As Vladimier's lips found mine once more, Elias' face appeared in my mind, causing my heart to flip uncontrollably."What's wrong?" Vladimier asked, pulling away and giving me a look of hurt.Gasping, I tried to make sense of my reaction to seeing Elias' face and how I could possibly feel anything with my true love in front of me."I'm sorry." I murmured, unable to think of a proper excuse that wouldn't hurt him. "It's just that..."Trailing off, I tried to think of what I could even say. I just saw another man that I loved when I forgot about you. Or that there were now two people in my heart, even if one of those people crushed me."It's okay," he said, bringing me back to the present. "You've been through a lot, and you need time to fully adjust.""Yeah." I whispered even though I felt like a complete bitch for how I felt."Come," Vladimier said, holding out a hand. "I'm sure you're probably exhausted and could use some rest. Let me take you back to your room.""My room?" I asked, m
The next evening, I found myself standing in front of a full-length mirror, staring at myself. For most of the afternoon, I was poked and prodded by a personal stylist that Vladimier had hired specifically to make me presentable for a banquet that he insisted that I attend.As the whole ordeal was taking place, I couldn't help but remember when the same thing happened when I was with Elias. Which, in the end, sent my thoughts to that arrogant prince, and I couldn't stop myself from wondering how he was doing. Even though I told myself that I needed to forget him, I just couldn't stop the wave of emotion that crashed through me at the mere thought of him. It was like I was an addict, and he was my drug. Now that I had a taste, I craved him."Quit being ridiculous." I hissed at my reflection as I tried desperately to push away my feelings. "You're with the man you truly love. Forget that arrogant prince.""What arrogant prince?" Adrielle, Vladimier's personal assistant, asked, reappearin
"Valerie, will you marry me?" Vladimier murmured, giving me a tender gaze. "All these years, I've only had one regret.""Regret?" I whispered, still unable to believe what was going on."Yes." He responded as a hint of sadness crossed his face. "Since the day that I lost you, I've always regretted never properly marrying you. I thought that having a vow ceremony was enough, but now I see it wasn't.""Vlad..." Closing my mouth, I found myself in distress over what to say. I loved him, and I was sure of that, but something in me screamed to say no. "Can I have some time to think about it?"I knew this wasn't the answer he was expecting. The flash of pain that was quickly covered up was proof of that. However, I just couldn't shake the confusion and doubt I was feeling."Of course, take all the time you need." He said, standing up. "I know this must be a lot, especially after you've just had your memories returned. I should have thought of your feelings before doing something so spontaneo
"Are you not happy to see me?" Elias asked, frowning ever so slightly."I just..." I didn't even know how to explain the torrent of emotions that were rushing through me right now. "I just don't understand."Honestly, that was the best I could even think of. How the hell did he even manage to sneak in here without getting caught? Why would he come? Before his bitch of a fiance kidnapped me, he rejected me entirely. Was he here to possibly claim his blood source back?"How can you not understand?" Elias demanded, his frown deepening. "Do I need to spell it out for you?""What are you..."I didn't get the chance to finish my question as he moved forward, wrapping his arm around my waist and pulling me into the shadow of the much too large palm frond that he had been hiding behind before.Once he was sure that we were out of sight of any possible prying eyes, he placed his finger on my chin and pushed, causing my head to lift. Eyes growing wide, I watched as his head came closer to mine u
For the rest of the evening, I was restless and unable to sleep. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Elias' hurt expression. Despite telling myself that this was for the best and that eventually we would both get over it, I couldn't stop the pain I felt over how things played out, and that kept me awake until the servants began to move, indicating that it was morning. I had to admit that this perpetual day was taking a toll on me. After all, I was used to the perpetual night back in Allsbrook.Getting up, I hurried to the washroom to freshen up and change. Once I felt that I was acceptable enough, I snuck out into the hall, where maids and butlers rushed around collecting dirty linen and laundry to wash for the day."Good morning, miss." Melanie, a young woman with mousy brown hair and big golden eyes, greeted me as I tried to escape. "Where are you off to in such a hurry this morning?""Oh..." I stammered, realizing that I was busted. "I was just going to go down to the garden for a st
"Come," Tristan said, holding his hand out. "It seems Indigo wants some exercise.""But..." I stammered, fixing my gaze on the beautiful creature that was watching me almost expectantly."Don't worry," he continued, smirking. "Indigo is a very well-trained girl. She is by far the safest to ride."Even though I didn't necessarily doubt his words, it didn't make me any less nervous. Sure, I was aware that in my previous life here, I used to ride them. However, it had been many years since then, and I couldn't stop my fear."If you don't trust the creature, it won't trust you." Tristan pointed out, noticing my hesitance. "A rider and beast need full trust and to be like one being instead of two.""Right." I puffed, drawing in a calming breath. "Have to trust the creature."Reaching out a hand, I rubbed the side of Indigo's feathery face again. As my hand moved, I could feel a low rumble reverberate throughout her body before she closed her eyes in contentment."Better to just rip the band
"I'm sorry." I said quietly as a small voice in the back of my head began screaming danger. "It won't happen again." Moving forward, I slowly lifted a hand to touch Vladimier's cheek. For now, I needed to calm him down. If things kept progressing, I wasn't sure what would happen. "It meant nothing." I continued gently, meeting his still-outraged gaze. "Next time, I won't let any man touch me if he isn't you."I could feel my heart beginning to hammer in my chest as I spoke. To be honest, I didn't know how he would react or if my soothing words would work. However, I needed to try.As I watched Vladimier's face slowly begin to untense before finally a sigh escaped his lips and I knew the worst was over."I'm sorry." He murmured, finally releasing my arm. "However, you will receive punishment for your actions.""Punishment?" I squeaked, feeling my heart drop. Was this man truly the man I once knew? "What punishment?"As I tried to think of what he could do, many scenarios flashed through
It felt as if the world around me had crashed to the ground. Was this man really saying that I was going to die again and this time stay dead?"As a mage, you should know about this." Geofrey pointed out, seeming amused. "Are you really one, or are you just faking?""I only recently learned of my past self." I responded slowly, still trying to process what I was just told. "There is still a lot I have to learn again."Closing my eyes, I took a calming breath. How is this even happening right now? How long did I have?"Can you tell me more about this body-snatcher thing?" I asked, suddenly feeling desperate. "Is there a way to stop the rejection?"Instead of responding, Geofrey narrowed his gaze. From the look that was slowly forming on his face, it was clear he didn't know what to think of my question."Come with me." He sighed, reaching out and grabbing my wrist. "This isn't the place to talk."Having no reason to decline, I allowed him to lead me down the long hallway and towards a d