Page 49 of How to Dump a Vampire

Thorn

The clattering of hooves and wheels on cobblestone heralds our arrival back at the castle. I keep my gaze lowered, clutching Luna close as we pass through the imposing gates. Even after all these years, I still fear discovery in these familiar walls that now tower above, their weathered stones seeming to lean in as if guarding centuries of secrets.

How many years has it been since I last walked here? I’ve lost count of the decades passed in self-imposed exile. I pause at the edge of the clearing, my boots sinking into the snow. The cold bites my cheeks, but that is nothing compared to the ache in my chest. This place is filled with ghosts.

With slow, hesitant steps, I enter, the crowd dispersing to find their own space. AsPrince Draven leads me through the grand halls, I take in the soaring ceilings and intricate carvings adorning the pillars and walls. Priceless tapestries and paintings line the corridors, evidence of immense wealth and history.

I pass ornate sitting rooms and carved wooden furnishings. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over lush carpets underfoot, barely penetrating the cold stone. I keep my eyes lowered though bittersweet memories stir. Once full of promise, these halls are now foreign, my past here locked away.

We come to an elaborately carved door which Draven opens, revealing lavish quarters prepared for my stay. A canopy bed dominates, draped in velvets.

“I hope these rooms are comfortable,” he says earnestly, his silver eyes searching my face.

I nod politely. “They’re lovely. Thank you.”

In truth, I know I will never fully relax here, penned in by the ghosts of my past, but I must try, for Luna’s sake. At the very least, the unease I feel helps distract me from the cravings to reach out and touch him. Those lips, his muscular arms, that warm smile, the twinkle in his eyes… they all call to me.

Draven lingers in the doorway. “Is everything all right? You seem… troubled.”

His concern undoes me, but I keep my tone even. “Just tired from the journey.”

He steps closer, one hand lifting as if to touch my arm, but he seems to think better of it. Our bond flickers between us, an unspoken question.

“I am just across the hall should you need anything,” he says softly.

I tense. His nearness will test my resolve to keep him at a distance, yet part of me thrills at his proximity, our connection humming eagerly beneath my skin.

With effort, I take a subtle step back, clasping my hands. “You are most kind. I’m sure I will be quite comfortable.”

Draven’s eyes darken. He’s clearly saddened by my retreat, but he simply bows. “Very well. I shall leave you to rest. Please call if I can be of service.”

After Draven leaves, I sink onto the plush bed, the silken sheets pooling around me. I stroke their richness, remembering a time when such finery was a joy to me instead of a reminder of my mistakes.

I settle Luna near the hearth to recover, keeping vigil over her shallow breaths. Her injuries are healing, but she remains weak and vulnerable, just as I once was in this very castle. The thought makes my heart clench. Ifailed to protect her from harm, just as I failed to save my family all those years ago. Some wounds cannot be healed with magic alone.

Sleep will surely elude me this night.

I cross to the gilded mirror, critically examining my still-youthful features. How easy it would be for someone to pierce my disguise and expose me as an imposter. Panic flutters in my chest at the thought. I cannot be discovered here. The risk is too great.

With trembling fingers, I weave the glamour spell, watching my reflection subtly age. Faint creases frame my eyes, silver strands lace my hair. My true face remains, softened by time’s blurred lens. I should have done this sooner, back in the camp, but I had been too distracted. Fortunately, I was been able to avoid most people and traveled with the servants on our way here so I don’t think I was recognized. After all, it’s been a long time, and I’ve changed since then. With any luck, our fated mate bond will allow Draven to be none the wiser to these subtle changes. May as well use this blasted curse in my favor if I have to tolerate its existence.

Disguised but heavy of heart, I return to the canopy bed. It dominates the room like a gilded cage, the wallsclosing in with memories. Just beyond the door, I can sense Draven lingering. Our bond hums eagerly beneath my skin, yearning to reconnect.

I force down the primal urge. I cannot repeat the mistakes of my past, no matter how fiercely fate tempts me. I must cling to reason and self-control.

Yet, being this near to Draven tests my defenses. It takes all my strength to resist the pull of our connection.

I curl atop the silken sheets, restless and alone, as shadows play across the stone walls. Sleep eludes me, just as safety in this place always will.

If so much of my magic wasn’t being spent on healing Luna, I would simply magic us back to my cottage, but I can’t risk anything going wrong. Somehow, I’ve become rather attached to that white fur ball.

***

The pale light of dawn filters through the frosted windowpanes, rousing me from a fitful sleep. I rise slowly, shaking off the last wisps of a troubled dream. Luna is curled in a corner, still resting peacefully beneath her blanket of soft white fur. A smile tugs at my lipsas I regard my faithful companion. At least one of us managed some real rest last night.

I dress quietly so as not to disturb Luna’s slumber. My mind already races ahead to the perplexities this day will surely bring. Ever since realizing the truth of my fated bond with the vampire prince, anxiety has gnawed at my belly like a ravenous wolf.

In my core, I know Draven himself means me no harm. He has shown me nothing but kindness and understanding since we arrived at the castle, yet the echoes of a lifetime’s learned distrust are not so easily quieted. I wish fate had chosen any soul but his to bind me to for eternity. Someone untainted by the bloody misdeeds of the vampire royals who wiped out my family and set me on a path of solitary exile. Someone I could give my whole self to without reservation or regret.

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