Page 63 of Halfblood Deceived

Aella’s eyes stung, and she closed them firmly, unwilling to cry again, to shed more tears over the male who had claimed ownership of her, and then tried to kill her. At least for a while. She knew more tears and pain would come, but she felt as if crying and suffering were all she’d done for—

“How long have I been unconscious?” she asked, voice hoarse.

“Three days,” Kamilla answered.

“What?” Aella croaked.

Kamilla hummed, deft, gentle fingers moving quickly as she braided Aella’s hair. “That’s less than we expected, to be honest.”

Aella didn’t know what to say.

The stunning vampiress stood in front of her. “Dinner will be served in a few minutes. Would you like me to help you get dressed and go down to eat with the others? Or do you want me to bring you some food here?”

“The others?” Aella asked.

“Zeydan, Andreas, Lex, Evan, Gabby, Luce, Mari, Sebastian, Aylana, and my brother, Kerian.”

Aella gulped.

So many people.

So many people who had all the right to hate her.

“I’ll help you get into something warm and bring you some food then,” Kamilla said.

“No.” Aella bit her lip. How did she explain it? “I—um, I won’t deny it makes me nervous, but I’m also curious?”

Kamilla half smiled. “Sounds fair to me.” She stretched her arms in silent invitation. “Fluffy socks, sweatpants, and a hoodie, then?”

Aella gripped the vampiress’ firm hands. “Yes, thank you.”

Kamilla held most of Aella’s weight as she took her to the bed again. “You needn’t thank me all the time. I am always happy to provide the care only a female’s gentle hand can when I am able.”

The most terrifying vampiress the world had seen in centuries liked nursing people back to health. That was confusing. And also strangely endearing.

Aella gave Kamilla a smile she hoped conveyed her gratitude.

The vampire princess winked at her.

* * *

“Are you sure you don’t want me to carry you?” Kamilla asked, her arm firmly wrapped around Aella’s waist.

Aella bit her lip as she looked at the curving, massive staircase that led to the main floor. “Um, yeah.”

Kamilla huffed, her warm breath brushing Aella’s cheek. “If this is out of some sort of consideration for me because I’m female, you needn’t bother, you know?”

Aella chewed her lip raw. “It’s just… I’m not used to this.”

“Do you mean being taken care of?” Kamilla asked.

Aella sighed. “Yes. And it makes me feel… guilty?” Unworthy, weak, pathetic, ashamed.

Kamilla’s topaz eyes examined her closely, a spark of realization lighting up in them. “That’s understandable,” she said, in an empathic tone. “But it’s important to know when you need help.”

Aella took a deep breath. She opened her mouth to accept and felt a rush of warmth across her shoulders and pleasant tingles running down her spine.

She knew who she’d find when she turned her face toward the wide hall with art on the walls and several other doors.

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