27. 25
25
Thorn
I awake slowly, blinking up at the canopy overhead. For a moment, I’m disoriented, unsure where I am. Then, memory returns in a rush—the slaughter, the loss of control, and Draven accepting me even after witnessing the monster within.
I sit up, cradling my head in my hands. My emotions churn like a stormy sea. Last night changed everything. Was it last night? Draven knows my darkest truth now, yet he still sheltered me with compassion. And I… I let him in, trusted him enough to unburden my past. An act of faith after being alone for so long.
Rising from the bed, I run my fingers through my hair. The residual fog of sleep is slowly lifting, allowing me to take in my surroundings properly. This is not my chamber, I realize with a start. The furnishings are far too fine, masculine in their simplicity. I must be in Draven’s private apartments. He brought me there after…
Quickly, I head for the door, cross the hall, and enter my own room.
A whine draws my attention. I look over to see Luna perched expectantly beside the bed, green eyes bright.
“There you are,” I murmur, reaching out to stroke her soft fur.
The familiar gesture soothes my lingering anxiety. Luna nuzzles against my hand, her warm presence grounding me.
I move to the window overlooking the western gardens. The sun hovers just above the distant foothills, painting the sky vivid hues of orange and violet. It’s nearly sunset. I must have slept the day away. Probably for the best. It was exhausting in body and spirit.
Luna leaps gracefully onto the sill beside me, brushing her tail along my arm. Ready to talk? Her voice in my mind is gentle.
I let out a long breath, watching the diminishing rays play across the blanketed gardens. “I suppose I must, though I hardly know where to begin. ”
I fall silent, struggling to arrange my chaotic thoughts. Slowly, I spill everything that happened since we last saw each other.
I’ve finished, but Luna waits patiently, radiating compassion. When I remain mute, she ventures, It was brave, telling him those secrets you’ve held so long. The first step toward healing.
I let my forehead rest against the cool glass. “Was it? Or have I foolishly given him power to destroy me?”
Draven seems sincere, yet old fears run deep. If word spreads of what I am…
You underestimate his honor and his care for you. He will not betray your trust. Luna sounds utterly certain.
I wish I could share her faith.
“I want to believe that,” I whisper, “but it is not so simple to set aside a lifetime of wariness. You were right, though. Confronting the past may be the only way forward, as terrifying as that path seems.”
Luna nuzzles my cheek. Her warm breath tickles my skin. You need not walk it alone anymore. I am with you and now Prince Draven as well, if you allow it. Fate gave him to you for a reason. It would be wise to accept their gift .
I smile softly at the thought of having allies on this difficult road. Perhaps together we can face the shadows that haunt me… if I can find the courage to fully let Draven in.
“Do you really believe fate could have bonded us?” I ask hesitantly.
Draven seems convinced our stars are aligned, but after shutting off that part of myself for so long, I hardly know how to embrace it.
Luna’s eyes shine knowingly. Really Thorn? You’re now second-guessing that the fated mate bond is real?
A knock at the door cuts short our conversation.
After crossing the room, I open the door to find Draven. He looks refreshed and devastatingly handsome as always in a black doublet embroidered with silver thorns along the collar.
“Good evening.” He smiles warmly, clearly relieved to see me recovered. “I hope you are feeling better after some rest.”
I dip in a brief curtsy, touched by his thoughtfulness. “I am, thank you, though I fear I slept the day away. ”
“No matter. It gave me time to prepare a surprise.” Draven’s eyes dance with anticipation. He offers his arm. “If you would accompany me.”
I hesitate only a moment before accepting, letting him draw me close. I give one quick glance back at Luna before I close the door behind me. I swear that fox had a smirk on her face.
Draven’s presence is comforting and electrifying all at once. Perhaps I am ready to explore what fate wishes me to find here.
“Let us see what surprise you have in store.” I give him a playful smile to mask the sudden flutter of nerves in my belly. His joy is contagious.
Draven leads me through quiet servants’ passages until we emerge at the base of a narrow winding stair. I eye the gloomy ascent warily as he gently propels me upward.
“Where are we going?” My whisper echoes eerily off the close stone walls.
“To visit an old friend, one I hope can help provide some… clarity.”
Cryptic as ever.
I hold my tongue, sensing Draven will explain no more until we reach our mysterious destination. I recognize the old passages, the very same that I used to visit an old friend, but he couldn’t be…
After what feels like endless crumbling steps, we finally halt before an iron-banded door etched with arcane symbols. As Draven knocks sharply, I smooth my skirts and pull back my shoulders, determined to face this unknown trial with poise.
Shuffling sounds precede the door creaking slowly inward. A stooped figure leans heavily on a gnarled staff, blinking rheumy eyes in the gloom. Recognition hits me with the force of a physical blow.
Master Eodan. The ancient castle mage who tutored me decades past when I was nothing but a new vampire in this court deceiving all with my tea and fake name. My knees nearly buckle. He will surely recognize through his mystic sight the truth of what I am.
Draven’s hand at my back propels me gently over the threshold before I can bolt
The mage peers at me, bushy brows drawing together thoughtfully beneath his ragged hood. “Welcome, child.” His gravelly voice holds no malice, only curiosity .
My nerves settle slightly. Perhaps he does not recall me after all.
Draven clears his throat. “Master Eodan, may I present—“
“The witchling Thorn. Yes, yes.” Eodan waves away the introduction impatiently.
My heart sinks. He knows.
The mage’s keen gaze bores into me. “You only shared half the story when last we met, child, but I knew.”
I clench my trembling hands in my skirts, unsure whether to plead for mercy or flee this exposed perch. Draven’s steady presence at my side keeps me rooted in place.
Eodan smiles then, a creaky but kindly expression. “Peace, girl. Your secrets are safe with me.” He shuffles closer and pats my hand with one of his gnarled, age-spotted ones. “I am glad to see you well after so long. Last we met, your exit was… dramatic.”
Before I can gather my scattered wits to respond, Draven interjects, “You two have met before?” He looks between us, brows drawn together in confusion.
Eodan chuckles, a raspy sound like dry leaves skittering across stone. “Oh, yes, though she went by another name at the time. Came to me near a century ago seeking arcane knowledge, concealing her true hybrid nature.” He gives me a knowing look over his hunched shoulder. “You thought yourself clever with that herbal concoction, but you couldn’t fool my Sight.”
I flush, embarrassment and unease swirling within me. Back then, I was so cautious, so mistrustful of any who might divine the truth. If Eodan chooses to expose me now before the prince…
But the old mage simply pats my hand again. “Fear not, child. Your secrets were safe with me then, as they remain now, but you shouldn’t keep all of your secrets to yourself. Tomorrow’s the anniversary of renewal winter solstice.”
Tomorrow? I nearly forgot.
I glance at Draven and see a myriad of emotions play across his handsome features—surprise, curiosity, and, most unexpectedly, hurt. He must feel stung that I kept even part of my past hidden from him.
Impulsively, I grasp his hand, uncaring of propriety in front of Eodan. “Forgive me,” I implore softly. “I only wished to leave that haunted, distrustful version of myself buried firmly in the past. I see now that was foolish.”
Some of the tension eases from Draven’s posture. He entwines our fingers and squeezes gently. “I understand. All is well.” Turning back to the mage, he asks politely, “What prompted your previous acquaintance, if I may?”
I take a steadying breath as I feel both sets of eyes turn to me expectantly. I cannot keep this final secret any longer, not if there is to be true trust between us.
“Draven, there is more I must confess about my time here before,” I begin hesitantly. “I was not merely a student of Eodan’s. I… I lived at court for a time under a false identity. I went by the name Vivian then.” I look down, ashamed. “Everyone believed me harmless, just another court diversion, but I had a secret purpose.” I meet Draven’s intense gaze. “I discovered ancient records about a ritual used to cement the royals’ power—the Winter Solstice reaping. It drained turned vampires to enhance the king’s magic. I was investigating how to stop it without getting caught.”
Understanding dawns on Eodan’s face. “That is why you had to disappear so suddenly back then. You were close to exposing the ritual. ”
I nod, misery squeezing my heart. “Yes. I intended to find a way to stop it after learning more, but I was found out too soon. There was no choice but to fake my death and flee. I had started to prepare, but I couldn’t finish it. I didn’t know when to set the trigger. I did discover that it usually happens in the ballroom. It’s why the castle was built here specifically. The stones the dungeons are carved out of work as a sort of conductor for this spell to draw the power for this.”
To my surprise, Draven enfolds me in a fierce embrace. “We can work on this together. I also found some records of this recently, and Anthony and I have some plans in the works. Plus, it’s a bit of a relief to no longer need to look for Vivian. I had heard that she held some knowledge that could constrain my brother after he took the throne. I was following a lead suggesting that she wasn’t dead when you found me in the snow. Who could have possibly guessed that I found her when I found you.”
I cling to him, tension draining away. The full truth is finally revealed, and I am still accepted. It feels like absolution.
Over Draven’s shoulder, I meet Eodan’s eyes .
The old mage merely nods, approval shining in his wizened gaze. “Well done, child. The truth shall set you free.”
I offer him a tremulous but grateful smile.
After bidding farewell to Master Eodan, Draven leads me up a winding staircase to the castle ramparts. Snow flurries around us, the icy air nipping at my cheeks, but his hand at my back radiates warmth even through his glove.
We walk in pensive silence for a while, both absorbing the truths laid bare in Eodan’s tower. I know much still lies unspoken between us, but the revelations shared today feel like a promising start.
Draven halts at an overlook spot, the mountains rising majestically around the castle. He gazes out at the snow-capped peaks, brow furrowed in thought.
“We don’t have much time,” he says at last. “The solstice ritual happens tomorrow night during the ball. Now that we understand its dark purpose, we may have a chance to stop it.” He turns to me, silver eyes blazing with conviction. “With your knowledge and Eodan’s guidance, do you think we can find a way to prevent the ritual from absorbing power from my people? ”
I consider for a moment, weighing our limited options as the icy wind tugs at my braid. “Perhaps. I learned enough last time to know the foundations of the spellwork, but I will need access to the magic I have set in the ballroom and a way to disrupt the ritual at just the right moment.” I chew my lip anxiously. “It will be difficult with so little time.”
Draven nods, jaw set with determination. “We will find a way. I cannot allow my family to keep inflicting such atrocities.” His expression softens as he brushes a wind-blown lock of hair from my cheek. “You give me hope that change is possible, Thorn.”
My heart swells, warmed by his faith despite the daunting task ahead.
I cover his hand with my own. “Then let us prepare. We will face tomorrow together.”
Draven’s smile steels my resolve.
We climb higher along the parapets until Draven stops before a thick oaken door set into the stone. “Ready for your surprise?”
At my curious nod, he pushes open the door to reveal a cozy chamber nestled at the top of a corner turret, lit by flickering candles and warmed by a merry fire in the hearth. My eyes widen taking in the table set with gleaming dishes and elegant tapered candles. A bottle of wine chills in a silver bucket beside a vase of winter roses.
Draven helps me remove my fur-trimmed cloak. “I thought, after the exhausting day, we deserved a private repast away from prying eyes. Some time to simply… be.” His voice drops low on those last words.
My pulse quickens as he guides me to the table, each touch sparking heat beneath my skin. I allow myself to relax into the intimacy of the scene. Tonight is just for us.
We dine on tender pheasant in cranberry sauce, buttery mashed potatoes with chives, crusty bread, and an array of tiny cakes for dessert. Everything is delicious, but it’s Draven’s company that truly nourishes me. The conversation flows easily, his humor and intellect sparking my own. For the first time in forever, I feel free to simply be myself.
As we finish dessert, soft flecks of snow dance past the arrow slit windows. I gaze out at the whirling flakes, comforted by the cocoon of warmth we’ve created within these old stone walls.
Behind me, Draven rises and adds another log to the hearth before refilling our wine glasses. “Come. Let’s enjoy the view,” he murmurs, drawing me over to the windowsill piled high with plush embroidered cushions.
I sip my wine, leaning into Draven’s sturdy frame as his arm encircles my waist. Together, we watch the winter storm unleash its beauty beyond the leaded glass. I’ve never felt so at peace.
After a time, Draven shifts beside me. “Do you trust me, Thorn?” His words ghost warm against my ear.
I turn to meet his gaze, finding yearning and promise lurking in those quicksilver depths. “Yes,” I whisper.
It’s true. Despite all that’s happened, this vampire has proven himself worthy of my faith.
Joy lights up Draven’s handsome face. He brushes back a raven curl that’s escaped my braid, his touch trailing sparks across my skin. Ever so slowly, giving me time to pull away, he bends his head and presses his lips to mine in the softest kiss.
My eyes flutter shut as I return the kiss, savoring the tender pressure of his mouth moving with mine. No urgency or heat, just unspoken affection passing through this chaste contact .
When we finally draw apart, Draven grazes his knuckles down my cheek reverently. “You are so very precious to me, Thorn,” he murmurs, silver eyes glowing warmly. “In you, I have found something I never dared hope for—a kindred spirit.”
Emotion clogs my throat, tears pricking behind my eyes. After lifetimes of hiding, here at last is someone who truly sees me. Who values the real Thorn in all her complexities. I feel sort of silly for having avoided the fated mate connection for so long. So many things that could have simply been worked out if we had just talked. I’ve never been one to do things the easy way, though, now have I?
I frame Draven’s face between my hands, pouring all that words cannot convey into another sweet, lingering kiss. For this one perfect night, the past and future fall away. There is only now, only this, only us.
The peaceful moment shatters at the sound of laughter floating up from the garden below. Curious, I lean over the stone balustrade to peer down at the source. To my astonishment, I recognize the golden head of Lord Anthony beside the chestnut curls of Princess Audrey. They stand pressed close together beneath a tree, heads bent in intimate conversation .
Draven joins me and smothers a laugh at the sight. “Well, well, it seems those two have been keeping secrets from me. They’re a good match, though.”
I glance at him in surprise as understanding dawns. “They appear quite… smitten with one another.”
“Indeed, though it’s hardly surprising. Audrey has been enamored with Anthony for years. I’m glad to see he finally returned her affections.” Mischief glints in Draven’s eyes. “Shall we have a little fun?”
Before I can ask what he means, Draven grins. With a flick of his arm so quick I hardly see the movement, he creates a gust of icy wind to swirl down from the ramparts into the garden below.
The brisk air disturbs a nearby bush, dislodging the blanket of fresh snow clinging to its branches. A sparkling cascade rains down over Anthony and Audrey, who laugh in delight as they twirl together amidst the shimmering flurry. Joy fills me seeing how clearly besotted they are.
Above, I shake my head at Draven, unable to hide my smile. “You are incorrigible.”
Draven’s expression grows serious again. “Yes, but their love cannot last. Not when Audrey is expected to make a political match. My father would never approve a turned vampire for his daughter.” Regret tinges his voice.
My heart clenches, reminded anew of the petty prejudices that still persist, even here.
I slip my hand into Draven’s, giving it a consoling squeeze. “Let them have this happiness however fleeting,” I say softly. “We cannot know what changes tomorrow may bring.”
Draven nods, eyes distant in thought. I sense him contemplating all the ways tradition shackles us needlessly but also how, with care, those chains might be broken, one link at a time.
Below, the lovers begin drifting back inside, bundled close beneath Anthony’s cloak.
Draven draws me into the turret room and kicks the door shut against the cold. We settle together on the cushioned seat, my head tucked against his shoulder.
This time, it is I who initiate the kiss, seeking to rekindle the tenderness from before. Draven responds ardently, hands tangling in my hair as he claims my mouth. We take our time rediscovering one another, the rest of the world forgotten beyond these walls.
His fingertips trail along my jawline then lower, gently tracing the contours of my collarbone and the exposed swell of my breasts. His touch is feather-light yet searing hot, igniting a fire in my belly that flares into a raging inferno. I moan softly, arching against him.
Draven’s hands move higher, undoing the buttons on my gown with practiced ease. The fabric pools around my feet, leaving me bare but for the sheer chemise that clings to my damp skin. His warmth envelops me as he pulls me flush against his hardened form, and I can feel the evidence of his desire pressing against my stomach.
A low growl rumbles in his chest as he works to divest himself of his own clothes. In this moment, we are two souls bound by an unbreakable bond, fated mates destined for each other since time immemorial—something I am not longer afraid to become.
With shaking hands, I tug down his breeches, revealing his rigid length. Heat blooms on my cheeks, but I set aside modesty. This is Draven, the only person who has ever seen and accepted me as I am.
I take him into my mouth, savoring the taste of him on my tongue. He groans above me, fingers gripping the stone behind me as I explore every inch of him with growing boldness .
Draven’s hand cups the back of my head, gently guiding me as I learn anew the rhythms that please him best. My name is a litany on his lips, half curse, half prayer, spurring me on.
When he can no longer stand it, he lifts me up and settles me straddling his hips. “I want to see your face as I make love to you,” he whispers hoarsely, flames flickering in his eyes.
Slowly, achingly so, he enters me, an exquisite ache that tightens my core around him. Our gazes meet and lock as our bodies move together in an age-old dance. The connection between us deepens with every thrust, bodies entwining, souls entwined as one.
At the heights of ecstasy, our fangs descend.
As he rocks into me, my fangs graze his neck, and my hunger overwhelms me. He looks at me with a mix of lust and determination in his eyes. I bite.
His rich, heady blood floods my mouth, and a feeling unlike any other roars through me. Our connection solidifies, forged by the very essence of who we are. I know I am home—in his arms and in his heart.
He growls low and bites down on my neck, his fangs sinking into my vein. The climax hits, crashing over us in a wave so intense that I see stars.
Still joined, we pant for air, hearts pounding in tandem. Draven’s arms encircle me, holding me close as we come down.
“I love you,” he whispers into my hair, his voice hoarse with emotion.
“I love you too,” I manage, my own voice unsteady.
Together, we sit and savor the sensations coursing through our entwined bodies. The king may be against us, but tonight, we are invincible. Tonight, we are us, and that is all that matters.