Page 50 of How to Dump a Vampire

But the powers that be in their ineffable wisdom chose differently. of the bloodline I’ve spent my life fleeing is my destined mate. The bitter irony is not lost on me. Perhaps in time, the walls around my heart will soften and allow affection to grow.

Stepping lightly to the window, I peer out at the castle grounds now bustling in the crisp morning air.How long before the intrigues of court sweep me into their grasp again? I need time to gather my wits and steel my resolve before facing that tempest. This room should feel like a sanctuary, but its walls feel claustrophobic, hemming me in.

I glance back at Luna, still dozing contentedly. Perhaps some time to myself will settle my restless spirit.

I creep silently out the heavy oak door. The guards pay me little mind as I descend the winding stairs. To them, I am just another of the prince’s transient guests.

At the base of the stairs lies a seldom used door half-hidden behind a moth-eaten tapestry. I slip through it unseen, finding myself in a familiar dusty corridor. Motes dance in the shafts of light from the occasional high window. The deeper I go, the stronger the scent of parchment, leather, and ancient magic.

Before long, I arrive at my destination—the royal archives. Stepping inside is like entering a lost world frozen in time. I trail my fingers along the rows of leather-bound spines, leaving streaks in the ever-present layer of dust. How many hours did I spend here in another life, when I was still Lady Vivian? Back whenmy biggest concerns were social standing and revenge, before betrayal and tragedy colored my views forever.

As I walk deeper into the labyrinth of shelves, wisps of mist swirl up to greet me. The spirits that dwell here remember me from my past visits. They whisper excitedly at my return, beckoning me farther into their domain. Like me, these poor souls met their ends at the hands of the vampire royalty and their ruthless factions. Their fates intertwined with mine. We share an eerie kinship. The archives are as much their home as mine.

I pause to touch an icy tendril of mist in greeting. “It gladdens me to see you all again, my friends,” I murmur softly.

Their joyful energy lifts my wounded spirit. Here there is no judgment, only understanding.

Perhaps in these archives, I can find some peace of mind with the spirits’ company, if only for a little while.

I select a few volumes on magical bonds and vampire lineage then settle into a shadowy corner to read. The ghosts swirl protectively around me as I become absorbed in the ancient pages. At least here, I can momentarily forget the upheaval that threatens thenew life I’ve tried so hard to build. For now, it is only me, the dancing dust motes, the whispering spirits, and the solace of secrets from times long past.

***

The musty pages crinkle under my fingertips as I trace a line of text, murmuring the ancient words aloud. My mind only half focuses on the arcane symbols, still churning with thoughts of fate and fated bonds.

“You must be Thorn!”

I glance up to see a young tween vampire girl bounding down the archive stairs, dark braids swinging. She skids to a stop and dips into a quick, energetic curtsy.

“I’m Princess Kira. It’s wonderful to finally meet you!” Her emerald eyes shine with lively curiosity.

I incline my head politely, studying this unfamiliar princess. “A pleasure, Your Highness. Have we met before?”

Kira waves a hand. “Oh no, but you’re all my family has talked about since your grand entrance on the hunting trip! I wanted to be the first to meet you, so I volunteered to come fetchyou for tea.”

She grins, revealing a glint of fangs. I remain guarded, though her guileless enthusiasm is admittedly charming. This princess radiates a simple joy so at odds with my own jaded experiences in this castle long ago.

Kira widens her eyes pleadingly. “Won’t you join us? Mother and Audrey are waiting.”

Unable to refuse the earnest entreaty, I nod. “It would be an honor then, Your Highness.”

“Wonderful!” Kira claps her hands delightedly before looping her arm through mine. “We’re going to be the best of friends. I just know it…”

Kira chatters brightly as she leads me through the winding halls. I take in the festive garlands and wreaths adorning every archway, releasing the scents of pine and cinnamon into the air, a small pile of books under my arm to read in my room later. My guide keeps up a steady stream of cheerful chatter, oblivious to my pensive mood.

As we near the solarium, I glimpse frosted windows framing a snowy courtyard outside. Icicles drip from stone eaves, sparkling in the pale winter light. The cold is held at bay inside the sunroom by enchantments,ensuring the tropical plants flourish regardless of the weather.

Steam fogs the glass panes as we enter the humid solarium. Exotic flowers in vivid shades of fuchsia, scarlet, and gold nod from their perches. Orchids cascade down mossy trunks, and tiny birds flit through branches laden with orange fruits I do not recognize. The earthy scents mingle with the vampires’ light floral perfumes, soothing my senses.

Queen Vespera rises gracefully from her seat, porcelain skin glowing against her black silken gown. “Thorn, welcome my dear. We are most pleased you could join us.”

I dip into a curtsy before the queen, keeping my eyes respectfully lowered. “The honor is mine, Your Majesty.”

Despite my calm exterior, nerves jangle within me. The last time I stood in Vespera’s presence was when I still wore the guise of Lady Vivian. Eventually, I had to fake my own death to escape after nearly destroying her empire from within. What if she sees through my new glamour and recognizes the deceiver who once infiltrated her family and confidence?

Oblivious to my turmoil, she bids me rise and turns to the elder princess, who steps forward with a smile. “Allow me to formally introduce Crown Princess Audrey, my eldest daughter.”

Audrey inclines her head, straight ebony hair slipping over her shoulder like liquid night. As children, we often played together, though she was several years my elder. If anyone might recall Lady Vivian’s features beneath this unfamiliar facade, it would be her.

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