Laurent drew me back into the main room, and we began a slow circuit around it together. We walked in silence for several steps, but as he pushed open a door into a study fitted with two desks, he spoke again. “I know you’re worried about getting home and letting everyone know you’re all right. But once you do that, there shouldn’t be anything stopping us from our mission.”

  A sad smile crossed my face when I saw the hope in his eyes. “Laurent, it’s far more complicated than that. I want this to be a great adventure. I want to see the outside world and experience everything I can before I return home. But I don’t belong here.”

  “I don’t belong here either,” he said gently. “We both belong out in the world, doing what needs to be done to make sure there is a tomorrow.” He hesitated. “You said you have secrets. I won’t ask you to tell me your whole life’s story, but when you’re ready, I’ll listen without judgment. I want us to be honest with each other. What’s the worst that could have happened? That you killed someone?”

  I nodded. “That’s generally the worst thing I do. And I don’t think it’s necessarily a bad thing. The two people I’ve killed in the city were ruffians who dragged my cousin and me into an alley and tried to rob us.” I met his eyes. “But that’s my point. If you asked most people, I doubt they’d be happy about it.”

  He nearly tripped over his own feet. “I… did not expect you to say yes to that. I’m glad you’re safe, though. How did you manage without a class?” He paused, then shook his head. “No. Never mind. It doesn’t matter. I think if you asked, most people would agree you did the right thing. You defended yourself.”

  I could tell that he didn't understand, and I let out a small sigh. Perhaps that was for the best. "Laurent, this world is not where I belong."

  That seemed to make him brighten for some reason. “Yes, I understand that feeling. It still feels like only yesterday I was worrying about social media and office politics. Having someone I can make pop culture references to is… nice. There are a lot of things I miss about our old world.”

  I stopped as we opened the next door, revealing a lavish bath with a tub clearly meant for two. I stared at it for a second before looking back at him. “I’m not entirely sure what you just said to me, Laurent.”

  His shoulders sagged. “Except when you do that. You understand what I’m saying, and yet you don’t. It’s almost like you’ve forgotten everything from before.” At my continued confusion, he went on more carefully. “Do you not remember being someone else? Someone from Earth? You always seem just on the edge of understanding me, and I can’t tell whether you’re teasing me… or protecting your secrets.”

  I crossed my arms and almost denied it, but stopped myself. He was right. I did almost understand many of the strange things he said. Often, I knew exactly what he meant, but the context was missing, as if part of the meaning had been stripped away. When I tried to focus on the memory, or even on the feeling it stirred in me, it always led back to the dreams I’d started having after I was abducted.

  “Laurent, after I was kidnapped, I began dreaming about being someone else,” I said quietly. “It started after I was poisoned, when I began passing out at night. Sometimes you’ll say something that sounds like nonsense, but I know it isn’t, because I recognize it from those dreams. I don’t really understand it, but I know what the words mean. Is that what you’re talking about? Do you have dreams like that too?”

  He shook his head slowly. “No, Mirela. That isn’t what I mean at all. I remember my entire life before this one. At least, most of it. I don’t remember how I died, and I’m grateful for that.” He studied my face. “Are you saying you don’t remember your previous life?”

  It took me a few seconds to process what he’d said. “Are you saying these dreams are someone else?” I asked, my voice tight. “Someone trying to take over my body, or my life?” The thought made my world tilt, suddenly fragile. How would I even stop something like that?

  Laurent let out a soft, amused laugh. “No, no. Not at all. Stop looking so horrified.” He smiled at me. “It sounds like you’re only regaining fragments of old memories. Did something happen to you when you were young? You have nothing to fear from yourself. You might even remember a few things you like. Gods, that actually explains a lot.”

  “Laurent, I don’t want those memories,” I said, the words rushing out faster than I meant them to. “They’re changing who I am. They’re making me feel more about everything. They’re making me care about things I never would have given a second thought to before.” I drew a shaky breath. “Most of the time, I don’t even realize I’ve done something differently until after it’s already happened. It isn’t like me. I don’t know who that person was, and I like who I am just fine.”

  The words spilled out, carrying fears I’d been holding onto ever since I first noticed the changes. Hearing him speak so casually about being someone else finally pulled them into the open. If I hadn’t slept without dreams the night before, I might have panicked completely.

  Instead, Laurent stepped forward and wrapped his arms around me, holding me close.

  “Mirela, everything is all right,” he said softly. “You’re going to be okay. Maybe we can find a potion to help you sleep without dreams. Are they really so bad?”

  I hugged him back, but only for a moment before easing away. “No. Maybe they’re not all bad.” I hesitated. “I like my family. I’m glad I care about them… And I didn’t dream last night. Maybe I won’t anymore." Then, a faint smile crept in, "You know, if I’d never had those dreams at all, I’d think you were quite mad.”

  He nodded solemnly. “Mad? You’d probably be right. I am still trying to convince you to marry me, after all.”

  I smacked his chest lightly and moved on to the next door, which opened into a spacious closet filled with clothing. One side held garments similar to what I’d seen Laurent wear. The other was lined with dresses and robes that looked uncomfortably close to my size. I reached out to touch the velvet of one sleeve. “How did they know?”

  “I imagine they guessed based on your mother’s size,” he said. Then, with a hint of amusement, “Or perhaps not. They are led by an Oracle.”

  “You’re not as funny as you think,” I told him, grinning. Then I glanced back at him. “How do you know you want to marry me? We hardly know each other. I suppose we’ve had time to take each other’s measure, but shouldn’t there be more to it than that?”

  “I think that’s your old memory talking,” he said gently. “In this world, getting along as well as we do is considered a blessing. Still, you’re not wrong. It would be good to know each other better, and we will. I’m just not certain we have the luxury of time.”

  I raised an eyebrow at him. "You're not being very convincing. That was not much different from agreeing with me, then saying we should do it anyway."

  He snorted a laugh. "No, I suppose it wasn't. Well, then, I know this is the oldest pickup line of all time, but if we don't get married, the world is going to end."

  I smirked. “Is that what the Oracle meant? And how do you imagine something so simple could end the world?”

  That stopped him. “You heard that,” he said, looking away. “I don’t know. Maybe us being together inspires people to fight. Maybe it keeps us steady while we’re out there. Maybe it protects us from something terrible. Or maybe it simply makes us happy.” He met my eyes again. “All I know is that somehow, you accepting a ring from me keeps us from being doomed. But even if it didn’t matter to anyone else at all… I’d still want to give it to you.”

  It felt as though someone reached into my chest and squeezed my heart. “Even if I’m going to leave?”

  He took a deep breath and stood a little taller. “Even if you are going to leave. I know you’ll find me again. And if you don’t, or if you can’t, I’ll come and find you.”

  I watched his eyes as he spoke and knew he meant every word. Somehow, that hurt. I didn’t fully understand why. And yet, I wanted it. I could already feel my thoughts reaching for justifications. I would never have married anyone else anyway. Accepting the ring wasn’t the same as completing the ceremony, so did it really matter? And what if the Oracle was right?

  “Laurent, I have to leave, but…” I stopped myself. For a moment, the thought of staying longer tempted me. No. I shook my head. “I would still have to leave. And you would be left here, halfway to married or not.” I forced myself to meet his eyes. “If you can accept that, then I’ll do it. And I will explain before I go. I won’t leave you wondering why. You will regret this, and you won’t come after me. You need to understand that. You need to understand you’re making a sacrifice by doing this. And I expect you to keep my secrets anyway, even if you decide you hate me.”

  With every word, concern gathered on his face, but he didn’t interrupt. When I finished, he nodded. “I promise to be loyal and to keep your confidence. For better or worse. I can’t imagine what you could tell me that would make me think poorly of you.”

  If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  I shrugged. “Then I suppose we should do this.”

  “Don’t sound so grim,” he said with mock severity. “This is meant to be a happy occasion.”

  I managed a small smile. “I suppose it is. We should enjoy that, while we can.”

  We had been drifting toward the last door, the open bedroom, but I stopped and took his hand, turning us back toward the hall that led into the cathedral instead. I pulled the door open to find the paladin still on guard, chatting with a priestess who had been walking the halls. She looked young and a little nervous, but clearly delighted by the attention. Her timing felt almost suspiciously convenient.

  “Excuse me,” I said, interrupting them. “Could we borrow you for a moment?”

  Her eyes widened. She bowed quickly. “Yes, Saint, of course.” She gave the paladin an apologetic nod and stepped into the room before I closed the door behind her. “How may I serve?”

  I offered her a small smile and glanced at Laurent. “The rings?”

  Laurent drew the small boxes from his pocket and held them out to her. She gasped as understanding dawned, her gaze flicking back and forth between us. Laurent noticed and smiled gently. “Thank you for coming on such short notice, Priestess. We’re ready.”

  “Y-yes. Of course,” she said, fidgeting with her robes. She closed her eyes, her lips moving silently as if she were searching for the right words, then opened them again and tried to steady herself.

  “We stand here in the presence of the gods,” she began, her voice shaky at first, “under the watchful eyes of Sophia, who bears witness to the sacred exchange of rings between two blessed souls.”

  She took a breath, and when she continued, her voice was steadier. “Sophia, Goddess of Wisdom, guide us in this moment of unity. Bless this bond with your knowledge, and grant these two the wisdom to walk their paths together.”

  She held the rings in trembling hands and murmured a blessing, her confidence growing with each word. “By the authority granted to me by Sophia, I bless these rings. May they serve as symbols of intent, trust, and devotion. May they bring understanding and harmony to the bond they mark.”

  Something in the room shifted, settling softly over her outstretched hands. She opened her eyes and offered one ring to each of us.

  I looked at Laurent. He gave me a small, encouraging nod as he took my ring. I took his.

  “With this ring,” the priestess said, “you pledge your heart and your path. Wear it as a sign of the promise you make today, witnessed by wisdom and held in trust.”

  Laurent took my hand and slid the ring onto my finger. I did the same for him, my hands unsteady but sure.

  “Before the gods, and in the presence of wisdom,” she finished, “this bond is acknowledged and sealed. May it be strengthened by truth, patience, and understanding.”

  I had the distinct feeling something else should follow, some final declaration, but instead she stepped back, giving us space.

  Laurent filled it without hesitation. He stepped forward, set his hands at my hips, and kissed me.

  I hadn’t quite expected it, though some part of me had. I leaned into him, my hands resting against his chest as warmth rushed through me. For a moment, I wanted nothing more than to curl my fingers into his shirt and pull him closer.

  But we weren’t alone.

  When we parted, my lips still tingled, and I found myself short of breath as I looked into his eyes.

  The priestess cleared her throat, her cheeks pink, and offered us a shy, girlish smile. “Go forth,” she said, “bound in purpose and blessed by the gods. May your journey together be guided by wisdom and joy.”

  I turned to thank her, but she was already slipping out of the room. I stared at the closing door for a moment before Laurent spoke.

  “I didn’t think you were going to go through with it.”

  I grinned, my hands still fisted lightly in his shirt. “I said I would. I meant every word, Laurent.” I began pushing him backward, guiding him farther into the room. “I know you’re hoping it isn’t true. I know you’ve convinced yourself I’m overstating things, that we’ll find a way. And I am truly sorry.”

  He let himself be pushed, right into the bedchamber, his eyes sweeping over the space before he gave me that crooked smile. “So far, I don’t see anything I’m going to regret.”

  I tilted my head and grinned back. “A shame, though, that your precious nobility means we must abstain from all those… normal almost-wedding-night activities.” I lowered my voice conspiratorially. “Those books had so much material to work with.”

  He chuckled, shaking his head. “You forget, you’re nobility as well. And now promised to be doubly so. The rules apply to you just as much as they do to me.”

  I wrinkled my nose at him. “Then tell me. What do nobles do on the night they exchange their bond rings, enduring the temptation while they wait for the final ceremony?”

  That made his expression soften, the humor fading into something more thoughtful. “Usually, it’s a time for learning how to live together. Understanding one another’s habits. Talking about family matters, the future. Preparing for what comes next.”

  I waved all of that away and gave him a shove, sending him back onto the bed. I followed immediately, curling in beside him. “We only have one night, Laurent. I don’t want to waste it on duty. If we can’t go out and enjoy what’s left of the festival, then let me enjoy this instead.”

  I rested my head against his shoulder, breathing in his warmth. “Lie here with me. Tell me about your life.” I smiled faintly. “And kiss me again. I liked that.”

  I awoke many hours later, deep in the night, sprawled across Laurent’s chest. He let out a quiet groan, not quite waking with me. I closed my eyes again for several minutes, simply taking in the feel of him beneath me, the warmth of his body, the way he smelled, the steady rhythm of his breathing and heartbeat. My traitorous heart whispered that perhaps, just for a little while, I could stay.

  I opened my eyes and looked up at his face. I knew I needed to go, and the depth of how much I wanted to stay made me feel painfully selfish.

  But this was not my world. He hadn’t understood what I meant when I said that before, but he would.

  I slowly untangled myself, easing my legs free from where they were woven with his and slipping out from beneath the sheets. I sat up, then leaned over him, one hand resting on his chest. At last, he stirred, blinking his eyes open and smiling at me through sleep.

  “Mira… is it morning already?”

  I shook my head. “No, Laurent. It’s the dead of night. It’s my time.” I bent down and kissed him gently, then pulled back just enough to look into his eyes. “I promised I would tell you the truth. And now I will. I’m sorry. I think I might love you, Laurent. At least a little. I don’t know. But I don’t want to hurt you, and I don’t have a choice.”

  He lifted a hand and ran it along my arm. “Whatever it is, Mira, we’ll work through it together.”

  I shook my head again. “This isn’t something to be worked through. I wish it were.” I took a breath. “You told me about your life. Now it’s time I tell you about mine.”

  He looked like he was about to interrupt, so I continued.

  “Laurent, I don’t know exactly what happened to my family. But they died in the Dark Forest. And I believe I did as well. Only… I’m here. Alive, in whatever way I can be. Now somehow a Saint, promised to a Hero, like something out of an old story.”

  I paused, gathering my thoughts. He spoke into the silence, confusion clear in his voice. “Mira, you’re not making any sense.”

  I closed my eyes and nodded. “I know. It’s because I’m unique. If I were like the others, you would have noticed right away. Or maybe not. Maybe we never would have met.” I opened my eyes and met his gaze. “I wasn’t raised by an adoptive father near the edge of the Dark Forest. I was raised by the master of the Dark Forest, in its heart. I lived my entire life in the castle of Ebonhold. I only met humans when they trespassed too far into the forest and were captured by Father, or by one of the other vampires.”

  Confusion flickered across his face, then slowly shifted into something almost amused. “Mira… are you teasing me?” he asked. “Are you saying you were raised by vampires? You’re not telling me you’re a vampire. I’ve seen you in sunlight.”

  I smiled gently. “I’m telling you exactly that.”

  He exhaled, the sound caught halfway between a sigh and a laugh. “You had me worked up over a joke like that?”

  I let out a soft breath through my nose. “Oh, Laurent.” I leaned down and kissed him, lingering only for a moment. Then I bent closer and whispered against his ear, “I’m sorry. Don’t be afraid. I won’t kill you.”

  He started to chuckle, but the sound cut off abruptly when my lips found his neck and I bit down.

  His hands lifted, uncertain, hovering as if he didn’t know whether to push me away or pull me closer. He did neither. Nearly three full seconds passed before his arms fell limp at his sides, the moment stretching into a blur as the rich, powerful, sweet blood of a Hero filled my mouth.

  It was nothing like any other blood I’d ever tasted. Every instinct in my body screamed at me to use Blood Drain, to pull every last drop from him, and I had to fight myself not to do exactly that. I was careful. I didn’t even come close, taking only enough that I could feel the change in his blood pressure before I stopped.

  I drew back just enough to look into his wide, stunned eyes.

  “I’m a monster, Laurent. I’m a vampire,” I said softly. “I’m sorry I bit you, but I knew you wouldn’t believe me otherwise. Don’t be afraid. My bite isn’t deadly. Not if I don’t want it to be.” My voice wavered despite my effort to steady it. “But now you understand. Now you know what I mean when I say this isn’t my world. My world is the Dark Forest. It’s a place where I’m a predator, far from human civilization. A place where I kill to survive.”

  I swallowed. “I wish I could stay here with you. Or that you could go there with me. But we can’t.” I shook my head faintly. “I’m sorry, Laurent. I hope one day you can forgive me.”

  A tear slipped free and fell onto his cheek. That was when I knew it was time to go. I’d already lingered far longer than I should have.

  I crawled off the bed and stood, watching his eyes follow me. Then, like a coward, I turned away and fled.

  I found my way back to the closet, heart pounding. At some point, we’d had the sense to change into bedclothes, and there was no chance I could manage the festival dress on my own. I had no choice but to take one of the saint’s robes that had been prepared for me. It fit comfortably, an elegant balance of modesty and style that I didn’t have time to appreciate before I slipped it on and prepared to leave.

  I almost left everything else behind, but decided it would be wasteful. I threw the Saint's Mantle around my shoulders and picked up the staff before walking back beside the bed and stopping beside Laurent. It had only been a couple of minutes, and my venom would stay in his system for much longer than that. I wouldn't let him suffer. I bit my hand with a single fang before putting it to his mouth.

  “Drink it. My blood will cure the vampiric venom in your system. I won’t leave you here, paralyzed for half the night.”

  I wasn’t certain whether he chose to obey or simply couldn’t resist, but he did. Within seconds, the slackness left his body, color returning to his skin as the bite at his neck began to heal.

  Before he could regain enough control to react, I spoke again. “I’m sorry, Laurent. I’ll miss our time together. Stay safe. Now… sleep.”

  He looked as though he wanted to say something, his lips parting slightly, but his eyes fluttered shut instead.

  I stepped away from the bed and crossed to the window, opening the shutters to the night air. The ground lay only two stories below. With a single step into the shadows, I left the cathedral behind and disappeared into the dark.

  Need something to cheer you up? What about the torment of Levi!

  Wait. Let me try that again. How about this heart-warming story of Levi and his best friend, a cute snake with a great hat?! I have no idea who keeps giving all these snakes adorable hats, but I hope they never stop.

  Seriously, though, this is a great story from my friend Shady! And I'm sure it'll pick your spirits right up!