Page 74 of The Vampire's Bride

I don’t miss how he refers to his manor as ‘ours.’ A faint smile curves my lips. Even if it is rather early in our relationship, he does, at least, consider us true partners in this marriage.

“Elsie said that I should make sure your sigil is easily visible on my clothing while we’re here.”

“It isoursigil,” he says, gently cupping my jaw. Delicious warmth ripples through me as he brushes his thumb across my cheek. “It will signify your status to others.”

I start to ask why that’s so important, but the sound of running water makes me glance outside again as we cross a wide bridge. I press my face against the cool glass of the window, staring in amazement as we pass through a formidable set of metal gates into the city.

Nightshade is one of Morrowynd’s largest cities—a hub of commerce and trade. I’ve heard it referred to as the jewel of the Vampire kingdom, and as we travel through its streets, I do not think that the nickname is undeserved.

Nestled along the coastline of the Shadow Sea, the city sparkles like a brilliant gemstone against the dark waters. Elegant lamp posts line the streets, illuminating the cobblestone paths and the ancient, ivy-covered buildings in a golden glow.

It’s the middle of the night and the city is bustling with activity. Although I know we are in Morrowynd, it is still shocking to see so many Vampires all in one place. Their crimson eyes are unnerving as they track our carriage. I notice several of them have a human companion at their side, mostly women, but there are a few men.

Upon closer inspection, I notice their clothing is embroidered with various designs and sigils, similar to mine but different. An indication of who they are with, or—I swallow hard—who they belong to. Several of the humans have bite marks on their necks, and I wonder how many of them are like me—wed to a Vampire—and how many are bloodsworn instead.

The mere thought makes me press closer into Valaric’s side as the carriage continues along the road, tracing the edge of the coastline. I gaze out at the ocean in wonder as moonlight ripples over the water like liquid silver. The dull roar of the sea fills the air, as waves crash against the shore.

“There is Mysthaven Manor.” Valaric gestures to the magnificent structure ahead. Elegant and imposing, it sits on the cliff, overlooking the water. It appears more like a small castle than a manor with stone walls that stretch up toward the starry sky.

We pass through a large gate and into a beautiful courtyard full of tall bushes and flowering plants. Thick vines climb the wall, lined with glowing white and pink rose-like flowers that twinkle like starlight, the same as the ones in the castle gardens, back home. It overlooks the ocean, offering a breathtaking view.

The carriage comes to a stop in front of the manor. When I step outside, the crisp, salted breeze catches my hair, billowing my dress around my ankles.

Valaric takes my hand and leads me inside. Our footsteps echo on the polished stone floors as he guides me through the grandiose entryway and into the main living area with a large fireplace against the opposite wall. On either side of it are floor-to-ceiling windows framed with velvet blue curtains facing the sea.

Moonlight spills in from outside as Valaric leads me down the ornate hallways. The décor is both simple and elegant, with tapestries and furniture that appears plush and inviting.

For such a large place, it’s strange that there are not any staff to receive us. “Does anyone stay here while you are away?”

“My housekeeper, Reyla, and her son, Lysander.”

As if speaking their names has somehow conjured them, a woman walks into the room. She bows low. “Lord Greyvale, it is good to have you here again.”

“Thank you, Reyla. It’s good to be back.” He gestures to me. “This is my bride, Lady Juliet Greyvale.”

Her brown eyes sweep to mine and she bows again. “It is lovely to meet you, Lady Greyvale.”

I’m surprised to note she is human. Her dark brown hair is threaded through with silver and tied in a tight bun atop her head. The fine lines around her eyes and mouth suggest she smiles often, and something about her demeanor puts me instantly at ease. “You may call me Juliet.”

“Juliet.” She regards me warmly. “What a lovely name.”

“Are the main rooms prepared?” Valaric asks.

“Yes, my Lord.”

A man walks up beside her, and I still when I notice his blood red eyes, ashen complexion, pointed ears, and chin-length hair that starts as black at the scalp and fades into silvery-white ends.

“This is my son, Lysander,” Reyla says proudly.

He bows low in response.

Lysander is a Vampire and his mother is human. I would like to know their story, but I bite back my questions, deciding it would probably be rude to inquire since I only just met them.

Valaric steps closer and curls his arm around my waist. “This is my wife, Lady Juliet Greyvale.”

“Congratulations,” Lysander replies, a genuine smile on his face. “Aerlyx didn’t say anything about you taking a wife.”

I look at Valaric. “Who is Aerlyx?”

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