Page 72 of The Vampire's Bride

My thoughts turn to the witch and her ominous warning when she found us at the inn. She is not my only enemy. Ever since our time in the village, I’ve been concerned that a hunter may come. Even though I’m sure word has spread in Corvania that I was a Shadow Blade, I know from experience that mosthunters do not care if a Vampire was once human. Their hatred for my kind is all-consuming.

I’m not as worried for my own well-being, I am more concerned for Juliet’s. Aside from the threat of hunters, there is still the unresolved issue of her attacker. Her fear that they might seek to harm her is valid. For if she remembers their identity, I will make sure they never see another sunrise.

She is learning self-defense, but she is human and is not as fast or as strong as one of my kind. I’ve strengthened the wards around the castle as much as I can, but I’d rest easier if they were stronger.

Reaching down, I caress Juliet’s cheek as she looks up at me with a sleepy gaze. I must protect what is mine. And to do that, I must travel to Nightshade and procure the services of an Incubus—one of the only beings whose powers can rival that of a blood witch. Fortunately, I have one on retainer and he owes me a life debt.

Juliet’s eyes blink open and closed as she struggles to remain awake. Every time I drink from her, she always grows sleepy.

Gently, I tuck the comforter up around her chin as I sit on the edge of the bed. She is the most precious person in the world to me, and I must protect her at all costs. “I have to leave tomorrow.”

She frowns and pushes herself up in the bed. “Where will you go?”

“To Nightshade. I will return in two days.”

“You said you have a manor there.”

“Yes.”

“I’d like to come with you.”

As much as I’d love to have her accompany me, I worry. The city of Nightshade sits along the coast of the Shadow Sea. It’s a busy center for commerce and trade. And it is full of Vampires.

I start to protest, but she continues. “I’ve never been to the ocean, but I’ve always wanted to see it.”

Glancing at her pearl necklace, I remember her telling me of her desire to visit the sea. Sighing heavily, I think of the enchanted rosebush. Time is slipping away from me. The roses will soon begin to fade.

“All right.” A beaming smile lights her face at my words. “We’ll leave as soon as the sun sets.”

CHAPTER 28

JULIET

Iglance at my husband sitting on the carriage bench beside me. I wonder how much longer it will be until we reach Nightshade. We’ve been traveling for at least five hours and I’m already starting to feel restless. “Are we almost there?”

“We’re less than an hour from the Dark Gate,” Valaric replies, referring to one of the dozens of fixed portal gates scattered throughout Morrowynd. “Once we pass through, it should be less than a half hour to the manor.”

The carriage hits a bump, and I nearly lose my seat, but Valaric’s strong arms wrap around my waist, steadying me. He gently tucks me into his side, curling a wing around my shoulder.

“Better?” He arches a questioning brow.

“Much,” I reply, my cheeks heating under the scrutiny of his piercing gaze. “Thank you.”

“Would you like me to let you go?” he asks, already loosening his grip.

I love that he asks, not wanting me to ever feel uncomfortable. But the truth is, I enjoy being so close to him. Softly, I bite my lower lip. “No.”

Valaric tightens his hold again, and I revel in the warmth radiating from his body and his intoxicating scent. How is it possible to feel this way in such a short amount of time? Jonathan and I courted for over six months, and I never felt anything like this.

Tired from being stuck in the carriage for so long, I’m already drifting off to sleep when Valaric gently touches my face. “We’re almost to the Dark Gate.”

A knot forms in my stomach. Elsie explained that Dark Gates are similar to portals. I asked Valaric to wake me when we reached it, because I didn’t want to sleep while we passed through. I’m excited to see it. I can still hardly believe such things are real. But I’m also nervous because I’ve heard tales about people going through damaged portals and being lost forever. A small shudder runs through me.

Valaric turns to me. “Are you all right?”

“Just a bit anxious.” I pat his arm around my waist. “I’ve never been through a Dark Gate before.”

He frowns. “We passed through one to get to the castle from your home.”

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