When we step out, I see that there are guards, or I’m sure King Lance would call them guides, waiting for us. Their eyes immediately go to our necks and their eyes turn red. “Custos Regni.” One whispers. “If you want to continue to live this life you seem to enjoy, I suggest you get your fucking eyes off our necks and take us to the dining hall.” I snarl at him, Hera pushing forward. “Yes Guardians. My companion meant no disrespect.” “We’re not here to be your feeders, so you can spot licking your lips like we’re dessert.” Leana and Kella snarl. When we walk into the dining hall, there is one long wooden table that is filled with vampires and their human counterparts. I notice there are a fair share of male humans willing to be feeders as well. Vampires are known for being indiscriminate when it comes to sexual partners. Well, in truth, I’ve heard that they mostly participate in feeding orgies, but that’s what I’ve heard. I’ve never actually seen one. King Lance stands from his po

After speaking to my father, explaining what happened and talking him down from attacking King Lance, I realize today is day four. I’m halfway to the time that Aolis gave me. I thought running would be the faster way to get to him but with all the challenges we’ve come across, it’s making it difficult to meet his timeframe. I walk away from Drake and Leana and attempt to call Aolis again. It rings and rings and when it goes to voicemail, I hang up. He wouldn’t move on if I don’t make it in seven days, would he? He’s waited this long. If I’m a day late, he won’t hold it against me, right? And he wouldn’t shorten the time without telling me, I hope. He’s never, in all of my life, not answered my call. And now he hasn’t answered my call, twice. It makes my heart hurt and I realize I’ve taken Aolis for granted for too long. I need him to know that I love him, that I want him. When I return, we begin running again. Now that Drake is here, Leana is more focused on him. It gives me time to

It took Leana almost all day to recover from her blood loss. Kella was working overtime to heal her, but the body can only recover so fast from loss of blood. When she finally opened her eyes, Drake had nearly sobbed in relief. I think maybe he actually did, because I smelled the scent of blood and there was a bit smudged on his face. Do vampires cry blood tears? I have no idea. While I was talking to Leana, explaining what had happened, Drake had gone out hunting, bringing back a deer for her. While I’m used to werewolves killing forest creatures, I’m not used the violence that was shown in this carcass. The throat had been ripped out, leaving a gaping wound and nearly decapitating the poor creature. He had moved only close enough to toss the deer at my feet before stepping back, keeping his distance. I still didn’t trust him, and I didn’t want him too close to Leana. He might feel guilty for almost killing his mate, but that didn’t stop him when he was in the throes of bloodlust.

I knew she wouldn’t come. I knew it, and yet, my heart aches that she doesn’t want me, that she isn’t here. I lay in my bed, knowing that tomorrow, I’ll be leaving for Eventide. I close my eyes and steel myself for what is to come. Lorelai is a good woman. She is strong, beautiful, her people love her and she will make a good queen. I try to keep her in my head, but it’s Lily’s face that keeps pushing its way in. Finally, I get up. I won’t get any sleep tonight. I go walking in the woods, my place of solace and peace. The stars in the sky are shining brightly tonight, as if they are mocking me and my pain. I pass the axolytol pool, glowing in the moonlight with all the different colors of the animals sleeping in the pond. As I get deeper into the woods, I hear more shuffling sounds, startled animals bolting away from me. We have deer here, similar to humans, but our deer are more majestic. The leader of our herd is the Ceryneian Hind, the deer of the humans’ Greek mythology. She h

When I left the forest, I had gone back to the castle and gotten my bag. trying to leave without letting anyone know. But it feels like the entire castle knows that I’ve been rejected by my mate. Several of my warriors and many working around the castle stopped me to wish me well on my trip. I strap my sword to my back, putting my knives into the belt of my travel clothes, before pulling the strap of my bag across my chest and over my shoulder. I adjust everything so nothing is tugging and my sword is easily accessible if needed. Once I’m off the immediate grounds surrounding the castle, I begin to run, fast. I need to get away from here, away from the pain of Lily’s rejection and my own dashed hope that she’d show up. I pull on the elements, using the air and earth to speed my footsteps. It’s late afternoon when I arrive in Eventide. I approach the guard gate at the entrance of Eventide's lands. “Prince Aolis to see Duchess Lorelai.” I announce myself to them. “My Prince.” They sa