Page 64 of How to Dump a Vampire

I reach out to clasp her slender hand between both of mine. “You are so strong to have come through such darkness yet retain your compassion and spirit.” I settle back, still clasping her hand warmly between us. “You should rest now. We can speak more tomorrow.”

Thorn acquiesces, weariness etching her delicate features. As she curls up on the bed, I remain nearby, keeping silent watch until she succumbs to exhausted slumber. Only then do I allow myself to process the dark truths learned today and what it will take to help Thorn truly heal.

***

I slip from my chambers into the corridors. My mind is churning with all that was revealed today. I need guidance in untangling these knots of past and present. My steps turn almost unthinkingly back toward the tower.

I find the ancient mage awake, poring over some arcane text amidst the clutter of his sanctum. He looks up with no surprise as I enter, merely gesturing for me to take a seat.

“Prince Draven.” His gravelly voice echoes off of the small room’s stone walls. “What brings you to my tower on this chilly day?”

“Please, I must speak with you urgently.” Settling myself on a rickety stool, I meet his questioning gaze directly. “It’s about my mate Thorn.”

The mage’s tufted white brows rise, but he remains silent, waiting for me to continue.

I explain all that came to light with Thorn—her tragic history and hybrid nature kept secret for so long. The heavy weight of guilt and responsibility settles upon me. What path can I take that will not betray her trust yet also brings some reconciliation?

The mage listens intently, bushy brows drawing together. At last, he speaks. “This witchling is more than you think. Her fate and yours intertwined.”

“She is my fated mate.”

“But she’s not allowed that bond to form fully, Isee.”

“How can you…”

He holds up his hand to stop me. “I have my secrets just as you have yours, although I do wonder…”

I wait for him to continue, but his eyes glazed over while lost in thought. “Yes?” I prompt.

“Bring her to me. I need to confirm something.”

If anyone else gave me that request, I would balk, but this is one of the only people I’ve ever fully trusted. “When she awakes, I will bring her by.”

He nods, still lost in thought.

After waiting for a moment to see if he had more to say, I excuse myself. Tomorrow’s the ball, and I want a moment alone with her tonight before that. First, though, I need to prepare.

25

Thorn

Iawake slowly, blinking up at the canopy overhead. For a moment, I’m disoriented, unsure where I am. Then, memory returns in a rush—the slaughter, the loss of control, and Draven accepting me even after witnessing the monster within.

I sit up, cradling my head in my hands. My emotions churn like a stormy sea. Last night changed everything. Was it last night? Draven knows my darkest truth now, yet he still sheltered me with compassion. And I… I let him in, trusted him enough to unburden my past. An act of faith after being alone for so long.

Rising from the bed, I run my fingers through my hair. The residual fog of sleep is slowly lifting, allowing me to take in my surroundings properly. This is not my chamber, I realize with a start. The furnishingsare far too fine, masculine in their simplicity. I must be in Draven’s private apartments. He brought me there after…

Quickly, I head for the door, cross the hall, and enter my own room.

A whine draws my attention. I look over to see Luna perched expectantly beside the bed, green eyes bright.

“There you are,” I murmur, reaching out to stroke her soft fur.

The familiar gesture soothes my lingering anxiety. Luna nuzzles against my hand, her warm presence grounding me.

I move to the window overlooking the western gardens. The sun hovers just above the distant foothills, painting the sky vivid hues of orange and violet. It’s nearly sunset. I must have slept the day away. Probably for the best. It was exhausting in body and spirit.

Luna leaps gracefully onto the sill beside me, brushing her tail along my arm.Ready to talk?Her voice in my mind is gentle.

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