Page 54 of How to Dump a Vampire

“Oh, let’s stop here!” Audrey clasps her hands eagerly. “They have the most delicious hot cocoa, and we’ll have the perfect view for the fireworks.”

We follow her up the creaking wooden steps to find the balcony magicked to remain pleasantly warm, though snow-dusted fir trees sparkle just beyond the railing. Draven holds my chair before settling into his own. Audrey immediately launches into reminiscing about her favorite festival memories over the years as we wait for our hot chocolates to arrive. Steam rises fragrantly from the mugs topped with swirls of whipped cream and shavings of chocolate when the server presents them with a flourish.

I cradle the warm drink, letting the rich sweetness melt over my tongue. The subtle scratch of thirst stirs, but I force it back. Later, I will brew a fresh batch of asrbloom tea to calm my ever-present cravings. For now, I want to savor this moment of indulgence.

Beside me, Draven stretches his long legs out casually beneath the table. I’m suddenly very aware ofhis proximity, our knees occasionally brushing. His presence tugs at our mysterious bond like a persistent undertow.

I chance a glance at his sharp profile silhouetted against the glow of fairy lights and immediately regret it when his quicksilver eyes meet mine.

The air seems to crackle between us. Under the cover of the table, Draven’s fingers graze my knee in a feather-light caress that makes my breath catch. His hot gaze bores into me, full of promise and longing. I jerk my leg away, pulse racing in a disconcerting mix of fear and exhilaration. I cannot let him dismantle my defenses so easily. The risk is too great.“So, can I count on you to cover for me tonight?” Audrey asks her brother in a hushed voice.

Draven gives a theatrical sigh, though his eyes glint with amusement. “Yes, yes, I’ll provide an alibi should anyone come looking for my reckless older sister.”

Their conversation fades into background noise as I study Draven’s sharp profile in the fairy light glow. I know I should look away, but I’m helplessly drawn to him like a moth to flame.

I shiver at his heated gaze full of unspoken longing. This dangerous attraction threatens to dismantle all my defenses.

The charged moment is broken by a cheerful voice calling out, “Ah, here you all are! I’ve been searching the festival high and low.”

A man bounds up the steps to our balcony, flashing a grin that makes me melt a little.. Audrey sits up straighter, a pleased flush blooming on her cheeks though she clearly tries to appear nonchalant.

“Lord Anthony, allow me to introduce Thorn, our guest of honor this evening,” Draven says smoothly.

Anthony sweeps into an elegant bow and captures my hand, brushing his lips gallantly over my knuckles. “Thorn, of course! The courageous rescuer of our dear prince. Tales of your daring feat have spread far and wide, my lady.”

I duck my head self-consciously at the dramatic introduction. “You flatter me, my lord. I’m but a simple herbalist.”

“With an uncommon gift for appearing in the right place when needed most and a dash of magic I hear,” Anthony replies earnestly. His handsome face creasesinto a roguish wink. “I know I, for one, am grateful for your timely intervention on our prince’s behalf.”

I study the young lord with interest. His easy charm and familiarity with Draven hint at a longstanding friendship, but there is wisdom in his gray eyes belying his youthful appearance that suggests he has seen much in his life. His eyes have the subtle glow of immortality that all vampires have, but his perfection holds a few flaws showing that he hasn’t always been one. I sense a steadfast loyalty in him that goes beyond political alliance or social niceties. Very interesting. As far as I remember, the royal family is strict about the lines between the natural born and turned vampires, yet someone so close to Draven is clearly turned.

Anthony draws up a chair beside Audrey, and they soon fall into lively debate about the upcoming tournament, exchanging playful banter and subtle smiles. I watch the two interact with a bittersweet pang, reminded of what I will never allow myself to have. The glow on Audrey’s cheeks warms my heart all the same. Perhaps she has found her match in this steadfast lord. If her family will allow it.

Draven leans in close enough for me to catch his smoky, masculine scent. “Quite an eventful festival, isit not?” His mellifluous voice washes over me. “Does it bring back any fond memories for you?”

I toy with my mug, keeping my tone light. “It’s been many years since I attended any such celebrations.”

In truth, this city and I share history from another lifetime, but some secrets are best kept close.

Sensing my reticence, Draven changes tack. “For me, this festival always brings back memories of childhood misadventures.” His smile turns wistful with nostalgia. “One year, I slipped my minders and ended up causing all sorts of mayhem with some local village boys. Hiding in vendors’ stalls, pelting each other with snowballs, pilfering treats…”

I can easily imagine a younger, wilder Draven creating such hijinks. The mental image makes me bite back an amused smile. “Now that I can readily believe, my prince. You seem to have maintained that penchant for mischief.”

“Only when there’s adequate temptation.” His glittering eyes pin me in place.

Before I can craft a retort, the first firework whistles into the sky in a glittering arc of emerald sparks. We turn our attention to the colorful display bursting overhead, bathing upturned faces in vibrant hues. Ilet the tranquility of the moment wrap around me like a comforting cloak. The nostalgia and cheer of the festival have softened my ever-present wariness, if only for this one night.

As the finale lights the sky with cascading gold, I meet Draven’s gaze again. This time, there is only quiet wonder in his expression that surely mirrors my own.

“Thank you,” I murmur, “for this small window back to lighter days.”

Something solemn moves in his face at my unguarded words. Slowly, Draven’s fingers entwine with mine where they rest atop the table, and I find myself allowing it. The tangled connection between us thrums, at once terrifying and exhilarating in its rightness. I know, come morning, I will fortify my defenses once more, but under the fairy lights, cloaked in the magic of this night, I relinquish just an inch of the iron grip on my heart. It feels like coming up for air after an age submerged.

When Draven brushes his lips over my knuckles in a featherlight caress, I close my eyes to memorize the liberating sensation. This gift, I will allow myself to keep.

21

Draven

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