Page 195 of The Vampire's Bride

Small tremors shake the ground as I seek the lifeforce that surrounds us. Raw and untamed energy, like a beating pulsebeneath my palm. I call forth the ancient knowledge buried deep within my soul.

Long ago, King Drovyan harnessed the power of life and death to save the one he loved. Tightening my grip on Juliet, I know I cannot fail her.

“Valaric, no! You’ll die!” Damar’s panicked voice cries out above me, but I’ve already begun.

Cold determination steels me as I expand the arcane circle all around us. Violent swirling energy threatens to consume me as I wield the power of life and death, and bend it to my will.

The ground rumbles and quakes with terrible force and crumbling dust and debris rains down from overhead. Primal energy courses through my veins as blinding pain tears through me, drowning out the distant noise of Damar’s pleading voice.

Scorching through my body, all-devouring energy consumes me. Burning from the inside out, I grit my fangs, struggling to contain and channel it to her. I have lost everything before and I will not lose it again.

The arcane circle ripples as raw energy rushes through me like fire, leaving behind nothing but ash in its wake.

I will burn or I will save her. She is mine and I am hers. We live or die together. There is no other choice.

Reaching into the void, I demand that death release her, and my soul cries out to hers. “Juliet!”

She’s standing on a dark shoreline as a large wave rushes forward. Raw panic surges through me as I race across the sand, barely reaching her in time before it rips us from the shore.

I wrap her tightly in my arms as the dark tide pulls us from the light. The god of death will claim us both or he’ll have nothing, for I refuse to let her go.

A small gasp pulls me from the void and Juliet’s warm breath fans across my neck. “Valaric,” she whispers as her long lashes flutter and open.

Relief surges through my veins. “Juliet,” I barely manage.

I’m vaguely aware of everyone watching us. Our House has many enemies, and I struggle to remain conscious.

Damar touches my shoulder as he speaks softly from above. “Rest, Valaric. We have you both.”

Closing my eyes, I allow myself to fall away into oblivion.

CHAPTER 84

VALARIC

As my mind slowly awakens, I immediately recognize the familiar weight of Juliet lying in my arms. Her head rests against my chest, her breathing soft and even as she sleeps.

Gently, I brush the hair back from her face as relief floods my system.She’s alive. Safe. Here with me.

We’re lying in a massive four-poster bed, covered with soft fur blankets. I don’t recognize this space, but judging by the obsidian stone walls and luxurious accommodations, we must still be in the winter palace.

I curl my wings protectively around Juliet’s delicate form, and she lifts her head. “Valaric?”

She wraps her arms around me and peppers my face with kisses before I capture her lips with my own.

When we finally pull back, I cup her cheek. “Thank the gods.” I stare deep into her luminous green eyes. “I almost lost you, my Juliet.”

I drop my forehead gently to hers, closing my eyes as I relish this moment between us as our hearts beat in sync, the bond between us thrumming with life and reassurance.

“I felt it,” I whisper, struggling to keep my voice even. “I felt you die, my Juliet, and I—” My voice catches, and I cannot speak around the lump in my throat. Instead, I pull her closer, wrapping her tight in my arms. I never want her to feel like that again. “You are everything to me.”

A quiet rustle draws my attention. Instantly on alert, I turn and spot a pair of lavender eyes in the shadows, near the far corner of the room. My muscles relax when I realize it’s only Aerlyx.

He flashes a grin. “It’s about time you two woke up.”

“Wait a minute.” Sitting up in the bed, I narrow my eyes. “Have you been standing there the entire time, watching us?”

“Really, Valaric?” He scoffs. “Excuse mefor not wanting to interrupt your tender moment with your bride.” He rolls his eyes dramatically. “Of course I’ve been watching you. I’ve been standing guard for the past three days with everyone else.”

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