Page 51 of Bitten

Kane rose to his feet, taking the chain in both hands. “It just did.”

Ralnur stood, as well. “Because of me.”

Kane turned away.

“That’s it. You told him no because you felt guilty—.”

The silence spoke volumes.

“Don’t feel guilty,” Ralnur told him. He looked about his luxurious prison. “I’ll likely never leave these walls. You deserve to find some happiness in your life. If Caelian can provide that? You should take it and hold on tight.”

Kane eyed him. “I won’t endanger him any more than I would you.”

“And what if he makes you stronger? What if he can give you what you need to win this war of yours and live happily ever after?”

“This isn’t a fairy tale.”

“No, it’s a nightmare. Which is why you should reach for something that’s good and right and not let go.” Ralnur took a step closer. “You had everything ripped from you. Everyone you loved. Take something back. Don’t let them win.”

“And if the vampires rip it all away again?”

Ralnur cocked a brow. “Don’t let them.”

Kane took a few steps closer, dropping the chains to plop on the thick carpet. He drew Ralnur into his arms and stole a kiss. Ralnur sighed as they parted.

“Perhaps I should grab you. We could leave Midnight with Caelian and never come back.”

“I won’t run from my future,” Ralnur said. “No matter how tempting your offer is.” He ran his palms over Kane’s armor. “Don’t kid yourself. You would never be able to turn away from the war you wage. I’m a prince of Midnight. And Caelian would never be able to pass as human outside the city walls. We all belong here, sadly. Midnight flows through our veins.”

Kane was silent a moment. “I can go to Caelian—explain some of the situation. Maybe he could switch gears and look for a way out of this mess.” Kane paused and winced.

Ralnur searched the memories for what Caelian was researching. A Dhampir. “Is that what Caelian thinks you are?” He paused. “Are you?”

“My father was a bastard, but not a vampire.”

Ralnur caressed Kane’s cheek. “True. I saw a glimpse of how he treated you. I’m so sorry.”

Kane shrugged. “Long ago and far away now.”

A knock came to the door. “Kane? You okay in there?”

“Yeah,” he called before pressing a gentle kiss to Ralnur’s lips. He then backed away and grabbed the chains. “I’ll find a way out for you… if it’s the last thing I do.”

“And out for us,” Ralnur whispered, knowing it was too late for him. His time neared the end. But if he could help bring Caelian and Kane together…

He would know they’d both have one another once he was gone.

“Do you believe in fate?” Ralnur asked the Halfling.

Kane eyed him. “I suppose.”

“I’m a strong believer in fate. Good, bad, or in between, fate steps in and give us what we need in that moment. You say that we would just be a distraction—a weakness for the vampires to exploit. But what if we’d give you something to fight for?”

Kane paused, eyeing him.

“Opening yourself to the prospect isn’t weakness. Even the hardest man sometimes needs a soft spot to land.”

“Are you telling me you wish to be my soft spot?”

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