Page 45 of The Vampire's Bride

“The worst of it has passed, and the winds have died down,” Minda replies. She gestures down the hallway. “Bernyd will retrieve your horse and meet you out the back.”

Valaric turns to me. “Dress quickly. We should return to the castle as soon as possible.”

I grab my clothes and make my way to the cleansing room to change. Valaric seems more concerned for my safety than his own. I know he’s fast and strong, but I’m still worried about him. Despite Minda’s reassurances, I worry that an angry mob carrying pitchforks and torches may decide to descend upon the inn.

With that in mind, I give Minda another three gold coins for the clothing. It’s more than the items are worth, but she’s been kind to us, and I want to leave a favorable impression of the Lord and Lady of Greyvale castle.

When we step outside, the landscape is covered in ice and snow. Snowflakes whirl on the icy wind, and icicles hang from the edge of the roof, glittering in the moonlight.

The cold air burns my lungs and my breath fogs with each exhalation. I’ll be glad to get back to the castle.

Valaric draws my heavy cloak tighter around my shoulders, making sure I’m completely covered. “Are you warm enough?” he asks as he secures the fastenings.

He pulls my hood over my head, tucking my hair inside. I love how caring and attentive he is to my needs. “Yes.”

Minda’s husband rushes up to us. “Wait here while I fetch your mare.”

“That is not necessary.” Valaric waves him off. “Send someone to return it to the castle when the snow is melted, and they will be paid handsomely.”

Bernyd nods, and I turn to my husband. “Don’t we need a horse?”

He lifts one brow as he spreads his wings.

“We’re going to fly?” I ask a bit skeptically as a strong wind whips around us.

“Yes.”

A startled gasp sounds nearby and I look around Valaric to see an old woman rushing to the stables, trying to place as much distance between her and my Vampire husband as possible.

“Good evening! Lovely night, is it not?” I wave and flash my brightest smile, hoping it will ease her fears a bit.

She gapes at me as if I have two heads before scurrying away.

Another man ushers his wife and small child back into their house next door as soon as he sees us.

It’s only a matter of time before the villagers’ fear gives way to anger. Corvania may be in the kingdom of Morrowynd, but its inhabitants have little love for their Vampire rulers. I turn to Valaric. “We need to leave. Now.”

Snowflakes whirl around us with the blustering wind, catching in our hair and cloaks. “You’re sure we can fly in this?” I ask, a bit hesitant.

Instead of answering, he cocks his head to one side. “Do you trust me?”

I’m surprised he questions this, especially since I slept wrapped up in his arms for the past two days. “Yes. Of course, I do.”

His expression softens. Gently, he places one arm behind my back and another up under my knees, lifting me to his chest as if I were light as a feather. “Hold on to me,” he instructs.

I wrap my arms around his neck as he flexes his wings. With a whirl of snow and wind, we lift into the air. The ground falls away beneath us as we spiral up toward the night sky.

My stomach twists as I glance down at the earth, watching the village grow smaller in the distance. A wave of dizziness washes over me, and I turn my head and bury my face in Valaric’s shoulder, holding tightly to him.

“It’s all right.” His voice is warm and comforting. “I’ve got you, Juliet. I won’t let you fall. My vow.”

“I’m sorry.” My words come out muffled against his chest as I apologize for what I’m sure must be a death grip around his neck as I cling to him in fear.

“Don’t be,” he murmurs. “This is your first time flying. It’s only natural you might be afraid.” He nuzzles the top of my head. “I’ll fly a bit lower. All right?”

Despite my worry, I somehow manage to nod against his chest. I hate that I’m so scared. He told me Vampires respect strength, and I don’t want him to think I’m weak.

Drawing in a deep breath, I steel myself and lift my head to look down. Bright moonlight paints the snowy landscape in silver and shadows as Valaric glides above the forest, weaving through the snow-capped trees.

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