Page 178 of The Vampire's Bride

I look up at him, and a wisp of memory floats to the surface of him gazing down at me, his eyes full of longing. I try to focus on the image, but it begins to fade away just as quickly as it appeared. “Can I ask you something?”

“Anything,” he replies, his voice rich and smooth.

“How well did we know each other?”

He hesitates, and I don’t know if it’s because he does not wish to answer or if he worries I will not want the truth. After what feels like an eternity, he finally speaks. “We knew each other very well, Juliet.” His voice is soft as he speaks. “I know that to you, we have only just met, and I am a relative stranger. But we—” He swallows hard. “We had a life together.”

I blink several times, studying him warily. “What do you mean ‘we had a life together?’”

As I wait for him to answer, flits of memory spark in my mind. An image of him sitting with me in a garden like this, but with beautiful glowing flowers. Of him holding me as we hover above the ground, dozens of tiny golden lights swirling around us.

I remember feeling safe and cherished… lying in his arms with his wings folded around me as he whispered words in an ancient tongue that I did not understand. But I knew what it meant in the way that it left his lips in sacred reverence. “You called me your ashaya.” The words spill from my lips as I struggle to hold onto the wisps of broken memory.

He stills. “You remember,” the words escape him in barely a whisper.

“I—” I open my mouth to speak, but hesitate as worry begins to creep in. This man is a Vampire. They are known to seduce unsuspecting victims, ensnaring them to slake their dark thirst. I shoot up from my seat. “I—I’m not sure. I don’t know what I—” My breath hitches. “I must go. Please, excuse me.”

I start back for the manor, but Valaric calls out. “Juliet, wait!”

I halt abruptly and turn to face him.

“I’m sorry I upset you.” Regret lines his features. “Please forgive me… forget I said anything.”

“Forget?” Suspicion snakes down my spine. “Is this how it works then?”

He blinks. “What are you talking about?”

“Is this how your kind tempt and lure young women?” I ask accusingly. “You use your powers to fill their minds with fake memories to draw them in? To make them trust you? To make them believe that somehow they will be safe in the arms of a monster?”

I don’t miss the way he recoils slightly at my last remark.

“Please,” he pleads. “Just listen to what I have to say. And if you decide you do not wish to see me or speak to me again after this, then I will accept it. I swear.”

I consider him a moment, unsure if this is some sort of trap.

He drops to one knee. “Please,” he begs. “Let me explain.”

My mind insists that I leave, but my heart bids me to stay and listen. “Tell me then.”

CHAPTER 76

VALARIC

Gone is the trust in her eyes as she stares at me warily. What I have to say will sound unbelievable, so I send a silent prayer to the gods to help her understand.

“You were cursed, Juliet,” I begin, my voice low and steady. “A blood witch took your memories of our life together.”

I shake my head. “It was my fault. The witch wanted to punish me, to make me suffer. So she took from me the only thing that mattered… the thing I loved most in this world.” I swallow hard as I meet her gaze evenly. “She erased your memories of me. You made me swear that I would come for you, no matter what.” My heart aches at the memory. “And you swore that—”

“My heart will remember yours,” she whispers, more to herself than to me.

Fragile hope blooms deep within, and I reach for her hand, but she steps back just out of reach.

She frowns. “How do I know this isn’t some sort of trap? That you’re not just trying to ensnare me?”

Her words are a blade to my chest, but I cannot blame her for doubting. “I understand your fear, Juliet. I know my people have a reputation for deception, but I am telling you the truth.” I rest a hand over my heart. “Can you not feel the bond between us?”

Concentrating on the tenuous connection, I send a wave of love and warmth across the bond.

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