Page 45 of How to Dump a Vampire

The frost giant’s dying cries echo through the glen as it plunges into the icy depths below. I hover above the waterfall, chest heaving, the last tremors of adrenaline course through my veins. The gash on my shoulderfrom the giant’s icy spike throbs hotly, but I embrace the pain. It is a badge of my hard-won victory, proof that I can and will defend myself against any who wish me harm.

I descend back to the bloodstained snow, where Luna awaits me with worried eyes. Despite my injury, joy and pride well up within me. Not only did I defeat a formidable foe, but also I conquered the paralyzing fear that once gripped me at the vampire king’s approach. The frightened girl who cowered helpless in the woods is no more. In her place stands a powerful witch, unafraid and unbroken.

“I’m all right, Luna,” I assure my familiar, stroking her soft fur. The warmth of her body soothes my frayed nerves.

Gazing out at the once more now peaceful glen, I sit with Luna nestled close and inspect my wounded shoulder. Pushing back the tattered sleeve, I wince at the ugly gash marring my pale skin. Dark blood oozes from the jagged cut.

I take a deep breath and call on my healing powers, hands glowing violet as I hold them over the injury. Soothing warmth spreads through my shoulder, flesh knitting back together beneath my palms. The bleedingstops, and the raw pain dulls to an ache. It is the best I can do for now.

Once I’ve regained some strength, I stand and approach the waterfall’s icy edge. The frigid water carries traces of the giant’s murky blood as it pours relentlessly from the heights.

Kneeling, I wash the stains from my hands and arms, cleansing myself of the battle’s residue. The bracing cold helps center my thoughts, the endless water reminding me that life flows ever onward, no matter what storms we weather along the way.

Luna laps at the waterfall basin nearby, her pink tongue darting out to catch the droplets. I smile watching her, this curious creature who has brought such joy and light into my life.

After a time, Luna lifts her head and turns to me.I must excuse myself for a moment to relieve myself after all that excitement. I will just be in the woods if you need me.

I nod in understanding. “Go ahead. I will be here.”

Luna bounds off into the trees, seeking a private spot to do her business.

Alone now, I settle beneath a towering pine at the edge of the glen. The ache in my shoulder has dulledto a faint throb as my healing magic continues to knit the wound back together. I close my eyes, focusing my energy inward. A deep sense of calm washes over me, the chaos and fear from the battle fading away.

My thoughts turn to Draven, and I remember how it felt being held by him. Our union unlocked something within me, bringing greater balance to my magic. Before, my abilities were unpredictable, emotion-fueled outbursts of elemental energy, but now, I feel this newfound harmony between magic and emotion, power and restraint. I don’t want this connection, especially not with him, but I have to admit that if he wasn’t part of the family who destroyed everything good for me, I would be open to our mate bond.

A smile touches my lips as I bask in the memory of his tender kiss. Perhaps in time, we could be something more than reluctant allies, something deeper…

My introspection is interrupted by a sudden worrisome thought—Luna has been gone for quite a while.

I open my eyes, scanning the silent snowy woods around me. Unease creeps into my heart, and I rise swiftly to my feet. She should have returned by now.

“Luna?” I call out, my voice echoing unanswered through the glen. “Luna, where are you?”My hearthammers in my chest as I stand and look around. I wander towards the entrance to a nearby cave. “Luna!” I call out again, straining to hear any response over the roaring blood in my ears. Only my own voice echoes back.

Clenching my fists, I summon an orb of violet light to illuminate the darkened cave before me. With no sign of where she has gone, I need to double check she isn’t inside.

Holding the glowing orb aloft, I step cautiously into the cave. The soft light reveals a cramped, claustrophobic space with a low ceiling that forces me to stoop as I move deeper inside. The rocky floor slopes downward, slick with moisture. I have to proceed slowly, bracing myself against the walls to keep my footing.

“Luna, please…” My desperate plea goes unanswered. The steady drip of water and the scurrying of unseen creatures break the oppressive silence.

Reaching the back of the narrow cave, I find nothing. No sign of Luna, no clues as to where she might have gone. My magical light reveals no hidden tunnels or passages—just cold, implacable stone on all sides.

Fighting back a rising sense of panic, I stumble back out of the cave into the muted winter daylight. “Luna!” I shriek, spinning around as if she might magically appear, but there is nothing. No tracks, no trail to follow. My beloved companion has simply vanished.

Hot tears spill down my cheeks, quickly turning icy in the cold. She has to be here somewhere. I cannot lose her too.

“Please…” I whisper hoarsely, but only the wind answers, keening through the stark branches.

Panic and dread churn within me at the thought of my familiar lost and afraid. I failed to protect her.

No. I force back the dark thoughts and wipe harshly at my tears. Breaking down will not help Luna now. I must keep a clear head if I am to find her.

Closing my eyes, I focus inward and tap into the well of power within me. I feel its energy thrumming through every fiber of my being, vastly stronger than ever before. With this magic now at my command, I can cover more ground and seek help to locate my missing familiar.

I know where I must go, though the thought fills me with both hope and trepidation. Still,it is my best chance of picking up Luna’s trail again quickly. He had been hunting her when he found me.

I activate the teleportation spell as I take in a deep breath, wrapping its power around myself. The winds rise in response, plucking me from the desolate woods. When they die down, I stand at the edge of a sprawling encampment that serves as the center of the vampire king’s domain.

It is early evening, the sun’s last rays painting the snow crimson as it dips below the horizon. Fires blaze around the perimeter, dotting the camp with circles of flickering light. The smoky smell of roasted meat drifts on the icy air.

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