Page 79 of To Vanquish Darkness

She clenched her fists, not even glancing back to spot Ren, and rounded a corner, her gaze catching on a wooden sign swinging in the breeze. The image of a horse and rider was painted on the weathered surface, and warm light spilled out from the windows below. An inn.

Amalie slowed, her senses on high alert as she approached the door. He was watching. Ren would know that she’d come here for the night, and there wouldn’t be wards or enchantments around these rooms. But she had no choice. She needed a place to rest until morning.

As she reached for the door handle, a flicker of movement caught her eye, and she turned, her heart leaping into her throat.But it was only a cat, its eyes glowing in the lamplight as it darted across the street.

She stepped into the inn, the warmth and light enveloping her like a cozy blanket. The interior was as expected. Wooden furniture, a roaring fireplace, and candles casting a soft, golden glow through the quaint room.

A middle-aged man stood with a ledger book open in front of him. His hair was graying at the temples. “Bonsoir.”

Amalie nodded. “I’d like a room for the night if you have one.” Her voice was steady despite the fatigue tugging at her limbs.

The innkeeper nodded, sliding the ledger toward her. "Sign here, mademoiselle. Payment is required upfront."

Amalie froze. Money. How had she forgotten money? “I—” Her mind spun, searching for any possible solution. She couldn’t sleep in the streets, but she had nothing of value on her person.

“I didn’t realize you’d already gone in.” Ren strode through the door of the inn, raising an eyebrow as he approached the counter. "Here you are.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small pouch, placing it on the counter. The innkeeper's eyes widened, and he quickly counted out the appropriate number of coins before sliding the ledger back toward Amalie.

It felt as if the air going in and out of her lungs traveled through a pinhole as she scrawled her name on the line. He was there. He was watching. She hated that she was desperate enough to take his money.

"Glad I could help." Ren's voice was like velvet as he turned and strode out of the inn.

Amalie snatched the key from the innkeeper's outstretched hand, her stomach churning. She rushed out of the room and ascended the staircase, the wooden steps groaning under her weight. The dim lighting from wall-mounted sconces castlong, flickering shadows along the walls. She reached a narrow hallway, and the flames sputtered as she passed.

Her room was at the end of the corridor, the number eleven etched into the wood of the door. She frowned, realizing she’d been looking for Theo’s signet.

She slid the iron key into the lock and twisted, the mechanism clicking in protest before the door swung open. The room was simple. A wooden bed with a thick quilt on top, a washbasin with a pitcher of water beside it, and a small open-air window with heavy shutters.

Amalie locked the door behind her, then crossed the room to check the latch on the window. Satisfied it was secure, she poured water into the basin and splashed her face. The cold shocked her senses, bringing her mind back into focus.

How she wished for Henriette. For a warm bath and clean clothes.

Amalie couldn’t bring herself to undress. If Ren came in during the night, she wanted to be ready.

She slid under the quilt and lay on her back, staring at the wooden beams above her. It was a relief to lie down, but she didn’t see how she could sleep. Not knowing she was being watched.

Although, Theo had been guarding her at the castle, and she didn’t mind that as much as she thought she would. There she’d been a priority. Here, she was nobody.

She turned on her side, trying not to think about Ren finding a way through her window. He would wait. Theo had asked him to watch and wait.

As she pulled the quilt higher over her shoulders, Amalie stilled. Had he asked? It was what Ren had told her, but since she’d been taken to the abbey, Theo had never once asked for Ren’s help. Or any of his coven’s help for that matter. He’d been careful to keep her away from the other vampires. If he trulythought she would leave, wouldn’t he have sent Henriette? Or one of the other serving girls?

A shiver passed through her. If Theo hadn’t asked Ren . . . then why had he been at the door of her room?

33

1836 SERVON, FRANCE

Somehow Amalie slept. It was fitful, but it was something. When she noticed thin strips of morning light forcing their way through the shutters, she threw off the quilt and strode to the washbasin.

Her hair was still sticky where she’d sat against the tree, but there was nothing to do about that. She couldn’t waste another second of daylight, especially if it meant Ren couldn’t follow her as easily. Her mind wandered back to the quandary of which route to take.

First, she thought about the main road leading directly to Mordelles and the countryside. It was the fastest way, but also the most obvious. Ren would anticipate that route, and she couldn't afford to be predictable. Too risky.

Next, she considered cutting through the forest. The dense trees would provide cover, but it was always dangerous. Even during daylight hours. The forest was known for its treacherous paths and wild animals. Though she’d never believed the attacks spoken of were committed by anyone other than vampires. And now she was sure there was one tracking her.

A shiver ran down her spine as she remembered Theo's words.There are some fates worse than death.

Her mind raced, considering the narrow, winding streets of Valenciennes. She could weave through the alleys and side ways, hoping to lose Ren in the labyrinthine layout. It was a longer, more complicated route out of the city, but it might be her best chance.

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