Page 19 of Of Spindles and Nightfall
Her gaze fell to the scarf covering Joy’s own bite marks, and her heart shriveled a little more.
Her friend’s eyes opened wide. “I’m sorry, Aryana. I was surprised. That’s all. You have a right to your own feelings. But Terrance is in love with someone else.”
Someone else. After the betrayal of her first suitor that led to her father’s death, Aryana thought she’d never love again. And yet, here she was, letting herself fall for a human.
He wasn’t a monster. He didn’t thirst after another’s blood. He had no ambitions for power. He didn’t have his most violent instincts aroused by the scent of fear.
They watched as Ella threw her arms around Terrance and he pulled her close. The two became lost in a gentle kiss.
Human love was strong, uncomplicated.
Selfless.
She turned away, unable to watch anymore, leaving Joy behind and headed into the forest.
What madeher think she deserved Terrance? Demons, including vampires, didn’t have the strength of devoted attachment that humans possessed. Where humans might love unconditionally, demons didn’t, their affection taken over by hunger, desire, and unfeeling need. She’d always be battling her own self-interest. Her thirst. Her predatory instincts meant there would perpetually be a temptation to turn on her own friends.
The trees loomed over her as the forest canopy blocked out a few of the moon’s rays. A twig snapped not far off and she halted suddenly, the woods taking on a more sinister tone as the large monoliths became an enemy’s playground. Hiding places lurked around every bush and shrub. She tested the air, trying to scent if somebody approached, but the breeze worked against her, blowing from the direction she came. Throwing her scent out to anyone who may be hunting her.
She should head back. Yes. That would be best.
She turned to go, but before she took more than a couple of steps, a voice stopped her cold. “Hello, Aryana.”
Uncle Fallor stepped out from the trees and her heart sank. No.
She registered his familiar spotless black and gray uniform, his long silver hair, his crimson threatening eyes. “Uncle, how did you find me?”
A slow, dark smile curled his lips. “It’s amazing what some humans will divulge when they are begging you not to take their life. A tradesman from your village who wandered too far from home gave you away. It is time to come home, Aryana.”
“I donot wish to.”
Anger sparked in his eyes, and part of her wanted to cower for her insolence. King Fallor made a motion and several more vampires faded in from the forest, flanking their leader.
She raised her chin, refusing to be intimidated. “I enjoy it here. I want to stay.”
“Among humans, among the lowest of the low? Wallowing with your food?”
“Yes.”
“You are a princess. You are above this. Every vampire is above them.”
“Aryana?” Joy came through the trees, and Aryana’s heart sank. “Are you all right? You rushed off and…” She paused and looked at the gathered vampires curiously. “Who is this?”
“Joy, return to the town.” Aryana’s voice shook on her friend’s behalf. “I’m fine.”
“Is this a friend of yours?” A sickening glint entered King Fallor’s gaze.
Aryana moved so she was between Joy and her uncle. “Joy, listen to me. Go. Now.”
Her friend’s eyes were round, and from Aryana’s seriousness, seemed to understand. “Yes, I think I shall.” Her hurried footsteps crunched in the underbrush as she retreated.
“Seize the human. Chain the princess to a tree,” King Fallor said.
A tall, broad vampire rushed for her. Aryana ducked under his grasp, moving just as fast, coming up on his backside and leaped on his back, sinking her teeth into his jugular, biting deep. A horrified gasp came from him as she ripped the flesh from his neck. She’d torn an artery.Crimson spurted wildly from the wound and he fell to his knees, his eyes going glassy as he dropped face first onto the ground. She jumped off of him as more vampire soldiers approached. They surrounded her and no matter how hard she fought or bit, there were too many. They wrapped ropes around her wrists and dragged her to a nearby tree. She pulled against her bonds but knew the ropes must be spelled to resist vampire strength.
Another soldier brought a struggling Joy to the king. The smell of her friend’s fear invaded her. Strong. Undeniable. Something inside Aryana stirred, and a predatory hunger filled her, even as she fought against her bonds. Shit. She hated this. She hated this constant fight with herself.
“Tell me your name,” King Fallor commanded.
