The vampire had lowered himself to Sidia's current eye level, and he tilted his head as he waited for her to speak. He raised his eyebrows as he made a questioning expression, silently asking her to respond. Still in shock and much too distracted by the way his eyes glowed in the light of . . . Wait, where were they?Sidia reluctantly looked away and gasped as she finally noticed the carvings and etchings curling along the stone walls. Torches blazed at regular intervals, lighting up the entire space. They were in some kind of windowless room, clearly a cave based on the fact that every surface was stone and the air smelled damp and felt so cold. Behind the vampire, a long hallway stretched out into the distance. She glanced behind her, but there was only a smooth rock wall, the only surface without some kind of artwork. She couldn't bear to study anything in more detail, though. She was far more concerned with the vampire in front of her. Those enchanting and penetrating eyes belon
Mortal terror surged through Sidia's veins. She didn't scream, but she was unable to move. She knew there was a coven, but so many? There had to be at least a hundred just in this cavern! Her chest heaved with panic. She blinked, and suddenly the vampire on the throne was standing right in front of her, every perfect detail of his face blocking everything else out. How did he move so fast?"Do not worry, Sidia. My name is Severus, and I have waited centuries for you. None of us will harm you." He raised one of his impossibly perfect hands and took the liberty of brushing aside a tangled curl from her face. She froze at his touch, self-conscious once more as she realized how underdressed she was. Severus's sumptuous silk robes draped him perfectly, and his golden head had a crown of silver laurels. She was mesmerized by the way his lips formed the most glorious smile she had ever seen. His teeth practically glowed from their white perfection, the points of his fangs beautiful in a te
"Helena, please take Sidia to her chambers. You and the others should help her bathe and dress for bed. I'm sure she must be exhausted from all this activity." Severus turned back to Sidia after issuing his orders. "I will come find you soon. For now, make yourself at home. We will talk again and figure out what to do once everything has settled. Is that fair enough?"Despite wanting to run out of the cavern and never look back, something deep in Sidia's heart urged her to jump into the unknown and trust whatever was happening to her. She looked back at Marcus, just a small glance. Her heart fluttered again, a feeling she was not at all used to. No matter the outcome of her conversation with Severus and her decision about staying or going, she needed sleep and a bath. She had to be somewhat logical about this. Besides, she desperately wanted to speak with the aunt she had never met. "That is fair enough . . . Your Grace." Sidia wasn't sure if she was allowed to call him by his first
Sidia's eyes flew open, and she sat up straight in bed. Light still suffused the room, and Sidia could see everything clearly. She looked for Marcus but realized quickly that it was just a dream. Disappointment washed over, and she sank back into the pillows. However, another stab of emotion sent her sitting up again. How could she possibly be dreaming like that about someone she had just met? She had never had feelings for anyone before. Of course, there were boys her age around the family's estate growing up, but she had no mind for them. In fact, she had never really thought about romance in any context in the first place. All Sidia had ever cared about were the stories sprawling in the pages of her family's book collection. It's never going to happen anyway, Sidia thought to herself. Even if she took the time to get to know Marcus and figure out these confusing feelings, it wouldn't matter. He was centuries old, dashing, powerful, and probably more intelligent than she could ever
Sidia attempted to shove down the bubbling desire in her chest. The temptation to give in to her circumstances made her ache as she looked over the massive collection of books. The room itself was impressive as well. Nooks carved into the walls overflowed with cushions, a soft light with no discernible source made reading pleasant, and old tables stocked with parchment and ink made excellent study desks. This place was any scholar's dream, and a lump formed in Sidia's throat. She was overcome with emotion, not just from the war inside her mind but also from the sheer wonder of such a place."The look on your face is marvelous." Severus commented. He stood next to her in the open doors, and he placed an arm around her shoulder. "I knew you would love this.""Am I allowed to come here whenever I like?" Sidia asked, her voice hoarse from fighting back the tears."Of course. You are free to explore every part of the castle." Severus's fingers were cold but strangely comforting and firm
Sidia gulped. Nothing yet had frightened her the way Julia's eyes flared with outrage. "I'm sorry, Your Grace." Sidia wasn't at all sure the title was correct, but she refused to address her as anything less honorific. Julia shook her head and looked past Sidia. "As for you, Marcus, you should know better. For whatever reason, this human is the one who . . . fulfills the prophecy given to your brother." Her tone was too careful, and this piqued Sidia's interest. Why did everyone talk about the prophecy like this? Almost as if it was rehearsed? She thought once again of the way Marcus had openly mocked it when she first arrived."Forgive me, Mother." Marcus dropped his careless and arrogant demeanor. He was nothing but an obedient son in his mother's presence."There is always something to forgive with you." Julia turned her attention back to Sidia. "If you're quite finished, it is time to take you back to your quarters and dress you for the feast tonight. Since you refused Catari
"Excellent." Severus's voice was husky as he reached for Sidia. His long and dexterous fingers firmly but delicately gripped her throat.Sidia closed her eyes and leaned in, waiting for the bite. Her heart hammered in her chest. She wanted Marcus to hold her like this. She wanted his fangs, but this would have to do. She had never felt this throbbing, pulsating yearning in her body. Everything ached so pleasantly."I hate to interrupt you, brother. However, don't you think it's a little improper to feed on your future bride so soon? Does she know the effects of such an act?"Marcus! His voice cut through the spell-like trance of the moment. Her eyes flew open, and her heart leaped at the sight of him. The rest of the court paid them no mind, still dreamily enjoying their festivities. Marcus stood to the right of Severus, his expression unreadable as he watched them."You're absolutely right, brother." Severus turned away, so Sidia couldn't see his face. His tone sounded icy though.
Catarina escorted Sidia back to her room, humming the melodies of one of the songs the musicians played earlier that evening. She seemed to be in a much better mood after feeding, but she barely said a word to Sidia before pulling the door closed. Sidia didn't mind though. She craved some time alone, but even now, was she really alone?Since she arrived, she had learned vampires had superior speed, strength, hearing, and other magical abilities. Could they turn invisible too? What if there was a spy in her room right now?She shuddered, trying to shake the thought out of her mind. More importantly, she wanted to shake away the sorrow encroaching on her heart. Now that a vampire's voice wasn't lacing the air with magical music, the shame and heartache from what she did in the throne room intensified. She had no idea if Marcus left because he was disappointed in her or if he perhaps did have feelings for her, feelings shattered when she declared herself to Severus. Either way, she desp