Page 116 of Kiss of Light

“But she normally resides on the other side of the Gate, doesn’t she? In the human world. Has she agreed to give that up for you?”

“We haven’t discussed it.”

“Living with a Vetali is hard for outsiders. Our way of life, our feeding habits in particular, are unpalatable for them.”

Lemar opened his mouth to argue, then closed it again. Tala’s revulsion when she’d watched the fae being milked was still fresh in his memory.

“She’ll get used to it,” he said finally.

“If she doesn’t…”

“Then she’s free to leave. I would never force her to stay with me against her wishes, even if I could.”

“So if she chooses to leave Palissandra…”

“I would let her go.”

Vassago nodded approvingly.

“If you’re meant to be together, then fate will make sure of it. Now, let us prepare for the celebrations. I want all of Palissandra to know my son and heir has returned.”

Forty Nine

Tala studied herself in the mirror. The dress she’d found was scandalously short but it showed off her legs to perfection. A sheer gold material with thin diamante straps, it draped over her curves and stopped well north of her knees.

She’d found a pair of sandals with ridiculously high heels to give her some much-needed height.

She twisted her still damp hair into a bun, securing it with pins. She knew she wouldn’t be able to compete with any Vetali females who might be present tonight, but at least she wouldn’t look terrible.

There was no make-up around, at least none she could find, but she decided she didn’t need any. Her face was glowing with health.

Strange, given Lemar had fed from her. She’d assumed that would leave her looking peaky and drained. But when she finally saw herself in the mirror, she discovered the opposite was true. Her skin was satiny, her eyes sparkling and clear.

Maybe being bitten by a vampire wasn’t that bad.

Or maybe she was just happy.

She tilted her head to one side, considering that strange concept. She’d told Lemar she had feelings for him. But what if it was more than that?

“Oh, snap out of it, you idiot,” she muttered to her reflection. “Stop being dramatic. Just enjoy the moment.”

But he loves you, her subconscious whispered.He told you. You’re his fate.

“Get a grip. You don’t believe in fate.” She stuck her tongue out at the mirror and went to find the party.

The palace was a labyrinth. She presumed the Grand Hall was somewhere on the ground floor and headed towards the main staircase. But somehow she got turned around and ended up in a narrow stairwell at the other end of the corridor.

Servants’ stairs, most likely. Still, they led to the same place so she started down them. As she reached the ground floor, she heard a noise. A stifled sob.

Frowning, she moved silently towards the sound. It was the servant from the bathroom, the human girl. Only she wasn’t alone. She was pressed against the wall and a tall Vetali was feeding from her.

Her glazed expression told Tala she’d been glamoured into staying quiet. But she’d obviously put up a fight first; there was a bruise blooming on her cheek and one eye was swollen shut.

Fury overwhelmed her. Without preamble, she grabbed the Vetali by the hair and yanked his teeth from the girl’s throat. Blood gushed as she sank to the floor semi-conscious.

Without pausing, Tala smashed the vampire’s face into the stone wall. His nose broke, the dry crack giving her momentary satisfaction. It didn’t last.

With a snarl, the Vetali twisted in her grip and clubbed her with his fist. She reeled back, using the momentum to turn and land a roundhouse kick in his chest. The blow sent him crashing through the door at the bottom of the stairs. Tala followed.

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