Page 156 of The Vampire's Bride

I hold out the spelled dagger the prince gave me, the handle strangely warm in my palm. But then again, Oathrend is no ordinary blade. “We could use this, but we must first find a way to get close enough.”

“We could use a shade stone,” Damar mutters to himself. “It’s the perfect way to trick her.”

While it sounds good in theory, I wonder if it would even work. Shade stones change the appearance of the wearer, disguising even their voice and their scent. But Talindra is powerful. Surely she could see through this type of magic. “You do not think the blood witch would sense it?”

“Do you have a better idea?” Damar arches a brow.

I shake my head. “Where can we find one?”

“I’m not sure.” He scrubs a hand over his jaw before he stills, his eyes sparking with something akin to hope. “But I believe the Incubus might know.”

CHAPTER 66

JULIET

The early morning air is cool, carrying the crisp scent of winter and roses. Sitting on the wooden bench I’ve come to regard as my and Valaric’s special place, I observe the gentle ascent of the sun. Golden light filters through the trees, setting the snow-covered landscape on fire in brilliant shades of orange and yellow.

Closing my eyes, I allow this peaceful moment to ground me. I’d be lying if I said I was not concerned about the curse, but since there is nothing I can do for it right now, I will not allow my fear to consume my every thought.

The soft crunch of gravel alerts me to someone’s approach and I turn to find Eben walking toward me. “How are you feeling?”

“Better.” I do my best to offer him a faint smile, but I’m sure it falls short. Although I understand why he and the others kept the curse from me, it still hurts that they lied. I’ve already spoken to everyone but Eben. “Thank you.”

He joins me on the bench and gives me a hesitant look. “I never got the chance to apologize properly for not telling you.”

“I forgive you.” I swallow back the lump in my throat. “It hurt, but I understand now why all of you kept it from me.”

Guilt mars his expression, and he quickly looks away. “We do not deserve your forgiveness.”

“Well, you have it anyway.” I rest my hand atop his. His gaze snaps back to mine, full of disbelief. “All of you are like family to me, Eben. I forgive you. Truly.”

“Thank you.”

I look back at the horizon and change the subject. “Have you found anything out about Valaric’s previous wives? Any clues about where they have gone?”

“No. Whatever happened to them, I’m sure it was the witch’s doing. We haven’t discovered anything yet, but we’re not giving up.”

I nod, grateful for his tenacity. “And your family… have you decided if you’ll join House Greyvale?”

“It’s not decided yet. Reyla and Lysander have already agreed, but my mother has some reservations,” he explains. “She trusts Valaric, but she is still a bit wary of Damar. She knows he only offered this to us because he is desperate to strengthen his House.” He sighs. “My mother worries he would consider us Day Guardians instead of true members of the Clan.”

“Valaric would not let him do that,” I tell him. “And as far as strengthening House Greyvale, isn’t more protection a good thing for everyone, including the pack?”

Eben nods. “That’s what my mother is considering as well. There is strength in numbers.”

“Please, think about it,” I urge. “I want all of you to be safe if—” My voice falters, the weight of my worry momentarily overwhelming.

“If what?” Eben looks at me in concern.

“If the curse cannot be broken. I love Valaric dearly, but I’ve come to love all of you too, like my own family. I need to know you’ll all be all right.”

“Oh, Juliet.” Remorse lines his features. “We do not deserve you.”

“Enough of that,” I gently chastise. “No more apologies or regrets. All right?”

He gives me a reluctant nod and then places a hand on my shoulder. “We will not stop until we find a way to break the curse. And you do not need to worry for us. Especially your husband.” He smiles. “Val gave us a home when we had none. He’s part of our pack. My mother cares for him like a son, and Kaely considers him her uncle. You have my vow that we would always look out for him if anything were to happen.”

His words, spoken with such conviction, bring a sense of comfort. I tip my head up toward the sun, sending a silent prayer of thanks to the gods.

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