Chapter 57 Komal
Beth: I’m sorry, you WHAT?
I WAKE TO MOONLIGHT STREAMING through an arched window, aching teeth that feel like lead in my mouth, and a gnawing hunger.
Augustin leans across the bed and kisses me before handing me a goblet of blood, which I scarf down like it’s a plate of Papa’s pakoras and then beg for more.
I’m on my third one when I hear a voice like the sweetest music.
“Augie! Komal!”
Hannah runs into the room, followed by Dante, who gives me a mischievous wink. Their scents slam into me, all the new information cluttering my system, making my head spin.
When she throws her arms around her father, bright yellow flowers spring from the stones beneath their feet. And then she crawls onto the bed beside me.
“Komal, look at your fangs.” She touches one of my curved incisors. They’re going to take some getting used to. I’ve already bitten my own lip three times. “You’re so cool. This place is wild, right?”
“The wildest. Are you okay?”
“I’m not locked in a cell anymore, so yes. I’m great. And we have news.” She beams at Dante.
“The priests have met, studied the samples of Hannah’s blood, consulted some of our ancient books, and they have agreed that Hannah must be allowed to live.
However, should she choose to remain outside of court, she is to be monitored closely by a high-ranking priest, to ensure she’s not a danger to humans or vampires.
” Dante takes a deep bow. “I have volunteered for the job.”
“That’s amazing.” I wrap my arms around Hannah.
“It’s not a final answer. We still have to keep her presence a secret for now. But it’s the beginning. They acknowledge that she exists and that she is no monster. I think in time…” Dante grins.
Augustin meets my eyes. He opens and shuts his mouth, but no sound comes out. I get it. His joy is beyond words.
We still have so much to fight for, but we’ve proven that vampires can change. Which means that Hannah has a chance for a real life.
And we can be a family.