Page 29 of How to Dump a Vampire

Sure enough, another sharp rap at the door stirs me moments later. I sit up with a resigned sigh as my eldest brother Theron strides in. Even with no crown yet weighing down his brow, power and obligation shroud him like an invisible cloak.

His keen silver gaze sweeps over my disheveled state. “Still in bed at this hour? I hope you are not getting lazy.”

Though his words hold a note of humor, I bristle at the implicit criticism. Theron assumes the role of heir apparent comes with the right to scrutinize our every deed.

“Merely resting as the healers instructed,” I reply evenly.

In truth, I’ve been awake since dawn, restless dreams denying any real sleep, but Theron needn’t know that.

He settles into a high-backed chair opposite my bed, regarding me with familiar solemnity. “Jests aside, there are matters of court awaiting yourreturn, Brother. Your seat at the war table has sat empty too long while you wandered the wilds, and Father’s health wanes…”

I tune out his well-meaning lecture, having heard variants all my life. Blah, blah, responsibilities, expectations, destinies, and so on. The same motivational platitudes royalty recites generation after generation. Instead, I study the portrait on the far wall, rendered in lifelike detail centuries ago, anything to avoid nodding at appropriate intervals until he finishes.

“Draven?”

I blink, focusing back on Theron’s expectant expression. “Yes, of course. I shall… resume my duties once I have fully recovered.” I inject confidence I do not feel into the assurances.

Mercifully, Theron seems satisfied for the moment. He clasps my shoulder with one large hand as he rises to take his leave. “It heartens me to have you returned safely, Brother. We feared the worst when the blizzard struck, but the gods watched over you, it seems.”

I force a smile as Theron departs, though his visit has left me drained.

No sooner does the door close than it bursts open again, this time admitting a gust of crisp air and familiar laughter.

“Ah, just the solemn company I hoped for on such a fine day!”

Despite my weariness, I can’t help but grin as my dearest friend saunters in. “Anthony, your talent for timing remains uncanny.”

Anthony executes an elaborate bow, wheat-gold hair glinting in the firelight. His ice-blue eyes dance with humor and affection. “I live to serve, your highness.” His playful manner smooths the lingering edge from my encounter with Theron.

I sink gratefully into a chair as Anthony helps himself to a goblet of wine with easy familiarity. He was not born a vampire. Rather, Anthony was turned later in life, inheriting immortality instead of by bloodline. For this reason, Anthony faces constant disdain and exclusion from vampire high society. Turned vampires are viewed as inferior and impure by elite natural-born vampires like myself.

Despite the prejudice he endures, Anthony excels in battle and strategy. His exceptional service earned him a position of lordship in the court, though manystill reject him for being a turned vampire rather than a pureblood. Never once has Anthony faltered in his steadfast loyalty or quest for honor, even when faced with cruelty because of how he became a vampire.

In many ways his status mirrors my own—respected by some for our skills and contributions yet looked down upon by traditionalists clinging to obsolete notions of vampire purity and class. Over the years of rivalry and adventures together, Anthony has become closer than a brother to me. I would trust no one more at my side.

“That was your brother I passed, looking even more dour than usual,” Anthony remarks lightly, though his eyes are serious. “I take it our quest into the northern woods bore unexpected results?”

I nod slowly. “You could say that. The blizzard separated us before we could track down any real leads on Lady Vivian’s whereabouts.” I shudder involuntarily, remembering the bone-numbing cold and disorientation of the driving snow. “For a time, I feared I wouldn’t make it out alive.”

Anthony grips my shoulder, relief flashing across his face. “When we got separated, I didn’t dare hope you’d survived. The thought of returning without you…”He trails off then manages a faint grin. “At least you emerged unscathed. How did you survive?”

I chuckle weakly. “Stumbled on a witch, or rather she stumbled on me. Not the vampire we are looking for but possibly a powerful ally someday if I can ever find her again. It’s too bad we didn’t find any signs of Vivian, though. She could have helped with our problem with my brother.”

Anthony’s expression darkens at the mention of Theron. “Your brother is far too hungry for power. If he takes the crown…” Anthony shakes his head, unwilling to voice the dire possibilities.

“Exactly,” I reply. “The kingdom would suffer under his rule, but if we can expose Vivian and show she deceived everyone and still lives, it will undermine Theron’s power. Or, possibly, she could become his queen. She had so many supporters, many that would rather see her on the throne than him. We have to keep searching.”

“And we will,” Anthony vows, ice-blue eyes blazing with determination. “I swear to you, Draven, we will unravel Vivian’s secrets and her present location. She claimed something in her pocket that could take down your family. If only we knew what that was.”

Our impassioned conversation falters at the sound of approaching footsteps. I exchange a quick glance with Anthony, who assumes a casually relaxed posture just as Audrey appears in the doorway. She sweeps in amidst a cloud of perfume and rustling silks.

“Time for me to make a discreet exit,” Anthony murmurs with a wink as my sister descends in a flurry of excited questions.

He slips away when I try to deflect Audrey’s curiosity about my quest. My heart is lighter knowing whatever comes next, Anthony will be there to stand stalwart and true.

“There you are, you dreadful creature!” she proclaims by way of greeting. “We had nearly given up ever finding your frozen corpse. You had Anthony in quite the uproar. He was threatening to return into the storm and find you himself! You two are always getting into trouble.”

Despite the grim words, laughter glitters in her eyes. Audrey does nothing by halves, even grief, apparently.

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