Page 59 of How to Dump a Vampire

I dash the traitorous wetness from my eyes angrily. This is for the best. He is a noble prince, heir to a kingdom, and I… I am the nightmare that his family destroyed hundreds of lives to eliminate. We were never meant to walk the same path.

Tomorrow, I will tell him… it is over. Our stars crossed only for a fleeting moment out of time. No matter what destiny or bonds seek to bind us, we must each follow our own solitary course once more. For his sake and mine.

The decision made, exhausted calm finally settles over my spirit. I curl upon the woolen rug beside Luna, taking comfort in the familiar herbs overhead. Through our connection, I can sense she is nearly healed. Soon, it will be safe to travel with her magically back home. Tomorrow will bring sorrow and parting,but then it shall just be me, Luna, and my woods and quiet days of solitude again.

No matter the ache in my silent heart, that will be enough. It must be enough.

***

I stir from my nest of blankets as a familiar prodding nudges at my consciousness. Luna’s presence brushes gently against my mind, rousing me from sleep. I blink open bleary eyes to find her silver-furred face peering down at me, green eyes shining brightly despite the early hour.

“Luna?” I rasp in surprise.

She nuzzles against my cheek in response, and I feel a swell of relief to see her recovered enough to wake at last. I run my hands through her soft fur, taking comfort in the strength of our bond after days of worry for her health.

Even as joy lifts my spirit, the persistent throb of thirst stirs as well, never far from waking. I wince as it surges hotly beneath my skin, my body recognizing the creeping onset of need. The tea I brewed last night,meant to curb my rising bloodlust, seems to have lost some potency overnight.

“We must find you more herbs to bring your strength back fully,” I murmur.

Even this trivial errand now seems risky with the thirst upon me. What if I cannot restrain my nature amidst the crowds sure to throng the city streets by day?

Luna tilts her head, studying me intently.Go, her voice echoes gently in my mind.I will rest here. While I’ve slept, I’ve seen what’s transpired. Restock before you reveal yourself. You are not stable enough to take us all of the way back to your home. And bring me back some treats! I prefer the ones with frosting.

I hesitate, uncertainty and temptation warring within. Part of me yearns to flee the confines of this castle and the entanglements I’ve found here, to take Luna and disappear into the wilderness once more, leaving only mystery in our wake.

Coward.

I flinch from the gentle chastisement, even as I know it’s the truth. For decades, I have fled any threat of entanglement, wrapping solitude like armor around my wounded heart. This castle, for all itsperils, offers a chance to mend long-neglected parts of my spirit… if I can find the courage to stay.

“Remain in my room. You will be safe here,” I concede reluctantly, and Luna’s delight ripples through our link. I cannot help a small smile in return. “And try to stay out of trouble.”

Her amused huff follows me out the door as I slip into the corridors, wound tight with tension. I keep my steps swift but stealthy, relying on my vampire senses to avoid the few servants beginning to stir in the early light. The last thing I want is conversation, friendly or otherwise, not with the thirst already laying claim to my thoughts.

Rounding a corner, I very nearly crash into a figure stepping suddenly into my path. I pull up short, swallowing back an instinctive hiss, and find myself staring into Princess Audrey’s startled face.

Of course. I resist the urge to roll my eyes. So much for avoiding entanglements.

“Thorn!” Audrey exclaims, quickly regaining her composure. “Just the woman I was coming to find.”

I fold my hands demurely, keeping my tone light. “How may I be of service, Your Highness?”

Her keen gaze sweeps over me, likely taking in the tense set of my shoulders and darkened eyes, but she simply links her arm through mine. “Come along. We have important business in the city today.”

Before I can object, she propels us briskly toward the gates. I force my steps to match hers, senses primed for any threat. I need to head that way anyways. It would only complicate things if I did it alone and ran into her there.

“Business, Highness?” I prompt warily once we pass into the bustling streets beyond the castle walls. The morning sun, though weak in the winter sky, still prickles across my skin, but it is the swirling scents and sounds of the awakening city that truly threaten my restraint. I focus on keeping my breathing steady, my movements natural.

Audrey pats my arm. “Please, it’s Audrey, and yes, we have some final dress fittings to attend to before the ball the day after tomorrow. I want to be certain your gown is perfect.”

I blink in surprise, some tension easing from my shoulders as her meaning sinks in. Of course, the upcoming solstice celebration. In truth, I nearly forgotabout playing my role as Prince Draven’s escort for the event. Not that anyone asked my opinion for that role.

I open my mouth to kindly reject the need for more from them, but Audrey’s expression—open and earnest, even a touch playful—stops me. When was the last time I shared such carefree moments with another? For all my wariness, part of me yearns to surrender to this silly adventure.

“It would be my honor,” I say instead, inclining my head.

Audrey beams and quickens our steps toward the merchant district. I focus on the pleasant bustle around us, letting it drown out the ever-present thrum of blood.

Despite myself, I soon grow caught up in Audrey’s infectious enthusiasm as she whisks me from shop to shop. We browse glittering jewels and fabrics, sample exotic perfumes, and share amused commentary on the passing crowds. The thirst still plucks at my veins, but Audrey’s bright laughter keeps the shadows at bay.

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