Page 161 of The Vampire's Bride

Unfortunately, that does not include me. I was not born to this life, and I do not know all of our history. “I’m unfamiliar with it. What happened?”

“King Drovyan was mortally wounded on the battlefield and died in her arms. She used her blood magic to reclaim him from death.”

My mouth drifts open. “How?”

“It is called the Eldura—a rune so powerful it is rumored to have been the key to the dark spell the Ancient Ones used to create their army of the dead. But instead of bringing King Drovyan back as a mindless creature of death, it restored his life.

“It is said the effect depends upon the intent and the power of the wielder, and can easily kill the one who tries to use it. That’s why it’s so dangerous. It’s the reason no one has used it since the time of King Drovyan.”

He holds out a book, opening it to a page with a runic symbol drawn in the center that I’ve never seen before. “This rune represents both destruction and life-giving energy.”

“Why are you showing me this?”

“Because I’m worried that some of those most vocally opposed to prophecy may demand proof of your fated bond.”

Worry tightens my chest as his words sink in. “You believe they would intentionally kill Juliet to force me to try—”

“Nothing that extreme,” he says. “But fated bondmates are supposed to be able to share their life force to aid in healing one another. They might injure her and ask you to prove your bond by healing her, not by giving her your blood, but by using the power of your blood magic.”

“We need to strengthen our House so that our enemies think twice before crossing us.” The stronger we are, the safer Juliet will be. The wolf pack has always stressed that there is strength in numbers, and I believe they are right. “How close are you to convincing the wolves to join us?”

“The wolves.” He purses his lips. “Elsie says that if they are to join House Greyvale, they want a wolf’s paw added to our House banner.”

“What is the problem?” I ask.

“Our sigil has been unchanged for hundreds of years.”

“It’s also never had a wolf pack among its members,” I point out. “Or a human, for that matter.”

“I suppose you are right,” he says with a long-suffering sigh. “But before we do that—”

Sudden awareness ripples through me, and the hairs rise on the back of my neck.

Damar’s eyes flash with concern. “What is it?”

“Someone has broken through my wards.”

Juliet is outside. In the daylight. Alone.

“Who is it?”

My nostrils flare as I catch a hint of a familiar scent, and a snarl curls my lips. “Juliet’s former betrothed.” A deep growl builds in my chest. “And he has not come alone.”

“Valaric!” Juliet’s sharp cry rings out, stopping my heart.

CHAPTER 69

JULIET

Iwalk through the gardens, watching in wonder as several of the blooms that are closed during the night slowly begin to unfurl as sunlight touches their leaves. Whereas many of the blossoms that are so vibrant and glowing at night appear so muted beneath the sun.

Sighing heavily, I wrap my arms around my torso. Everything feels so uncertain as the weight of his curse hangs over our heads. Fear slithers down my spine as I think of the line of glass coffins. If we cannot break the curse, I will be there soon.

A twig snaps behind me and I immediately turn toward the sound. It’s too bright out here for Valaric to be outside, and the wolves have all left for the forest. “Is someone there?”

“Juliet.”

My heart slams in my throat as Jonathan steps into view. The sun reflects off his hair, creating a halo around his head, but there’s nothing angelic about the expression on his face.

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