Page 172 of The Vampire's Bride

“Why would you do that?” I need to keep her talking so that I can pick my moment and strike. “Why offer freedom after all this time?”

“You no longer have to worry about the others.” The witch snaps her fingers. “They are now back home,” she announces with a chilling calm. “Free to live their lives with no memory of you or their time here.”

Juliet’s eyes open and she looks up at me. “Valaric?”

“Can you sit up?” I ask, praying she says yes. I need my arms free for what I must do next.

She nods and I carefully help her. Damar walks over and helps her to stand. His eyes meet mine and then drop to the blade at my belt, already understanding my plan.

“Despite what you believe, I am not entirely cruel,” Talindra continues. “I will give you the opportunity to say goodbye to each other. Something I did not have with my mate.”

A malicious gleam enters her eyes. “For our new bargain, I will return your bride to her family. And it will be as if she never left. All her memories of you”—she grins—“and of your time together, will be gone. You have until the next full moon to convince her to love you again. And if she does not, you will lose her forever.”

Cold fills me. “No.”

Juliet inhales sharply. “You cannot do that!”

The witch’s expression softens into a grotesque semblance of sympathy. “My dear, I am freeing you from your bond to a monster. You can live a normal life with a human man.” She gestures to Jonathan. “As you should have. I’ll heal him and you may return together, and it will be as if you never left home in the first place.”

The witch turns to me. “You wanted to be free of your curse… to save your lovely human bride. Well, this is how it works.” Cruelty reflects in her amber eyes. “You have until sunrise to bid your bride goodbye. Enjoy this time I’ve given you. Your people have long lives. You will have many years to grieve the loss of your mate, Vampyr.”

“I won’t leave him,” Juliet states firmly.

“Oh, my dear, do you think you really have a choice?” Talindra cackles. “How delightfully naïve.”

Lightning fast, I pull the knife from my belt. The enchanted blade shimmers with magic as I swing in a wide arc and bring it down to bear.

The witch twists to one side, but not fast enough. I watch in triumph as the blade nicks her right shoulder before she knocks it from my hand, sending the blade tumbling to the snow.

My victory is short-lived as the witch disappears in a swirl of smoke and then reappears behind me.

Claws and fangs extended, I spin to face her, and then charge toward her with lightning speed. Just as I reach her, she disappears again. She reappears before Damar and grabs Juliet, yanking her away from him, and using her as a shield.

Dark blood seeps into the sleeve of her dress, spreading down to her right arm. Her other hand is wrapped tight around Juliet’s throat.

Anger rips through me, and I’m tempted to throw the knife, allowing it to seek out and strike its target. But I’m not entirely sure I trust the magic of this blade. If I’m wrong, Juliet could be hurt. Or worse.

“Let her go,” I demand. “Now.”

“Why should I?” Talindra grinds out.

Fear threatens to overwhelm me as the witch’s claws pierce Juliet’s tender flesh. A trickle of red blood runs down her pale skin. “I’ll give you whatever you want. But please, let her go.”

“No,” the witch hisses, her eyes blazing with fury. “I’ve decided this is more fun. To see the tortured look on your face, Vampyr.”

Panic claws at my chest. “Let her go, and I’ll do whatever you want.”

A chorus of growls fills the air around us, echoing from the forest. My nostrils flare as I detect the scent of the wolves nearby.

Eben steps out from the trees, his dark russet fur bristling with anger as the rest of the pack closes in behind him.

“Call off your dogs,” the witch snarls, her grip tightening on my bride.

Damar begins to move around the side, his steps careful, calculated. The witch's attention shifts to him, her eyes narrowing. “Stop, right there,” she commands.

Taking advantage of her momentary distraction, I rush forward with vampiric speed and pull Juliet away from the witch’s grasp. Without hesitation, I hurl the knife with my free hand.

The blade sinks deep into the witch's chest with a sickening squelch. Her eyes widen in shock, her breath hitching as she stumbles back.

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