Page 69 of How to Dump a Vampire

My cheeks warmed. Am I blushing? Do I blush? Apparently I now do.

“Get dressed. I have a surprise,” he says with a twinkle in his eye.

“A surprise like last night?”

“Maybe not that good of a surprise. More like a family tradition. You are family now after all.”

“All right,” I acquiesce with a yawn, opening the door wider. “Give me a few minutes to dress, and I’ll meet you downstairs.”

Draven beams, darting forward to plant a swift kiss on my cheek. “Perfect! Don’t keep me waiting too long.”

With that, he practically bounces off down the corridor, leaving me staring after him in bewilderment. What has gotten into that vampire this morning?

Shaking my head, I shut the door and begin preparing for this early adventure.

As I wash my face and neatly braid my hair, I feel a smile creeping over my lips. Truthfully, Draven’s excitement is endearing. This surprise of Draven’s will provide a nice change of pace. It’s been so long since I’ve had a family. This could be good, a chance to enjoy lighter moments together beyond the weight of the past or our tangled destinies. Something funbefore whatever happens tonight. The prospect warms me as I dress in a simple forest green gown.

I turn to Luna with a smile, taking in her sleek coat and bright eyes. “Well, you’re looking much better today.”

She stretches leisurely, tail swishing.I feel as good as new thanks to your healing powers,Luna replies, hopping gracefully down from the cushions.

My heart is glad to see her fully recovered.

As I finish braiding my hair, Luna comes over to nuzzle my hand affectionately.I’m happy to see you so at peace for once. This prince seems to have been good for you.

I give a slow nod, thinking it over. “Yeah, Draven’s got me rethinking how wary I’ve been about accepting anything from fate lately, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t still worried about whatever this winter solstice ritual is going to bring tonight.” I let out a heavy sigh, feeling the weight of all the unknowns pressing down. “We’ve got no idea what we’re walking into with these solstice celebrations. Whatever it is, it can’t be good.”

Luna tilts her head thoughtfully.I can keep watch around the castle as events unfold. My senses are keen, and I can blend into the shadows easily.Her goldeneyes gleam knowingly.And a familiar has more abilities than most realize when needs arise.

I chew my lip, still worried but also relieved to have Luna healed and able to assist. “Please be careful. It would break me if something happened to you.”

Luna snorts delicately.Please, I’m no helpless kit. I’ve more than a few tricks hidden beneath this fur.She gives me a vulpine grin.Besides, now that you have accepted our bond, my own powers have grown. I’ll be keeping a close eye on things. Don’t you worry.

I have to chuckle a little at Luna acting all smug. Having a sly fox on watch does make me feel better about facing the unknown tonight. For now, though, I’m just gonna try and go with the flow and see where this wild ride with Draven takes us next. Things are always more interesting with him around, that’s for sure.

With a final scratch behind Luna’s ears, I head downstairs to find Draven. He waits for me at the base of the grand staircase, silver eyes lighting up as I approach.

“Ah, there you are,” he greets me warmly, drawing me close to place a swift kiss on my lips. “Ready for our adventure?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be for one of your escapades,” I reply with a wry smile.

After taking my hand, Draven leads me through the bustling main halls then down a deserted servants’ passage. Our footsteps echo off the cold stones.

“Where exactly are we going?” I ask, glancing around the unfamiliar gloomy corridor. This isn’t an area I’ve ever explored, even in my past life here.

“Somewhere I spent much time as a boy, back when I sought to escape my rigid lessons,” Draven says over his shoulder.

I raise my brows curiously. “Should I be concerned you’re leading me to some secret dungeon?”

Draven chuckles, the rich sound bouncing around us. “Would you like that? Are you hoping for a dungeon? No, nothing so nefarious. Just a quiet place for us to gather today.”

As we meander through the dim corridors, we eventually reach a small wooden door hidden away in the shadows. Draven’s hand pushes it open, revealing a cozy kitchen that has been untouched and left to gather dust. The buckets of dirty water tell me that it has been cleaned only today for this particular purpose. The large stone hearth and neatly arrangedshelves of cookware give the room a sense of warmth and comfort.

Draven gestures me inside. “Welcome to the old servant’s kitchens. As children, my siblings and I would sneak down here to pilfer treats.”

As he speaks, I notice figures already waiting for us by the long prep table. Queen Vespera looks up from rolling out dough, her face lighting in a smile. Princess Audrey and Lord Anthony are bickering playfully over a bowl of sugar as they measure ingredients. Kira’s bouncing on the balls of her feet sneaking sugar.

“You’re just in time. We’re about to mix up some cookie dough,” Audrey declares cheerily.

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