Page 77 of Sophie's Ruin
“It’s good to be back,” my father replied, his voice hoarse. His blue-gray eyes were also glistening with tears. “Waylon told me about what you’ve accomplished. You defeated the Dark Witches...” He trailed off, studying my features as if to make sure I was still me. “He also told me what happened after… Are you okay?”
Suddenly, I felt like a little girl in his presence; the weight of the past few days crashing into me, nearly sweeping me under. I managed to stay on my feet as I nodded.
“I’m okay,” I assured him.I will be.
“I see you brought her back like you promised,” I heard Waylon say to Henry.
“I did,” was all Henry said.
He didn’t add that bringing me back had almost cost him his life. My skin prickled at the thought. As if sensing my unease, Henry stepped closer to me, his proximity bringing instant comfort.
“What about the clans?” Waylon asked, his features tense.
“They live,” Henry replied. “They appointed new clan leaders, with whom we met the other night. They have agreed to give up control over the Empire.”
Waylon looked shocked but not relieved.
“How are you going to enforce that?” he asked, his tone apprehensive.
“We forged a magically-binding contract signed in blood. If the clans ever get out of line, Sophie and I will be there to put them back into their place. All we ask is that the humans leave us be and let us live peacefully alongside them,” said Henry.
A heavy silence followed his words. Everyone turned to Waylon as if waiting for him to decide how they should feel about what had been revealed. It didn’t go unnoticed that even though the Governess was among us, Waylon seemed to hold more authority than she did at the moment.
Finally, after another beat of silence, Waylon’s shoulders sagged, and his features relaxed just a fraction.
“That’s great news about the clans and the blood treaty. I believe you will help reinforce the new world order, but I still plan to recruit more men into the Order of Light and become more organized.”
He turned his attention to me.
“I tried to spread the word about what you did for this country,” he said. When I tensed, he added, “Without giving too much away.”
The secret of the Tear is safe with me,I read in his eyes.
“I don’t have a problem with the vampires living alongside us. Especially, if you can help keep them in check. But I can’t guarantee the others will feel the same way. The border guards…” His throat worked on a swallow. “The ones that remained… They’ll seek retribution for what the clans did. It will be safer for you to leave the region.”
As if on cue, Isabelle strode into the foyer, loaded with bags. Wren rushed to her aid though she didn’t need it.
“We know,” I said to Waylon. “We are planning to leave as soon as possible.”
We’d realized days ago that not all humans would see me as their liberator. They would see me only as a vampire—a predator whose protection they no longer needed. An animal that had to be put down so the humans could feel safe. Our family couldn’t stay here. We needed to go away—to get lost in another region, enjoying a simple life without attracting attention to ourselves. The only reason we hadn’t left yet was because I’d wanted to see my father to say goodbye.
“Lord Duval—” Madam St. Clair’s husky voice rang out in the foyer, drawing everyone’s attention to her.
“No need for formalities, Madam St. Clair,” Henry interjected. “I am no longer Lord Duval, I am simply…Henry.”
A look of wonder stole over his face as if this was the first time he realized that he no longer had the Lord’s title attached to his name. He didn’t seem upset by it. On the contrary, relief was etched into his striking features, and his deep-blue eyes danced as he glanced at me. Smiling, I stepped away from my father and closer to him. He smiled back, lovingly tucking me to his side.
“My Henry,” I whispered, so low that only he could hear.
His smile grew.
“On behalf of the humans of the Empire, I would like to thank you for what you did for this country,” Madam St. Clair said, looking at me. Her shrewd gray eyes scanned me from head to toe as if she was seeing me for the first time. “I should have known you were up to something when you volunteered to participate in the Selection the second time.”
I lifted a shoulder in a non-committal gesture.
“I, for one, am glad you didn’t suspect anything. When you let her participate in the Selection again, you brought her into my life,” Henry said, affection pouring out of him as he stared down at me.
“I have a feeling even if I didn’t, she would have found another way into your life,” Madam St. Clair remarked.
