Chapter 56
CHAPTER 56
JULIET
N ightshade appears so different during the daytime, it feels as if we’re in an entirely different city. Humans, Fae, Elves, Orcs, and even a few Wolf-Shifters travel along the cobblestone streets and walkways.
Despite the absence of any Vampires, Reyla and I keep our hoods over our heads to conceal our faces. I’m not sure anyone would recognize us anyway, but I’d prefer not to draw any unwanted attention. If anyone is looking for me, I’d rather not be an easy target.
When we reach the outskirts of the city, we cross over the bridge and head straight for the Dark Gate. Despite the sunlight, it’s easy to make out the glowing purple runes that decorate the obsidian stone arch.
Dismounting from my horse, I place my palm against the stone, surprised at how warm it is against my skin. Purple light arcs like lightning from my hand and ripples around the arch. The swirling black smoke in the center expands in a rippling pool of light before a familiar snowy landscape becomes visible on the other side.
When we emerge through the other side, a blast of cold air greets us. Despite the chill, this place is a welcome sight. We are so close to home, less than a day’s ride from the castle.
Dark clouds drift across the sky and dappled sunlight filters through the trees as we follow along the main road that cuts through the dense forest.
“Do you think anyone will come after us?” I ask.
“I hope not,” Reyla replies. She lifts her gaze to the sunlit sky. “If they do, it will be a Day Guardian. No Vampire would risk traveling during the day, even under a covered carriage.”
Her words are not entirely reassuring, but I force myself to push aside my fear as we continue on. I keep telling myself it will do me no good to worry. The best I can do is remain alert to our surroundings.
A rumbling growl sounds behind us and I swivel in my saddle. My heart stops when I see a hulking green Orc covered in armor, riding a Dire Wolf, twice the size of a horse. They are at least thirty paces behind us, but it’s still much too close for my comfort.
Reyla’s face pales.
“Don’t worry,” the Orc bellows. “I’ll make sure to keep my wolf a healthy distance behind you.” He chuckles. “I wouldn’t want him to try to eat your horse.”
Unsure how to respond, I dart a glance at Reyla. “Was that a promise or a threat?” I mutter under my breath.
She shakes her head, her eyes wide with fear.
I’ve heard the Orcs have little love for Vampires, but I cannot help but ask, “Do you think he’s a Day Guardian?”
“It wasn’t a threat,” the Orc calls out. “And I’d rather die than serve one of those fanged bastards as their Day Guardian.” He spits on the ground in disgust. “I can assure you of that.”
“Apparently, Orcs have good hearing,” I whisper.
“Aye,” he bellows. “That we do, lass.”
“Forgive me,” I tell him. “I apologize for my rudeness. I’ve never—”
“Met an Orc?” he finishes my question. Curling his massive arms, he flashes a grin and flexes his biceps. “My name is Thulrak. If you like what you see, I’m in search of a bride.”
My jaw drops, and he breaks out in a fit of hearty laughter.
“I’m only jesting with you,” he says. “Despite what you’ve heard, my kind are not prone to preying upon innocent people. Don’t mind me. I’ll just be back here watching for Shadowbeasts and snowcats.” He grins, flashing his lower tusks. “And if we see any, my wolf and I will take the first crack at them.” He pats his Dire Wolf’s neck. “Won’t we, Grynar?”
“Thank you?” I wince as the words come out sounding like a question instead of a statement. But he nods just the same.
I exchange a glance with Reyla, praying this Orc is telling the truth, and that he’s not a threat. If he is, I doubt our horses could outrun his wolf.
By the time we finally reach our destination, I’m completely on edge. It’s not easy to relax with an Orc and a Dire Wolf following behind us. Then again, if he’d wanted to attack, he surely would have by now. So, that’s reassuring.
Up ahead, I notice a settlement in the distance. Nestled deep in the mountains, the town of Grimwood is a haven carved out of the snow-covered wilderness. The wooden fortress walls are impressive. Heavy wooden beams reinforced by stone at the base. It encircles the entire town, protecting the inhabitants within from the hidden dangers lurking in the forest.
When we reach the main entrance, the massive wooden doors are already open with four human guards standing post. I pull back on the reins, slowing my horse as we approach, and Reyla does the same.
“Welcome,” one of the guards calls out. “What business have you here today?”
“We’ve come to seek shelter at the inn,” Reyla answers. “To warm ourselves by the fire and partake of a meal.”
They allow us to pass through without hesitation and give us directions for the inn. I glance behind us and see the Orc come through as well.
The wooden buildings are huddled close together with steep, sloping rooftops and smoke curling up from their chimneys. The main thoroughfare is a well-trodden cobblestone path that winds through the center of the town.
Merchants sell their wares from small stalls, calling out to us as we pass. Children, bundled in thick coats, play in the snow, their laughter filling the air.
Many of the townsfolk offer friendly smiles as we pass, seemingly welcoming of strangers.
The clouds overhead block out most of the sun, making it seem much later than it is.
When we finally reach the inn, a woman arrives to stable our horses. As soon as we step inside, a young man with warm brown eyes and a friendly smile greets us.
“Hello, travelers. My name is Jaryd. How may I help you today?”
“We’d like a room, if you have one available, and a meal,” I tell him.
His grin widens. “I have both.” He gestures behind him. “Choose any table you’d like while I get your meal and the key for your room.”
Sturdy wooden tables and benches are scattered throughout the ground floor. The walls are lined with shelves holding an array of mugs and bottles, their contents glinting in the firelight. There’s a bar at the opposite end of the room with a few patrons seated on stools.
The air is thick with the smell of hearty food and the faint, bitter scent of ale. The crackling fire burning in the large stone fireplace lends a comfortable warmth to the room.
As I glance around, there are at least a couple of dozen humans, some High Elves and Fae, but there are also a few Orcs, dressed in thick leather armor and heavy fur cloaks sitting in the far corner, drinking from their tankards. Perhaps the Orc that followed us is coming here to meet them.
My suspicions are confirmed a moment later when he pushes through the doors. Thunderous laughter booms from his companions as they greet him warmly. Catching me staring at him, he lifts his tankard in acknowledgement before turning his attention back to his friends.
Reyla takes a seat across from me. I lean in and drop my voice to a low whisper. “Do you think we’re safe here?”
She nods.
My thoughts turn to Lysander. In Corvania, the villagers were wary of Vampires, despite that their village is in the Vampire kingdom of Morrowynd. “What about Lysander?” I ask. “Do you think he will be welcomed when he arrives?”
“Yes. We’ve traveled through here before and stopped to rest. They have rooms below for Vampire guests.”
Relief fills me. “Good.”
Jaryd walks over to us, carrying a tray of stew and drinks. “Here you go,” he says cheerily, setting the bowls down before us. “And here is the key to your room.” He holds it out to me, but his jaw drops as his gaze settles on the sigil of my cloak. “It’s you,” he murmurs in disbelief. “You’re Lady Juliet Greyvale.”
I freeze, my heart pounding in my chest. The last thing I want is to draw any attention. Reyla looks at me, her expression full of concern.
“My Aunt Minda runs the inn in Corvania. We’ve all heard of you,” he says. “You and your husband are rather famous, you know.”
“Is that so?” I manage a polite smile. “What is it that you have heard?”
“That Lord Valaric Greyvale, First Knight of the Shadow Blade, has taken a human as his true wife. It is an honor to meet you.” Awe tinges his voice. “Are you expecting your husband to join you? We have rooms below for Vampire guests.”
“Lord Valaric will not be joining us.” I swallow hard, forcing my voice to remain steady despite the lump in my throat at the reminder of his absence. “My husband is away on business.” The lie tastes bitter on my tongue, but I can’t risk anyone knowing Valaric is missing. Not until I know why myself. “But we are waiting for another companion this evening.”
The innkeeper nods eagerly. “Of course, my lady. And who might that be?”
“His name is Lysander,” I tell him. “He is a Vampire in service to House Greyvale. He will arrive after nightfall.”
“I’ll be sure to look out for him, and I’ll keep a room ready in case he wishes to rest.”
I smile. This is a much better reception than I had expected. I glance around the room, the warmth of the innkeeper’s welcome soothing some of my worry. “This is a lovely place you have here.”
“Thank you,” he says, practically beaming with pride. “It has been in my family for six generations.” He smiles. “We’re honored to have you here, Lady Greyvale. If you need anything, let me know and I’ll be glad to help you however I can.”
He walks away to tend to his other customers and after a while I hear several hushed whispers of my name floating around the room.
“It seems our innkeeper friend has spread the word that we’re here,” I murmur under my breath to Reyla. “Do you think we’ll have any trouble?”
She casts a quick glance around the room and then subtly shakes her head. “It seems you and Lord Greyvale are popular, and not in a bad way.”
We quickly finish our meal. As we cross the room to head for the stairs, a woman walks toward me. “You’re the one, aren’t you?” she says, her eyes wide in something akin to wonder. “The sanishon of the fallen knight.”
“What?” I blink several times, unsure to what she is referring. “I—forgive me,” I stumble over my words. “I think you have me mistaken for someone else.”
“No,” she insists. “It’s you. You’re the one.”
“Aye,” another woman says. “You’re the one foretold in the prophecy.”
I glance at Reyla, who appears just as confused as I am. “What are you—”
“Excuse me,” Jaryd steps between me and the women. I glance around the tavern and notice several pairs of curious eyes watching us. “As I’m sure you can understand, Lady Greyvale and her companion are tired from their journey and need their rest.”
“Of course,” the closest woman says, guilt easily read in her features. She looks around him to me. “Forgive me, my Lady, I meant no disrespect. It’s just”—she gestures to the rest of the room—“you and your Lord husband are famous.” She gives me an awkward bow. “You’ve given us hope, my Lady.” She offers me a warm smile. “Many blessings to you and Lord Greyvale.”
“I—” I hesitate a beat, unsure how to respond before I finally say. “Thank you.”
Jaryd ushers us up the stairs and to our room. It’s quaint, cozy, and clean. With a double bed in the corner, a window overlooking the street, a fireplace with a fire already lit in the hearth, and a cleansing room attached.
When we step inside, I turn to Jaryd. “Do you have any idea what that was all about?”
He frowns. “Have you not heard?”
“Heard what?”
“Well, it’s a couple of things, really,” he hedges. “You see, Lord Greyvale is the first Vampire to take a human as his true wife. It’s the first time one of their kind has treated one of ours as their equal. It gives our people hope, you know, that they see us as more than just servants or walking meals.” He chuckles. “For lack of a better term.”
“What is a sanishon? Why were they calling me that?”
“Oh that.” He waves a dismissive hand. “The word means ‘outsider’ in the ancient tongue. It seems that some of the more religious folk have begun spreading the word that your marriage is the fulfillment of some ancient prophecy. People are taking it as a good sign, my Lady.”
I’m unsure what prophecy he is speaking of. I’m a bit uncomfortable with so much attention, but at least it doesn’t seem to be anything bad. Jaryd prattles on, trying to reassure me that the people downstairs mean no harm before he launches into the latest gossip he’s heard from previous travelers.
He continues. “For a while, all anyone could talk of were the rumors about the weakening of the wards along the Northern Veil.”
Reyla goes pale.
“But not to worry,” Jaryd adds. “King Corvin sent some of his best magic wielders to strengthen them before anything foul came across.”
“What do you mean?” I’ve heard of the Northern Veil, but I thought it was simply a boundary on a map, marking the northernmost edge of Morrowynd. “What’s on the other side?”
“Some believe dark creatures make their homes there. Foul beasts that could tear a man limb from limb.”
I frown, not particularly liking the image forming in my mind. “And… what do you believe?”
“I think it’s nothing more than an icy wasteland.” Jaryd shrugs. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my line of work, it’s that people love to spin all sorts of stories. For example: many claim all Vampires are monsters, but most of the ones I know are good people. Some I even call my friends.”
He continues. “Ale makes men say all sorts of things. I’ve heard tales you wouldn’t believe, including ones that would keep even the bravest warrior awake at night. But until I see it with my own eyes, I don’t let it bother me much. I just go about my business and live my life the best I can.”
Jaryd shakes his head. “The thing that does worry me though, is the Order of Mages. Now there’s a scary lot if you ask me. Apparently, they’ve declared war upon the human kingdoms of Florin,” he says. “If not for the new treaty between them and the Dark Elves of Ithylian, Florin would have been conquered like Snowhelm.”
I stare at him, stunned. “In Aralon, we heard that the Dark Elf King, Varys, took the Princess Inara of Florin as his captive bride in order to take over her brother’s kingdom.”
“That’s… quite a bit different than what I heard.” Jaryd says. “Then again, what do I know of the state of the world? I get most of my news from travelers like yourselves.”
When he leaves, I turn to Reyla. “What do you think about the mages? What have you heard?”
“That the Dark Elf King, Varys, married the Princess Inara of Florin to make peace between their two kingdoms.” She pauses. “Not that he’d captured her and forced her to be his bride.”
I hope the story Reyla’s heard is the one that is true. I met Princess Inara of Florin once. She was very kind. It would be awful to think she was forced into a marriage she didn’t want.
Now that we’ve eaten, all we can do is wait. Sitting on one of the chairs by the fire, worry nags at me. “Do you think Valaric and the others are all right?”
Reyla rests her hand atop mine. “We cannot give up hope, my Lady.”
“I haven’t,” I told her. “I simply… I just—” My voice hitches. “I know he would have already returned to me if he could. The fact that he has not means that something—” I swallow hard, not wanting to give voice to my fears.
“When we married, I never expected to feel so strongly for him.” I shake my head softly. “All the things I’d heard about Vampires… I thought the worst of him at first. But I was so very wrong and now”—a tear slips down my cheek, but I quickly brush it away—“he could be gone and I have not told him what he means to me, Reyla.”
“I believe he knows, my Lady.” She gives me a pained smile. “And I have faith that he will return to us.”
Gently, she squeezes my hand. “Let us try to get some rest. Over the years, I’ve learned that worrying about things over which I have no control never does me any good.”
I nod.
I move from the chair to the bed. Despite my resolve to remain awake, my exhaustion pulls me under and I fall into a restless sleep.
It feels like mere moments have passed when a knock jolts me awake.
I stand from the bed as Reyla rushes to open the door. Everything inside me immediately goes tense as she releases a startled gasp.
“Is this one yours?” A deep voice booms as Thulrak steps into the room, dragging something heavy behind him.
Fear shoots through my veins when I realize it’s a person. Their head is covered with a cloth sack, their arms, legs, and wings bound tight as they growl and thrash against their bindings.
Another Orc steps into the room, his broad shoulders taking up almost the entire door frame. My heart slams in my throat when I notice two more Orcs in the hallway behind him.
Thulrak rips the sack from his captive’s head and Reyla releases a sharp cry when she sees Lysander, his eyes blazing with anger.
Fear trips my heart, but I force myself to hold Thulrak’s gaze, not wanting him to see that I’m afraid.
“He came here looking for you both,” Thulrak grumbles. “Claims that you know him.”
“Let him go,” I demand at the same time that Reyla rushes to her son.
“Unhand him, you brute!” she cries out.
Thulrak turns to the Orc behind him and nods. The other Orc bends down and looks Lysander in the eyes. “I’m going to let you go now, and you’re not going to cause me or my friends any trouble. Understand?”
With his mouth gagged, Lysander growls, seething with rage.
The Orcs carefully begin to undo his bindings. As soon as he’s free, Lysander moves with his vampiric speed, knocking three of the Orcs to the ground before he rushes Thulrak and pins him against the side of the doorframe, his sharp claws poised at his thick neck, ready to cut his throat.
“Who are you? Why are you here?”
“My name is Thulrak. I thought you were here to hurt them.” He jerks his chin at me and Reyla. “When you asked about them downstairs, I thought he’d sent you, like he tried to send me.”
“Who are you talking about?” I ask.
“He was a Vampire’s bloodsworn,” he grits through his teeth in disgust as Lysander growls at him. “He found me in the trade tavern and offered me a bag of gold on behalf of his master to find you and make sure you never made it home, Lady Juliet Greyvale.”
His gaze shifts to Lysander. “Vampires think we’re animals, like them,” he snarls. “But my kind have honor. I refused him, but a Goblin warlock took him up on his offer. So, my clansmen and I followed and killed him shortly after we passed through the Gate.”
Thulrak gestures to his friends, each of them with a murderous expression on their face as they stare at Lysander. “My clansmen traveled through the forest, making sure no one else had followed you, while I trailed after. They arrived here shortly before we did.”
One of the other Orcs unhooks a bag from his belt and tosses it at Lysander. It lands at his feet with a heavy clink against the wood. “That’s the coin he paid the warlock in exchange for your lives.” He looks at Lysander. “We thought you’d been sent to ensure the job was done.”
“I told you who I was,” Lysander snarls.
“We had to be sure,” Thulrak states firmly.
Tense silence fills the room. Lysander looks to me and I nod. “Release him.”
Lysander hesitates and the Orc narrows his eyes. “If I wanted to end you, I would have shoved my obsidian blade in your gut.”
My gaze drops to the Orc’s left hand, his palm curled around a blade I hadn’t noticed before that is pointed at Lysander’s stomach.
Thulrak grins as his gaze drops to the knife. “I’m familiar enough with your kind to know what’ll kill you.”
Lysander’s eyes widen and he releases the Orc, taking a step back. Reyla rushes to him, throwing her arms around his waist. “My son.” She sobs as Lysander loops an arm around her in return. “I was so worried for you.”
Thulrak and the others look at each other, something passing between them before he turns to me. “I know you’re going to ask, but we don’t know the name of the Vampire that wants you dead.”
“What did his bloodsworn look like?”
“A dark tunic and pants,” he murmurs, frowning. “But he did have something sewn into his cloak. A bird of some sort.” He looks back at his friends and they nod. “Like a raven.”
I inhale sharply. It’s Lord Stryker. It must be.
“Given that he wants to stop you from making it home.” Thulrak looks at me. “I suggest you leave now, before he sends someone else to try to kill you.”
“Why are you helping us?” I ask.
“Word of you and your mate has spread far and wide.” He meets my gaze evenly. “You are Lady Juliet Greyvale—one of the sanishon spoken of in the ancient prophecy of the Lythyrians.”
The innkeeper mentioned a prophecy but he didn’t explain what it was about. “What are you talking about?”
One of the other Orcs steps forward, his gaze almost reverent as it meets mine. “The prophecy of the sanishon and the Fallen Knight.”
I start to ask him to explain, but Lysander looks at me. “If what the Orcs say is true, there could be others coming for you, my Lady. I believe we should leave as soon as possible.”
“He’s right.” Thulrak looks at me. “Go. We’ll follow in the woods behind you.”
Lysander growls, obviously not thrilled about them coming with us, but before he can voice his protest, Thulrak adds, “Do not let your pride get in the way of your Lady’s safety.”
He gives them a reluctant nod.
We gather our things and head to the stables, mounting our horses and setting off toward the castle. The night is cold and clear, the moonlight casting an eerie glow across the winter landscape. Lysander flies ahead of us, checking for any hidden danger while the Orcs are somewhere in the woods nearby on their Dire Wolves.
The castle looms in the distance, shining like a beacon in the night from the dozens of burning torches lit up along the outer wall.
Lysander returns and swoops down low before landing in front of our horses. To their credit, neither mare startles at his sudden approach, but then again, I suppose they must be used to his presence since he is probably the one who tends to them at the Manor. “I do not detect any danger nearby,” he says, and we follow him toward the main gates to the courtyard.
A lone howl echoes from the forest and I turn back to see three of the Orcs on the main road far behind us, as Thulrak rides toward us on his dire wolf. “No one followed you here,” he says, answering my unspoken question.
“Thank you for helping us.” I gesture to the castle. “Would you like to come inside and warm yourselves by the fire?”
Lysander narrows his eyes in displeasure but remains silent.
“You are too kind, Lady Greyvale,” Thulrak says. “But we cannot stay. We are traveling to the Orc lands to pledge ourselves to the king.”
“The Orcs have no king,” Lysander says.
“He has returned,” Thulrak says. “And he has called upon every Orc to join him in the fight against the Mages.” He dips his head in a subtle bow. “It was an honor to meet you.”
“And you as well,” I reply.
“Goodbye, Lady Greyvale.” His golden eyes meet mine evenly as he thumps his fist to his chest. “May the shape of your fate be carved by your blade.”
Before I can reply, he leaves, disappearing into the woods with the others.
I turn back to the castle. The tension in my chest tightens as we draw closer, wondering what we will find here. Sending a silent prayer to the gods, I pray that my husband will appear.
Lysander pushes the doors open, and we step inside. Elsie comes around the corner, her eyes widening in surprise. “Juliet?” she calls out. “Reyla? Lysander?” She gives us a bewildered look, and my hope turns to despair when she asks, “Where are the others?”
“We don’t know,” I reply, trying to keep my voice even despite my worry.
“Come in from the cold, my dear,” she says, looping her arm around my shoulders and guiding me toward the fireplace in the study. “We’ll get you all warmed up by the fire while you tell us what happened.”
Kaely rushes up to us. “Where’s Uncle Eben and Uncle Val?” She blinks up at me. “They promised to bring me some seashells.”
Tears sting my eyes as I reach into my cloak pocket and curl my fingers around some of the shells I’d gathered when Valaric and I walked along the beach. I lower myself to one knee and hold them out to her with a watery smile. “They’re not here yet,” I tell her. “But they sent these ahead with me for you.”
“Thank you, Aunt Juju.” I swallow against the sudden lump in my throat as she hugs me tight. A bright smile lights her face as she takes the shells from my hand. “They’re so pretty,” she whispers. “Will you help me?” she asks. “I want to make a bracelet. One for Uncle Eben and one for Uncle Val.”
“Of course.” I bite my bottom lip to keep it from quivering.
She holds the shells up to her mom as Ava walks to her side. “Look, Mommy.”
Wolf-Shifters have excellent hearing, and I’m sure Ava and her mate, Cole, heard what I said about not knowing where the others are. Their eyes shine with worry as they look at me, but they remain silent, not wanting to upset Kaely.
Kaely sees Reyla and Lysander and rushes over to them. Reyla gives her a warm hug and when she turns to Lysander, she raises her hands, jumping up and down in excitement. “Pick me up, Uncle Lys! Pick me up!”
Reyla leans close. “The little one is so precious. They came with Lord Valaric the last time he came to the manor.”
Lysander scoops Kaely up, and she wraps her little arms around his neck. “I’ve missed you, Uncle Lys.” She presses a kiss to his cheek.
He smiles. “I have missed you too, little one.”
When he sets her back down, she grabs his hand and pulls him toward the kitchen. “Come on. We can have tea with Rupert.”
“Who’s Rupert?” he asks, looking around in confusion.
Cole laughs. “Her new stuffed bear.”
A smile quirks his lips as he follows after her. “All right.”
Lysander sits at a small table near the back of the kitchen, having tea with Kaely and her stuffed animals. He has such a kind heart. It surely cannot be comfortable to sit in those small chairs, but he doesn’t complain.
The rest of us sit around the bigger table, speaking quietly so as not to alert Kaely about our concerns, while I tell them everything that has happened.
Elsie looks at me. “At least we know the prince is not behind this.” She gestures to the document Alayna gave me validating our marriage. “I doubt he would have bothered to give you this if he was the one who had them.”
I swallow hard. “The prince’s blood wife warned me that House Greyvale has many enemies within the royal court.”
Cole leans forward in his seat. “If Stryker is the one who sent someone to assassinate you, that begs the question: How did he know you and Reyla were alone?”
I’ve thought about this. And there are only two reasons I can come up with. “Either he had one of his Day Guardians spying on the manor and they saw us leave, or he has Valaric and the others.”
Ava looks at her husband and takes his hand. “We must be prepared for anything. Lysander, Cole, and I will make sure the grounds are secure. But for now, I believe it is best that we all remain here and wait.”
“For what?” I ask.
Her piercing gaze meets mine. “If they are alive, Valaric will find his way back to you. I am sure of it. But for now, I am certain you made the right choice to come here. He would want you to be safe.”
“There has to be something we can do,” I say even though, deep down, I know the truth. We have no idea what happened to them, and we cannot blindly begin searching when we do not even know where to look.
“Before you came here, we considered Lord Valaric to be part of our pack,” Cole says. “As his bride, we have accepted you too. And we do not abandon our packmates.” He meets my gaze evenly. “We will not give up on finding the others. You are part of our pack, and we will protect you and defend you.”
Tears sting my eyes, but I force them back as my gaze travels over each of them. “Thank you.”
Panic and fear threaten to overwhelm me as I think again of Alayna’s warning. But as I look around the table, I realize that I must be strong. Not just for myself, but for them. Valaric is not the only one missing, and until we learn otherwise, I choose to hold onto the hope that they will return.