Page 129 of Even Vampires Bleed
Yes, I need sleep, and then tomorrow, I can go back to the south of France and find Léandre.
Because he wanted to set me free from him, but instead I’ll be the one who will set him free from this nightmare.
Because this single gesture from him—wanting me happy despite going against what he wanted—is what made me realize it was too late.
I’m already in love with this new Léandre.
And I won’t let him live in fear for his memories for the rest of his life.
I won’t live in fear, either.
I’m not waiting for life to throw us another curveball.
I’m tackling it at the root, and I’m making sure we can have the life we want.
But first, I’ll shower.
68
Léandre
Ihate the house.
I hate the sun.
I hate this bed.
I hate being alone.
I hate everything.
But mostly, I hate the fact that Cassiopé isn’t here with me anymore.
I feel lonely, but it’s more than that. I feel like a piece of me has been torn from my body and has followed Cassiopé wherever she is.
I have no doubt that the piece in question is my heart, because I feel like there’s a hole in my chest and it’s been filled with spikes instead.
I don’t recommend it. Not at all.
Angélique has visited me once already. Surprisingly—not—she didn’t bring a mattress with her.
At some point, I’ll have to talk to her about her meddling. Because I’m sure of it now—that’s what she’s been doing all along.
Anyone could have joined me here in the forest, under my faraday cage—anyone.
And Angélique and Elhyor decided it would be a good thing to send with me the girl who got her heart broken from my memory loss.
I can’t be too mad. A part of me was thankful when they decided to send her.
Because her smell was familiar, and I couldn’t wait to get to know her better.
All that while the time I spent with her was torture for her.
I’m not mad at them, but I would understand if Cassiopé is.
And maybe that explains why Angélique had no idea Cassiopé wasn’t here anymore.
Cassiopé must have gone back to theSacré Coeurinstead of Notre Dame.
