it out to me, but his jaw drops as his gaze settles on the sigil of my cloak. “It’s you,” he murmurs in disbelief. “You’re Lady Juliet Greyvale.”

I freeze, my heart pounding in my chest. The last thing I want is to draw any attention. Reyla looks at me, her expression full of concern.

“My Aunt Minda runs the inn in Corvania. We’ve all heard of you,” he says. “You and your husband are rather famous, you know.”

“Is that so?” I manage a polite smile. “What is it that you have heard?”

“That Lord Valaric Greyvale, First Knight of the Shadow Blade, has taken a human as his true wife. It is an honor to meet you.” Awe tinges his voice. “Are you expecting your husband to join you? We have rooms below for Vampire guests.”

“Lord Valaric will not be joining us.” I swallow hard, forcing my voice to remain steady despite the lump in my throat at the reminder of his absence. “My husband is away on business.” The lie tastes bitter on my tongue, but I can’t risk anyone knowing Valaric is missing. Not until I know why myself. “But we are waiting for another companion this evening.”

The innkeeper nods eagerly. “Of course, my lady. And who might that be?”

“His name is Lysander,” I tell him. “He is a Vampire in service to House Greyvale. He will arrive after nightfall.”

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