Page 8 of Elegy of Twilight
When he saw me, he sat up straighter and angled his body toward me. Light shone on his face, displaying his curiosity as he leaned his lute against the rock and approached me.
“My lady of the moon, I did not expect to see you again. Why are you here?”
“I had to come,” I said, trying not to be disarmed by the way he stole close to me, as though I were a wild beast that would spook and run if he moved too quickly.
“You’re not supposed to be here,” he said, circling me. “Alone in the night, without yourguards. Don’t you know it’s unsafe for a woman like you?—”
“I weighed the costs, and I understand the risks,” I spoke quickly, cutting him off. He’d better let me speak before I lost my nerve. “I’m here because of what happened this morning. A man was found on the road leading south with his throat torn out. You or your minions are at work again, and it has to stop. I came to ask you once and for all.”
His lip curled, and he paused in front of me. Dark pools of sapphire glittered as his gaze raked over me. His bold stare left me flustered. This was an idiotic idea.
“Why do you believe I have the power to stop the rising madness?”
“You’re the vampire king, aren’t you? You should control your dominion.”
His nose twitched, and he glanced away, rubbing his jaw as if deep in thought. “How perceptive of you,” he said, finally. “What if I told you I’ll control my domain, but only if you make a deal with me?”
A bloom of warmth spread across my chest.Hope.“I’m listening.”
He took another step closer, rough fingers sliding under my chin to lift my face to his. I willed every inch of my body into obedient stillness. Iwould not let him know what his touch, his closeness, did to me. He didn’t need to know how he made me feel weak and long for things that went against my vows.
“I will promise to use more control if you will come to me one night a week.”
A lump swelled in my throat, and I blinked twice, trying to maintain my sanity. I should have known this would be a requirement, and my heart should not have leaped in anticipation.
But it did.
If this is what I must do to protect Veilix, then so be it. However, it was a risk. If I was discovered, my actions might be viewed as unforgivable and I shuddered to image my fate.
The High Priestess encouraged the priestesses to live a life of sacrifice and to think of others first in the name of selfless love. She believed that if we set the example for the villagers, others would follow in our footsteps. She was convinced that as long as we stood firm in our convictions, ignoring those who scorned us but showing love and mercy to all, we would display a great strength that others would come to respect.
At the moment, I couldn’t help but think of her words, and I knew, beyond the shadow of a doubt,that what I was doing was not her intention. But did I have a choice?
I was choosing between death and life, and he only claimed one night, which meant that instead of becoming his victim, I would continue to carry out my daily duties. No one would be the wiser as long as I kept my secret.
But he was dangerous, and my lips burned at the memory of his kiss. What would time spent with him do to my soul?
“We have a deal,” I heard myself saying, voice strong, without wavering.
He released me suddenly and stepped back, confusion making his features tighten. “Just like that, we have a deal? You care so much about the welfare of others that you would put yourself in danger?”
“I would,” I replied, speaking with a confidence I did not quite feel.
“Why?”
“Because it is what is right. Everyone deserves a chance to live without their lives being cut off by monsters.”
“Everyone that is, except for you? Because you’ve chosen to be the sacrifice, to stand in the gap and protect these people with your life.”
I fought to keep my panic from rising. “Does that mean you intend to kill me?”
“No, my moon goddess, I intend to keep you safe, which is why I must do this.”
His lips closed around the column of my neck, and his teeth sank into my skin. I thrust my hands against his chest to shove him away, but he responded by wrapping his arms around me, holding me tightly to him. He was strong, much stronger than I expected, and in his embrace, I couldn’t move.
A low moan left my lips as I gasped for air, and he sucked hard. Had he bitten me hard enough to make me bleed, and now he was drinking my blood? I could think of no other logic as to why he was holding me so tightly and sucking my neck.
My heart skipped. He was feeding on me.
