Page 57 of The Vampire's Bride

“When I was turned, I told you that I awakened to a terrible thirst, but the truth is… the first thing I felt was pain. Searing agony that ripped through my entire body as it began to change.” I close my eyes as the memories wash through me. “First it wasmy wings, tearing through my back. Then it was my ears, my fangs, and my claws… and finally, my eyes.”

Emotions lodge in my throat, but I somehow manage to speak around them. “But the most painful thing of all was my grief. I lost everyone I loved and cared for in a single night. It felt as though I were walking through a nightmare from which I could not awaken.”

Tears gloss her eyes as I continue. “Sometimes the most painful scars are the ones that others cannot see. With time they may fade, but they never truly go away. Instead, you learn how to carry them.” I pause. “There will be days when you do not think of them at all… but then there will be others where you can think of nothing else.” I cup her chin. “And on those days, I want you to remember that you do not have to face them alone.”

“Thank you,” she whispers softly. “In my nightmare, I felt so helpless. I’ve always hated that feeling.” She sighs heavily. “When I was twelve, I begged my stepfather to teach me how to use a sword or a dagger, but he refused.”

“Why?”

“I always wanted to learn, but my parents did not believe a lady should ever wield a weapon. Even my own brother and Jonathan did not think it proper for a woman to be trained in such things.”

Anger sparks in my chest that they denied her something so important. Everyone in my village was taught to either wield a sword or shoot a bow.

“Would you like me to teach you?”

“I would love that.” A stunning smile curves her mouth, and it is as bright as the sun I have missed all these long years. “Thank you, Valaric.”

I cup her cheek, studying her. To her, I am not a monster in this moment. I am her husband, and I vow to do whatever it takes to protect her and make her feel safe. I will teach her todefend herself, for I never want her to feel powerless again. “We will start tomorrow.”

CHAPTER 19

JULIET

It’s been a little over three weeks since I married Valaric, and we’ve settled in a rather comfortable routine. My training is going well, but it is a bit difficult since I am still so new to it.

Valaric is a patient teacher. Eben has also offered to instruct me, to help me improve faster. He said we could start this evening with an archery lesson.

Living here is so different from everything I’ve ever known. And in many ways, it feels more freeing since I am not under the constant watch of my parents and their insistence that I conform to the societal expectations of a lady of noble birth.

Valaric does not care about such things. In fact, he encourages me to do whatever will make me happiest.

My body has become used to my husband’s nocturnal schedule, but the past few days I’ve started awakening before nightfall so I can spend a few moments enjoying the day.

The warm sunlight on my skin is familiar, a whisper of my life from before. Sitting on a wooden bench in the gardens, Iobserve the setting sun in the distance. Awareness prickles my skin and a slow smile spreads across my lips as I sense my husband.

Valaric is close by, watching from the shadows.

I’m not sure how to explain it, but with each day we spend together it’s as if I’ve somehow become attuned to his presence, able to detect when he is nearby.

“Shall I come back inside, my dear husband?” I twist to look back toward the castle, searching for him.

“No.” Glowing red eyes materialize in the darkness a moment before he steps forward. “I will come to you.”

Shadows lengthen on the ground as the last light of day filters through the trees. Valaric is dressed in a heavy, black cloak, the hood drawn up to shield his face from the lingering sunlight.

Happiness blooms in my chest at the lengths he’ll go to in order to be by my side, even when it goes against the very nature of his existence.

He sits down and turns to face me. Beneath the shadows of his hood I cannot quite make out his features, but as his crimson eyes meet mine there is no mistaking the warmth reflected in their depths.

Feeling bold, I reach under the edge of his cloak and find his hand. Slipping my palm into his, I smile when he automatically curls his fingers around mine. “Did you sleep well?”

“Yes,” he replies, his voice a deep and rich timbre. “And you?”

“I did,” I lie.

In truth, I tossed and turned most of the day, thinking of our marriage. It took me several hours before I finally fell into a deep sleep. I want to ask why he doesn’t wish to share a room. And why he stays in my bed to comfort me when I have a nightmare, but when I wake he is already gone.

He is gentle and kind. Something I never expected him to be. And I know that he cares for me. It’s in every small gesture he makes to ensure I feel cared for and safe. He is always so attentive to my needs. Our relationship is comfortable, but I yearn for a connection that goes beyond warm familiarity and companionship.

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