Page 56 of Treasured

I glanced at her, and my eyes widened. Her wings weren’t beating as fast as they should be, and her teeth were chattering. I wasn’t certain why Luna got so much colder than me—maybe her Sunwalker blood set her apart—but this wouldn’t do. Not knowing how much longer we’d have to fly before finding the owl, I made a split-second decision.

I veered towards the nearest mountain. The Tether gave a twinge of warning, but it stopped when Luna followed me. Snow billowed up in a white cloud when my feet made contact with the mountain. I spun around, grabbing Luna as she came straight at me.

Waiting until her feet were steady on the admittedly small mountain peak, I spread my wings behind me for balance and pulled off my scarf.

“Drink, Luna.” I exposed my neck. “My blood will warm you, and then we can continue.”

Her eyes widened, but she didn’t protest as she came close and bared her fangs. They pierced my neck a moment later, and I frowned.

How long had she been hungry? I should have been paying attention and noticed the first moment her wings faltered. Instead, I’d been lost in recollections of the past.

When Luna was finished, her shivers had subsided. Still, I took her face in my hands and studied her. “You should have told me you were hungry,” I said. “If something were to happen… You need to tell me.”

How could I protect her otherwise?

Her eyes searched mine, and she nodded. “Okay. I will.”

Kissing her gently, I looped my arm beneath her thighs and scooped her up. Her bag bumped into her hip, and she wrapped her arms around it. “Sebastian, what are you doing?”

I nuzzled her forehead. “Put your wings away, darling. Let me carry you.”

This time, I wouldn’t let anything distract me. Not to mention the added bonus that I could feel everything when she was in my arms, and I knew she was safe.

A heartbeat passed before Luna nodded. “Alright.”

Her wings disappeared in a flurry of shadows, and she sighed contentedly, snuggling against me. Her head rested against my chest, and I hugged her close. Stealing one final kiss, I launched into the skies once more.

The stars were gone. Grey, ominous clouds covered the moon, and we flew in complete darkness. Deep within my soul, the queen’s call drummed a steady, muted beat.

We couldn’t break this bond fast enough.

* * *

It didn’t take long before Luna was shivering again. My own blood was chilled as the temperature grew colder by the minute. Neither of us spoke as I navigated the increasingly tight spaces between mountains, searching for a flash of orange.

Snow had begun falling, leisurely at first, but now much harder, and the wind was picking up.

Are you alright, Luna? I asked through our bond.

She trembled in my arms, her breath coming out in puffs of white mist. Just a little cold.

Vampires weren’t supposed to feel the cold, at least not like this. But it had long since been established that my wife was not normal. She’d been special as a human, and as a vampire, she was truly incredible. It made me worry for her, though, especially in moments like this.

Brushing my lips over her forehead, I held her tight. Hold on.

Flapping my wings as hard as they could, I pushed myself to fly faster. The owl was close; I was certain of it.

We just had to find it.

Another few minutes passed before my breath caught in my throat. Orange flashed, and I exhaled. Thank the gods. Relief flooded through me. “I see it. It’s not far.”

Slowing down, I approached with care. The last thing we needed to do was spook the owl.

Luna shifted in my arms, and excitement flashed through the Binding Mark. “It’s beautiful.”

I glanced at Luna. Her lips were pale, her fangs poked out, and her cheeks were flushed. Her dark hair escaped its braid, adding a wildness to her that I adored.

I kissed her. “You are.”

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