Page 181 of The Vampire's Bride

Taking a deep breath, I tell her of Valaric and the dreams I’ve had of our life together. When I’m finished, I brace myself for her judgment.

Instead, she takes my hand. “I’ve been having strange dreams too. So has your stepfather and your brother. When I saw you dancing with the Vampire, it was as though I recognized him somehow.”

“What do you mean?”

“I have a memory of you… and him. You were standing in a temple of the old gods, reciting the ancient vows of binding.” She frowns. “And there is something else.”

“What is it?”

“I found a document, detailing a bargain with a blood witch to save your life,” she says. “A deal that involved”—she swallows hard—“a Vampire. You were to become his blood wife in exchange for him healing you.”

I inhale sharply. “Why did you not tell me?”

“I—I don’t know. I’m sorry. I was afraid. Blood witches are powerful and dangerous, and I didn’t want it to be real. So, I pretended it was not.” She looks down at her hands. “It was dated months ago. So, I thought that perhaps… maybe it was some sort of strange blessing from the gods that—that erased it all.”

“Then, my dreams…” My voice trails off. “They truly are memories. All of it was real.” I look at the sky. It’s still several hours until nightfall. “I need to speak with Valaric.”

“No,” Mother states firmly. She places her hand on my shoulders. “Can you not see? This is another chance. Whatever happened, you are obviously not bound to him now. You can be free, Juliet. To live your life as you choose.”

Her words, so similar to the ones in Valaric’s letter about choosing the life I want to live, echo in my mind. “The memories I have of him… they are beautiful, Mother. I believe we were in love.”

“You cannot be serious,” she says, aghast. “He’s a monster—a Vampire, Juliet.”

“I know what he is. But look at this.” I hand her the letter and the bank note. “If he were truly so terrible, would he have given me this? Would he do this for me?”

“He’s trying to seduce you,” she insists. “Can you not see? He wants to make you his blood wife.”

“The memories I have… I don’t think I was ever his blood wife, Mother. I believe he loved me, and I loved him.” I hold out the pendant necklace. “This is his. He was a Shadow Blade. They were honorable men.”

“But he is a man no longer,” she stresses. “He’s a monster.”

“No, he’s not. I need to speak with him. I need to—”

“I forbid it,” she states firmly, the angry tone of her voice shocking. It’s rare for my mother to speak so forcefully. “Youwill marry Jonathan Harker. Your stepfather and I have already decided.”

“I broke our engagement.”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“I love you, Mother, but I won’t do it.” I meet her gaze evenly. “My life is mine to do with as I choose. To live how I want. And I do not want Jonathan. Not now. Not ever.”

She gapes at me, stunned that I would speak to her in this way. I’ve always been a dutiful daughter, but I refuse to shackle myself to a man I don’t love.

“Then what are you going to do?”

“I must go to Greyvale Castle. I need answers.”

“He already left?” she asks.

Although he never said the words, I’m almost sure of it. His goodbye last night and his letter this morning suggested as much.

“Juliet, it’s dangerous. You cannot travel alone. It isn’t safe. Besides, your stepfather will never approve.”

“He doesn’t have to. And I won’t change my mind. I need to know the truth. I have money now and can pay my own way.”

She opens her mouth as if to protest, but quickly closes it again, probably realizing that she cannot stop me. Tears gather in the corners of her eyes. “At least promise me you’ll be careful, Juliet.”

“I will.” I hug her tightly. “I’ll leave tomorrow.”

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