Page 93 of Wicked Thirst
“No, he said that’s not the kind magichecan do. It doesn’t mean someone else can’t do it.”
“But we barely have relations with the witches because of Alataris. How could we possibly . . .” My eyes widened. “You don’t think he could, do you?”
“I think he could, and I think he would.” Graymont perked with excitement. “Put the child to bed and meet me back here in moments. I will have him here, and we will see what can be done.”
“Do you think this will work?” I didn’t dare hope, not after what The Fallen had said to us.
“I think we have to keep trying and never give up.” He hurried for the door.
I turned back toward Titus. “I know you’re in there, my love. Please fight it for us. Please.”
In answer he arched his back and threw his head back, bellowing toward the ceiling. His screams echoed off the walls and shook the castle. I hurried out the door and moved through the castle like a ghost. Everyone looked at me with pitying glances as I hurried by. They knew their King had gone mad and I was the dutifully wife who stood by him. When I reached the nursery, I went through the motions of handing the baby over and making sure he was okay, but my thoughts were already trying to get back to Titus. I didn’t recall the walk back to the dungeon or anyone I’d spoken with. My mind was focused only on getting back to Titus and Graymont to see what could be done.
I arrived just as Graymont and Marius walked into the dungeon. I stopped before the two of them and held my breath. “Can you do it?”
Marius glanced through the bars at Titus. “The curse and the magic run deep. It will take dramatic effort on both your parts.”
I reached for his hands and cupped them in my own. “I swear you will have anything you desire if you do this for us.”
“As you know, I’ve kept my magic hidden. I would prefer Alataris not hear of this. It is why I’ve chosen to live among the vampires though my warlock power would love nothing more than to be used more readily.” He glanced between the two of us. “I must admit it was a blessing to befriend you both in such a time of need.”
“Marius, what we’re asking . . . it could be dangerous,” I tried to warn him. “They said the curse is in his blood.”
“If that is the case, then we must be rid of that blood.” He said it so simply, like draining the Vampire King was just as easy as that.
“He will surely die.” Graymont shook his head. “We don’t want to kill him.”
“I didn’t say drain him dry. We have to replace it with new blood, royal blood . . . family blood.”
Graymont’s eyebrows shot up. “You want to take his blood and replace it with mine?”
“In theory, if you exchange blood, then your body won’t react to the curse. As lovely as Moira is, you’re not in love with her.” Marius motioned between the two of us.
“Yes, but once his blood is clean. what’s to stop him from falling to the curse again once he wakes?” I didn’t want to go through this again. I wanted to ensure my family was protected.
Marius steepled his fingers and pressed his mouth to them. “That’s going to be the tricky part, I’m afraid.”
“That’sthe tricky part? Not the blood exchange?” This all seemed so far-fetched.
“My particular magic is very strong when it comes to memory. In order for this to work and for the curse to not come back, we have to make Titus believe he never loved you. He must think you were only ever friends.”
My jaw dropped. “You want to rid me from his memory completely?”
“Yes, it’s the only way to ensure he won’t fall once more.” Marius nodded.
“And what about Grayson? He’s his son. We can’t just hide a baby from his father!” He was only days old, and this was his start. I wanted the best for him, and now he was getting erased from people’s memories after barely coming into the world. And how would that affect him as he got older?
Marius nodded toward Graymont. “You tell her.”
I looked back and forth between the two of them. “Tell me what?”
Graymont took my hand in his and held it while catching my eye. “We’re going to make Titus think that Grayson is mine and that you were my wife.”
“Have you both gone mad?” I pulled my hand free of his. “That is insane.”
“Think about it, Moira. Grayson looks like us. Titus will remember you, and you can stay here in the castle. Grayson will be close to his father, even if he thinks of him as an uncle.”
I slashed my hands through the air. “This is . . . Graymont, what of the life you want? Don’t you want children of your own? A family of your own?”
