Belinda plopped down on the couch in the living room and crossed her arms. "Why aren't I allowed in the town meeting?"

"Are you talking to yourself again?" Demarius said from the kitchen, where he prepared something to eat. Yes. It was one in the morning, but you know what? She also sometimes woke up late—or early as hell—and had something to eat. "Or are you asking me?"

"I was asking my imaginary friend."

"Then, maybe you're indeed losing your sanity."

"I was being sarcastic!" She pushed herself to her feet and helped him prepare food.

"I'm not in the meeting either."

"That's because they want you to watch over me—I just can't understand why they prohibited me from attending."

"The meeting is to decide whether you stay or not. It will be up for a vote."

"Maybe your mother should just allow me to leave with Fane."

"If she does and you're murdered, the guilt will destroy her."

"I understand that, but what if whoever is behind the murders grows tired and attacks the town to get to me? They'll be far more dead."

He remained silent as he served the beef and vegetables on two plates. "What if this is more than simply wanting you? If the vampire behind this madness seeks the throne and manages to kill Fane using you as bait, we're all dead. They'll be millions of humans hunted down for sport... or worse..." Sadness flashed across his face before he turned away from her. "The vampires love to point out what the rich did long ago to them. They forget that darkness plagues all races. I've officially been a slayer for two years, and I saved thousands of humans from bloodthirsty vampires. Last week, Catherine and her team rescued five women kidnapped by a faerie."

After he sat at the table, she settled on the chair beside him. They ate silently for a few minutes before she set her fork down and met his gaze. "Why does Catherine believe we're more than friends?"

"Because she has a screw loose."

"Denarius, she said everyone could tell—never mind. I shouldn't pay her no mind."

He leaned back in his chair, drumming his fingers on the table.

"The vampire used his threads on me."

He stared at her, astonished. "Impossible. You'd be dead if he had."

"Maybe it was all an illusion... He had complete control over me," she paused, recalling the intense pain from the threads on her skin. "It felt so real... I freed myself from them. He seemed pleased when I did." Meeting his gaze, she noticed the worry reflected in his eyes. "Denarius, why would he be pleased I freed myself from his control?" She raked a hand through her hair. "Nothing fucking makes sense."

Denarius resumed drumming his fingers, then halted, cocking his head as though he heard something she didn't. Eyebrows furrowed, he rose from his chair and approached the window, drawing the curtains back. As he strode outside, Belinda followed.

Harper stood feet from the porch, her head lowered. "I didn't come to cause trouble."

"What's going on?" Belinda asked. "Is Fane alright?"

"Please, come with me."

Denarius seized her forearm. "She isn't going anywhere. Leave."

"Why are you all hell-bent on keeping her from him? You all know... you know they need each other."

Denarius fell silent for the longest, his grip not loosening. "Fine, but I'm going with you."

She hissed and approached Denarius, who didn't seem afraid at all of her. "You still haven't severed the magic binding you to her?"

"She's not going anywhere, bloodsucker."

Harper bridged the distance, wrapped her manicured hands around his neck, and as he released Belinda, she slammed him against the side of the house.

"Harper, stop."

Belinda's eyes flew open at Denarius's weapon materializing from his bangle. Harper didn't seem threatened by it as she leaned closer, parting her lips to flaunt her fangs. "Do not test me, Slayer."

Denarius's eyes glimmered violet before he seized Harper's hand, which still held his neck. He wrenched her away from him and shoved her back, raising his sword in front of him. "Don't mistake me for a mere human. I have no guarantee you're who you claim to be."

Harper didn't move for the longest, but Belinda noticed the abnormal twitch of her hands as her nails turned razor sharp.

"Please, this hatred will get us nowhere," Belinda said.

Denarius pulled her closer. "What if it isn't Harper? We could walk right into a trap."

Harper visibly relaxed and turned to them. "Please break that magic binding you to her. Because of it, now you are also a target. All they have to do is capture you." When she approached them, Denarius was about to raise his sword again, but Belinda grasped his wrist, forcing him to pause.

"The fragrance of your blood is alluring."

Belinda arched an eyebrow, and Denarius seemed taken aback as well.

"Harper? Have you fed?"

"I haven't had the time."

Belinda positioned herself in front of Denarius. "When was the last time?"

"Two weeks ago." She smiled, giving them a full view of her large incisors. "Don't worry. I'm fine."

"Doesn't look like it," Denarius said.

Belinda offered her hand. "You should feed."

"I'd never feed from you. You're my friends' beloved."

Belinda sighed and glanced at Denarius.

"Hell no."

"It's one bite."

"Yeah, which can lead to far more."

"Do not worry about me. I will feed once I get the time to." Tears gleamed in her large, round eyes. "So much has happened. I just..." Her voice trailed off.

"It wouldn't be smart to travel with a thirsty vampire, would it?"

"No." He hesitated before his sword vanished, transforming into his bangle. "Fine." He offered his wrist to Harper, but she simply stared at it.

"Harper, you know you shouldn't go too long without feeding."

With clear hesitation, Harper took his offer and bit into his wrist. Her eyes swirled scarlet, with amber flecks flowing within. As she fed, Belinda could see the effects of the vampire bite affecting Denarius. His eyes shimmered violet, and he laced his fingers in Harper's curls.

Belinda cleared her throat, but neither seemed to remember she was still there. "Now, I know what Delilah meant."

Harper snapped out of it first and retracted her fangs, retreating a couple of steps. "Forgive me, slayer blood is far more addicting than that of a human."

Denarius's eyes finally returned to normal.

"Did you know that?" asked Belinda. "If I would have known I wouldn't have—"

"It's fine." He stared at Harper for a little too long before averting his gaze. "How long?"

"I do not know. But Fane needs her. Please."

"I'm going with her."

"Fine."

_____

Harper's silence only worsened Belinda's concern for Fane. On the other side of the portal, they found themselves in the opulent decorated living room of the royal palace.

Nico rose to his feet, a snarl slipping his lips. "What the hell is he doing here?"

"He's no enemy." Belinda stood in front of Denarius.

Quinn emerged from the foyer. "Harper, have you grown mad? Why would you bring one of them here?"

"He is her guardian. I had no choice. Besides, this is not the first time he has been in these lands."

Harper averted her gaze while Quinn gaped at her. Quinn addressed her in their native language, and everyone present appeared surprised by whatever she said. Harper's cheeks flushed a delicate pink. Everyone's attention shifted to Denarius when he spoke in the same tongue.

Harper stared at him, the pink hue in her cheeks intensifying. "You speak our language?"

"Of course. All slayers are required to learn all languages spoken by the supernaturals."

Quinn seemed amused before taking a sip of the drink in her hands. "Fine. I will do my best not to rip his heart out."

Belinda had no time to ask them whatever they had said. "Where is Fane? Is he okay?"

No one answered her, which created pressure in her chest.

Harper offered everyone something to drink. Denarius asked for a beer and shrugged when Belinda glanced at him. She doubted her guardian should drink anything that could mess with his focus.

Delilah came from the kitchen and handed him an empty glass cup before hovering her hand over it. As an act of magic, it was filled with beer.

"So, you are Denarius. I have heard a lot about you," Quinn said.

"Good things, I suppose?"

"A man not fully human capable of taking down three beasts all on his own is sort of impressive."

Belinda wasn't the only one astonished by Quinn's compliment.

"What? Even though I dislike them, I am not going to lie by saying that it is not impressive."

"Fane will be here soon," Delilah said. "His... His father died last week."

"What?" Her eyes widened. "But I thought he had recovered."

Sadness flashed across Delilah's face. "I don't know how, but the poison hid well..."

Such a cruel move. To give Fane a glimmer of hope to then yank it from him.

Now, it made sense why Harper had no time to feed. Fane wasn't the only one hurting.

"Why have you not felt his pain?" Quinn asked. "You should have. You are his beloved... Or did you ignore it?"

"Of course not."

"Then I do not understand why you have not come to him—you should have felt..." She averted her gaze. "You should have felt his pain as though it were your own."

"The bangle shadows her from Fane," Denarius said. "It also shadows him from her."

"Then she should rid herself of such a cursed item."

Belinda fidgeted with the bangle, remembering the other times she had indeed sensed him. Why hadn't she this time when he needed her the most? "I should have been there for him."

"He did his best to avoid us all. He most likely blocked you out," Harper said. "Besides, I doubt he would have permitted you near him."

When the door opened, Silas entered the house. Belinda stood as Fane followed suit. Before she moved an inch, Quinn hurried to Fane's side and hugged him.

"You did not have to come."

"You are not only my ally but also my friend. You are far more important to me than a council meeting."

When his gaze rested upon Belinda, she became rooted to the ground. Neither moved. Everyone started to head outside, except for Denarius, who took a sip of his beer, looking relaxed on the sofa.

He arched an eyebrow when Harper glanced at him. "What? Oh, you know I can't leave her alone."

"Who the hell are you?" Fane asked.

"Denarius. Her guardian."

"She is safe here, so move it." Harper forced him to stand and out of the house.

"All right, I'm moving."

Perhaps it wasn't wise to leave Denarius alone with werewolves and vampires. They wouldn't hurt him... would they?

"I'm sorry," she said, moving closer to Fane. No words could ease the pain he felt at the moment. Time would heal the wound left from such profound loss, but leave an eternal scar. She couldn't imagine the anguish of losing a loved one, especially a parent.

Once close, she pulled him into an embrace, never wanting to let him go. She wished she could alleviate his pain, even if for a mere moment. As they parted, pausing with their lips centimeters away, she met his captivating eyes and lost herself in their depths. Consumed with the desire to feel his lips, she leaned in. Just as their lips were about to meet, he retreated a couple of steps, raking a quivering hand through his disheveled silver hair.

"Fane—"

"I do not deserve any sort of happiness."

The pain laced in his voice broke her heart to pieces. "Why would you think that?" She attempted to seize his arm, but he recoiled away. "Fane—"

"It is my fault!"

She fell silent.

"The death of my brother... of my father." He paused, his eyes welling up with tears. It pained her to see him in so much turmoil.

"Why would you think that?"

"A year before I met you, someone attempted to gain adherents to take the throne from my father. Dante and I decided to eliminate the threat. When I had the chance to kill Jericho, I hesitated. Despite everything he had done... I could not bring myself to kill someone I once considered family." He paused, tears he struggled to contain trickling down his cheeks. "My hesitation cost my brother his life"

Belinda inched closer and cupped his face after wiping his tears away. "That wasn't your fault, my love."

"Of course it was... I should not have hesitated—I should not have assumed that my father healed from a poison that has killed millions in the past."

Her voice cracked as she attempted not to cry. "You couldn't have predicted this. No one could have." She pulled him down to her, pressing their foreheads together.

The bangle adorning her wrist caught her attention, and this time, she was the one to part from him. Fane grasped her forearm and pulled her back to him. As he moved closer, his eyes lingering on her lips, he said, "Stay with me tonight."

Her heart went wild. "I can't."

"Why not?"

She couldn't tell him that even if she wanted to, the magic binding her to Denarius would teleport her back to him. "I have to follow the slayer laws—"

His eyebrows furrowed. "You are a terrible liar, my love."

Why did she think she could lie as well as her mother had to Charlotte?

He clasped the back of her neck and pulled her to him, evoking a sweet spark within her. "If you are afraid for the safety of the slayer, I assure you no one will lay a hand on him—Of course, unless he does first."

Her mind became fuzzy when he brushed his parted lips over hers. As he deepened the kiss, her heartbeat quickened, and a rush of warmth spread throughout her body.

With a tender touch, he traced his fingers along her forearm before grasping the bangle. A gasp escaped her lips when it released a jolt of electricity. She staggered backward as it intensified, its electric tendrils swirling around Fane, who seemed unfazed by them. The necklace he wore that shone as bright as the sun absorbed the magic.

"I know that magic."

"I'm sorry—I..."

Her voice trailed off as Denarius entered the house, Harper and Delilah a couple of steps behind. Fane's eyes glimmered crimson before he turned and grabbed Denarius by the shirt.

Delilah hurried toward them and seized Fane's wrist. "Please, calm down."

"How dare you bind yourself to my beloved."

"What don't you understand about me being her guardian?" Denarius stood with palpable arrogance, seized Fane's wrist, and wrenched it away from him.

"Fane, please stay calm."

Belinda noticed the same twitch in Fane's hand she had in Harper's. "Fane?"

Thin lines webbed across his hand as he remained silent.

Harper seized Denarius by the arm and tugged him away from Fane. "Back off, Slayer." Denarius bridged the distance between them, and Harper hissed at him. "Are you that desperate to die?"

"Enough." Everyone fell silent as Charlotte descended the grand stairs accompanied by Leah and Declan.

Quinn entered the palace. "Niko and Silas went for a run. Be thankful I convinced them to not teach you a lesson, slayer. Werewolves are not overprotective only over their mates."

Charlotte approached Denarius, and although Leah and Colton remained near the grand stairs, Belinda could tell they were ready to beat Denarius senseless if necessary.

"I know it must be difficult for you to trust us, as it is for us to trust you."

"You know nothing."

His eyes flashed violet and Charlotte smiled, one that seemed so innocent, almost childlike. "Those eyes remind me of an old friend. Isaiah. A powerful sorcerer." She watched Denarius's reaction, but he revealed nothing. "I always assumed the rumors of some of you being descendants of sorcerers were a lie, but with you standing right before my eyes, I stand corrected."

"Your father is a sorcerer?" asked Belinda.

"That man is nothing to me."

He moved toward Belinda, but Fane shoved him back. "Break the magic binding you to her. Now, slayer."

"If I do that, vampires will track her down and kill her. My magic is keeping her alive."

Belinda's eyes narrowed. "So, it was because of you I didn't feel Fane?"

"Yes." He didn't even hesitate to answer.

"You shouldn't have done such a thing without telling me first."

"It's my job to ensure you're safe."

Charlotte rested a hand on Denarius's shoulder. "This is no time for feuds."

Denarius glanced at Belinda before lowering his gaze. "She can remove the bangle whenever she desires. I blessed it."

"I am delighted to know you were smart enough not to cast the spell directly upon her," Charlotte said. "Binding yourself to someone can be dangerous. I know that you are still young, but many of you have died because of such magic."

Belinda fidgeted with the bracelet. "I'd like to continue to wear it." Charlotte turned her attention to her. "I'm still under their protection and I know Zeref wiped my presence from the town... I just don't want to take my chances and have some crazed vampire track me down. I'd rather shadow my presence."

"While you wear that, your bond with Fane will be weak."

"I know. Once this madness is over, I'll remove it."

Declan approached Fane and said something in their native language. Charlotte maintained her gaze on Denarius as though she knew he understood whatever Declan had said. Without another word, Fane headed upstairs.

"Is everything okay?" asked Belinda.

Declan's gaze lingered on Denarius before saying, "Of course."

Denarius narrowed his eyes. "Then you want me to trust y'all. Don't lie to her or I'll tell her myself."

"The loss of my husband has affected Fane greatly. When vampires are consumed with grief, it can propel them to madness and their humanity will erode. Fane almost shut it all off yesterday," Charlotte said.

"My presence will ease his pain, wouldn't it?"

"Of course," Delilah said, which gained her a pointed look from Charlotte.

"It will, but because he was so close to losing his humanity, it would be unwise for us to permit you to be alone with him."

"You would rather take the chances of him having another breakdown and darkness consume him? If that happens, we all know he will hunt her down first and feast on her."

"What?"

"When they lose their humanity, vampires tend to target those they love first," Denarius said.

"But aren't y'all feeling the same grief?"

"And that's how vampire clans are wiped out." Denarius paused. "They're all feeling it. The younger ones struggle more to contain their anguish." He glanced at Harper, who tugged the sleeve down to her quivering hands.

"And what happens if grief consumes them?" asked Belinda.

"They will have to be taken care of before they turn to lost ones."

Belinda moved toward the grand stairs, but Denarius seized her arm. "Where the hell are you going?"

"To help him keep his humanity." She met his gaze, seeing the concern etched on his face. "I can't just return home and act like the man I love isn't on the verge of madness."

He hesitated before releasing her arm. "If he loses control, I'm bound by my slayer oath to kill him."

"He won't."

Without another word, she ascended the stairs and headed toward the door that led to his bedroom. When she knocked, he didn't answer. She reached for the doorknob but paused when it turned. As the door opened, her eyes met his, and to her dismay, they weren't silvery but a charcoal color with deep crimson flecks flickering within.

"Hey."

"You should return home," he said, and she caught a glimpse of his double fangs. "I am not doing so well, my love."

"I know... and that's exactly why I can't just go home."

Tears glimmered in his eyes. "I isolated myself from everyone for the past two weeks. Now I know that was a mistake. Alone, the grief almost consumed me."

She rushed to his side and embraced him. As he encircled his arms around her, holding her tight, her heart throbbed with pain. In silence, they clung to each other for what seemed an eternity. Maybe this was their enemy's goal all along—to drive every royal into madness, eradicating the entire family without ever lifting a finger. No. She would never allow darkness to engulf her beloved.

———

Whenever she felt down, nature had a therapeutic effect on her. Thus, she convinced Fane to take a stroll around the enchanting garden that surrounded the palace. The branches of towering trees, adorned with crystalized flowers, swayed in the breeze.

Fane moved closer and rested a hand on her waist, planting a kiss on her shoulder. As she met his gaze, tiny flowers danced through the air, descending to the ground, creating a whimsical atmosphere before his mouth captured hers in a tender kiss.

When her bangle emitted a faint glow, she slid it off her wrist and held it in her hand, watching the electricity vanish. "I wish I could stay, but I have to return home."

Her gaze drifted for a moment toward the palace, where she spotted Denarius leaning against a tree with Harper. Although she couldn't hear what they spoke of, she assumed Denarius was keeping a watchful eye on her, while Harper likely attempted to convince him to give them some privacy, subtly laced with a threat.

Fane cupped her face, tilting it so their eyes would meet. "Your slayer friend is safe here."

"Removing this will only stop me from teleporting to him, but I doubt the slayers will be pleased if I break their law and stay here."

"The agreement was that the slayer would accompany you whenever you leave the town. It was not for you to be their prisoner."

She placed her hand over his chest, feeling his controlled heartbeat. "I doubt he would be comfortable to spend the night here. Besides, the town was having a meeting, and I'd like to know what was decided."

"Did something happen?"

She doubted Nico or Silas had time to inform him of the attack on the town. Charlotte said he had been close to losing his humanity yesterday, so perhaps it wouldn't be the best decision to give him all the details. "It... It—"

"We should head home." Denarius approached them with an unpleased Harper a couple of steps behind.

"She is staying the night," Fane said simply.

"We need to return to the town."

"Did something happen?"

"Of course not," Harper said, bubbly as always. "But it would not be wise for her to stay here when you have not fully recovered."

Fane contemplated something. "She stays."

"I can't leave without her and you know that."

Fane approached Denarius, his brows furrowed. "Then I guess you will also be spending the night."

"The hell—"

"Denarius, please," Belinda said. "It's only for a couple of hours."

"Is the powerful slayer afraid?" Belinda hadn't noticed when Quinn joined them. "He can spend the night in my chambers. I will keep a close eye on him."

Belinda remembered what Harper had said about slayer blood being more addictive than a human. "No. Harper will take him to her home."

"I will?"

"Please."

"Oh, fine."

Belinda hugged her. "Thank you." She turned to Denarius. "Behave."

"Don't I get a saying in this?"

"If you want, you can head home."

He let out a chuckle. "You know I can't."

"Then, it's settled." She kissed him on the cheek. "See you in a couple of hours."

When she turned to Fane, she noticed his brows furrowed as though he listened to something. "Is everything okay?"

Quinn glanced at Denarius, eyes narrowed before shifting her attention to Fane. "Nico and Silas are waiting to speak with you in the study."

Fane caught Belinda by surprise when his mouth captured hers in a tender kiss. As he pulled away, her eyes met his. "This will only take a few minutes." Then he headed toward the palace.

"Come on," Quinn said, seizing Belinda's forearm and guiding her inside.

As Belinda glanced back, Harper placed her hand over Denarius' shoulder, and they vanished as an act of magic, leaving behind a swirl of golden and brown leaves descending to the ground. "Can Harper teleport on command?"

"Yes, with the aid of a blessed item crafted long ago by a warlock. Of course, it has its limit. She cannot teleport more than one person at a time, so using portals is an easier way to travel."

"Where are we going?"

She paused as they entered the foyer. "You are heading to Fane's chamber. I will join the others in the meeting."

"What's the meeting about?"

"Fane will inform you if he wishes to do so after it has concluded." Without waiting for Belinda's response, she strode down the corridor, admiring the intricate paintings of nature that adorned the walls.

——-

Had she known the meeting would stretch for two hours, she would have gone to Harper's home with Denarius. Belinda stood in the corridor of the second floor, admiring a painting depicting a majestic white horse galloping through a frosty wonderland.

She toyed with the bracelet in her hands and was about to put it on when a firm hand seized her wrist. The sight of Fane brought a smile to her face.

"Forgive me. The meeting lasted longer than I expected."

"What was it about?"

He took the bracelet from her. "Nico suspects a pack has betrayed us."

"And what if he's right?"

"He will challenge the alpha and any others who side with him. He also informed me of the recent event in your town."

She suspected as much.

"Why did you lie to me earlier?"

She sighed. "I'm not sure."

"Love, you cannot keep things from me."

"Fine. I feared you'd be furious and confront them."

"What exactly happened?"

She remembered the threads and rubbed her quivering hands on her forearm. "One moment I was moving—the next I wasn't. Somehow, this man took full control of me with his threads."

He watched her, eyes furrowed. "Threads? No one living is capable of such magic."

"He had them wrapped around me, Fane. Somehow... I freed myself from them."

"There are not many who have such powerful minds to break free from such magic."

"Well, Skylar helped. I heard her... She was my anchor back."

He returned the bracelet to her. "If this enemy owns such a gift, they will attempt to isolate you. Only then will you be weak and able to break beyond return."

"Can you break yourself from such magic?" He didn't answer, and her chest ached. "You can't? But you're of royalty."

"That does not mean I am the strongest amongst my kind, love."

She slid the bangle into her wrist, the familiar warmth shooting up her arm. "Do you have any idea who this could be yet? Does knowing that they can use threads help at all?"

He cradled her face and pulled her closer, his silver eyes sparkling with desire. Her heart raced as he clasped the pendant he gifted her. "Fane?" As a warmth radiated from the bangle, his smile morphed into a menacing one, prompting her to shove him away. His image dissipated in the nether. She whirled around and doubled over, her temples pulsing with a sharp, throbbing sensation, as though someone drove tiny needles into them.

At the end of the corridor stood the masked man, a menacing smile on his lips. He glanced around before focusing his attention back on her. With every step he took, she staggered backward until she collided with the wall. The image blurred for a moment as he reached for her face, threads glinting in the light that were coiled around his fingers.

Her eyes met his to see how familiar they were to Fane's. "Dante?"

"Dante is dead."

She reached toward him, but before her fingers could touch the mask, the image flickered out of view. Her surroundings vanished to reveal an enormous room illuminated by bleeding candles. Fane stood to his feet before stumbling to his knees, the sword's tip plunging deep into the floor. Someone in a crimson cloak approached him as he spoke in his native language.

A gasp escaped her lips when they waved their hands and in the blink of an eye, the masked man crouched before Fane, ripping the sword from his grasp and plunging the blade deep into his chest. Tart-like liquid spilled from the wound and over Fane's skin.

Darkness will consume you both if you continue this path.

"Fane!" Belinda was stunned to see herself sprinting toward her beloved in a golden and crimson gown.

No matter how many times the cycle repeats, the end is the same.

Belinda pulled the masked man away from Fane, and he struck her across the face. His jerky movements resembled that of a marionette battling against the strings of the puppeteer. Belinda watched herself rise to her feet and fight the masked man with a speed no human possessed.

"If war is what you seek, then so be it." Fane rose to his feet, eyes as dark as a moonless night. Enormous bat-like wings emerged from his back. As he coiled his fingers on the sword plunged deep into his chest, all emotion left his face.

"No! Fane!"

Belinda gasped as she jerked back to reality. "What the fuck was that?"

"Love. Are you alright?" Fane held her bracelet in his hand.

Perplexed, Belinda glanced around the room. "I'm going insane, ain't I?"

Fane seized her forearm. "Is everything okay?"

"I don't know." She pulled her hand free, studying him for a moment. "I think Dante is the one behind everything."

His eyes widened. "Impossible. I watched him die, love."

"I've had many illusions shoved in my head... How can you be certain that wasn't one planted in yours?"

"If he was alive..." He approached her and traced the mark on her forehead. "He would bear this mark as well. You could track him down."

"If it's not him, who is..." She raked her hands through her hair before heading down the corridor toward his bedroom.

Fane entered after she did and seized her hand. "Tell me what exactly happened?"

"He got in my head again... I think... He was warning me. I saw you become one of the lost."

He cupped her face in his hands, his silvery eyes holding hers captive. "Love, whoever this is, can play tricks on your mind. If they wish, they can make you see Dante, or anyone else, to persuade you to follow the path that leads to the results they seek." He rested his forehead on hers, sending a warmth from her mark to the rest of her body. "My great-grandfather saw those with threads as a threat and sentenced them to death."

She pulled away, fidgeting with the bangle. "He sentenced everyone based on the actions of a few?"

"Perhaps to humans, it would seem immoral to do such a thing, but my great-grandfather witnessed the horrors those with threads caused. His decision saved millions."

"And now one of them seeks vengeance." She wrapped her quavering hands around herself. "How can you protect yourself against it?"

He fell silent for the longest.

"How is threads stronger than your compulsion? You too can make anyone do whatever you want? Both gifts seem a lot alike, don't you think?"

He approached her. "For my gift to work, I have to make eye contact." His eyes met hers, and her heart skipped a beat. "There are blessed items all over the world that protect people from my gift."

"If threads is so powerful, then why has your enemy not attacked? By the way you talk, he already has won."

"Threads have its limits like any other magic. Besides, ending the life of the one with threads will free anyone under their control."

"How did I free myself from them? I'm human, Fane."

He brushed his thumb along her bottom lip, momentarily sending her focus out the window. "I do not know, but you have proven you are no mere human, my love."

"What do you mean?" she inquired.

"When you were attacked and beaten senseless, if you would have been a mere human, you would be dead."

Her eyelids fluttered as he caressed her lips with his for a moment. "I'm human."

His eyes met hers once more. "I did not say you were not. But perhaps one of your ancestors was a supernatural."

She couldn't help but smile when he did. "Oh really? And what do you suspect they were?"

He trailed his fingers along her arm, setting her skin ablaze. "Werewolf."

"Werewolf?" She laughed. "I'm nothing like a werewolf."

"Your body heat rises when you get angry and aroused. Seems a lot like a werewolf."

Her face flamed. "I'm no werewolf."

When she turned to create distance between them, Fane seized her forearm and pulled her back to him. His mouth captured hers in a tender kiss that took her breath away. As he withdrew, he removed her bangle, and it clattered to the floor. With no magic shrouding their bond, it hit her at full force like a tidal wave.

He brushed his fangs over her tender skin, and she nodded. He bit down, sending breathtaking shudders throughout her body. The plunged neckline of the dress she wore gave him easy access. Her body temperature soared as his hand traced a path from her neck, over her collarbone, and settled in the curve of her breast.

He retracted his fangs and met her gaze before he kissed her. "I love you."

"I love you more."

All the syrupy tingles coursing through her amplified as his lips replaced his tender hands. He continued his sweet torture, eliciting soft moans from her lips. As he made his way to her neck, he bestowed open-mouth kisses upon her skin that left her feeling lightheaded.

His hands gripped her thighs, effortlessly lifting her and securing her legs around his waist. With a hand on her back, he left open-mouth kisses from her collarbone down to her breasts. As she ran her fingers through his silvery hair, she lost herself in the blissful sensations.

When their gazes met once again, the mark on his forehead emitted a soft glow along with his bewitching eyes. "I am forever yours."

Those words affected her in ways she never thought possible.

Before she could respond, his mouth captured hers in a passionate kiss that ignited a fiery sensation within her. As he neared the bed, he continued to shower her with kisses. After he set her down, in fear of her legs giving out, she sat down on the foot of the bed, her eyes never leaving his gaze. When he unbuttoned his shirt, she couldn't resist touching him and as she rose to her feet, she glided her hand over his toned torso, relishing the sensation that sparked in her fingertips.

His smile showcased a pair of double fangs, a sight that might have been terrifying to some, but to her, it was anything but.

He grasped a handful of her hair, tugging her closer before their lips met in another passionate kiss. A low chuckle slipped from her lips when he showed no mercy to her dress. As she lay on the mattress, his eyes traced every curve of her body. She also admired his body when he stood before her in his birthday suit.

He climbed on the bed, his hands caressing her thighs, venturing up. He took his sweet time exploring every inch of her body, sometimes planting open-mouth kisses that set her skin ablaze.

She couldn't resist and also got to know every inch of him.

A sound of pure bliss escaped her lips when he finally connected their bodies. She had expected the pain, but it wasn't anything she couldn't handle. Soon, they lost themselves to the euphoric sensation of their bodies moving in rhythm.

Much later, she lay in the bathtub, the wisps of smoke emanating from the candles filling the air with a fragrance that eased her muscles. Fane entered the bathroom with her request for chocolates in his hands. About an hour before, he had taken care of her after their lovemaking.

"How are you feeling?" he asked.

She picked one chocolate and took a bite. "Is this some special water?"

She adored his smile. "It is. It aids in the body recovering from sexual intercourse."

Her eyes narrowed. "Vampires use this?"

"It helps the human recover their energy."

"Oh." Her face flamed, recalling every detail of their erotic dance. How he had taken his sweet time with her. The way he took care of her after, ensuring she was all right.

"Wait—why would you have all of this? Were you expecting—"

"After your last visit, Delilah and Harper said it would be wise to have everything in case you visited again."

He helped her out of the tub and retrieved the towel for her to wrap around her body. After planting a soft kiss on her shoulder, he held her hand and they returned to the bedroom.

"Do you have any idea what time it is?" The sunlight outside indicated it was passed five in the morning. She would have asked Fane how every vampire in this palace could walk around during the day, but she suspected the windows blocked sunrays from filtering through just like in the diner. "I have to get back before they go looking for me."

He stood behind her, hand on her hip. "Stay."

She faced him and attempted her best not to drown in the look full of love on his face. "I'll come back."

He stepped back. "Are you?"

"I'm sorry for not coming for the past two weeks. I started to train daily and I'm also searching for a new job before my savings run out."

He cupped her face. "Stay with me."

"Fane, I can't. I don't want to cause any trouble between the slayers and your family."

Fury flashed across his face, and he moved away. "They have no right to keep you from me."

"They're only concerned for my wellbeing." She reached out and seized his hand. "I'm safe in the town."

"After what happened how can you be certain of such a thing? Rogues broke through the barrier."

"We stopped them."

His eyes swirled to bright crimson and deepened as he diverted his gaze. "You are my beloved. If anything happens to you because of them, the beast within me will become blind with grief. The town will know genuine fear."

"Please, don't talk like that."

"Love, werewolves, vampires, and sometimes the fae... encased within our human forms is a beast that can take full control. Most of the time we can hold them back, but if pushed beyond our limits, our human self can become weak, and the beast will take over. Whenever that has happened before, it has led to many deaths. The beast feels no emotion... no remorse."

"If something were to happen to me, I want you to vow to me that no harm will come to those who live in the town." He remained silent. "Fane, please. The people aren't at fault for the actions of some crazed supernatural. Please."

"I cannot make such a vow."

"By what you've told me..." She hesitated for a moment. "The slayers are trying their best to clean the mess your ancestor caused." His eyes locked on hers, and it delighted her he wasn't furious. "Your ancestor is the one to blame for all of this madness. I'm being hunted down because whoever this is wants vengeance."

"I know."

She inched closer and cupped his face in her hands. "Please, vow it to me."

He hesitated. "I vow to you that if anything happens to you under their protection, no harm will come to those in the town."

A smile crept onto her lips. "Thank you."

As she got dressed, he didn't move from the spot. "Is something wrong?"

A knock came at the door and as Fane pulled it open, Delilah's bright smile greeted them. "Denarius is waiting for you downstairs."

Belinda kissed Fane and hurried out of the bedroom. As she descended the grand stairs, a ruckus propelled her to move faster. She halted in the kitchen at the sight of Harper struggling to stand, her fingers gripping the edge of the countertop with such force that her nails left behind faint indentations.

"Harper?" Belinda moved closer to her, placing her hand on her back. "Are you alright?"

Harper lifted her face and attempted to smile, but it came out more like a grimace. "I'm fine."

"You look far from fine."

"I already told you I haven't fed as much as I should. Once I have time, I'll go hunting."

"Hunting?"

"If the blood of that slayer draws you to him, then go feed," Quinn said as she entered the kitchen.

"No. I won't do it again."

"Harper..." Quinn paused for a moment, a hint of sadness flashing across her perfect face. "You have every right to hate them, but—"

"I will find a blood donor."

"And if they do not quench your thirst? What will you do then?"

Harper stopped quivering and stood upright. "I shouldn't have fed from him at all."

"I'm sorry," Belinda said. "I was the one—"

"I could have said no..."

Harper made distance when Denarius entered the kitchen, accompanied by Silas, whose eyes zeroed in on her. Denarius moved toward Belinda but halted when Silas seized his shoulder.

"Harper, are you alright?"

"Of course."

In an attempt to help Harper, Belinda approached Denarius, seized his hand, and headed to the foyer, creating a bit more distance between them. She should have known that once a vampire got a taste of someone's blood, they could become addicted to it just as a human could whenever they consumed vampire blood.

"We need to return home."

"Did you get a phone call?"

"No—and that's what's odd. We've been gone for eight hours."

Her chest constricted. "Do you think something bad happened?"

"No. If it had, someone would have contacted us. But maybe something happened in the meeting that would lead to my mother wanting you away from the town."

Fane descended the stairs and stood by her side, eyeing Denarius with suspicion.

"We're returning home."

"I will accompany—"

"That's not necessary. I'm more than capable of protecting her."

"What's going on, Slayer?" Quinn stood feet from them, accompanied by Silas.

Delilah hurried past Fane and into the kitchen. An eerie silence filled the palace, hinting at Delilah using her magic to shadow whatever was happening in the kitchen. One major giveaway was when Aurora emerged from the kitchen, her heels remaining completely silent until she reached the foyer.

She greeted Belinda with a bone-crushing hug. "Have you decided to move in?"

"No," Belinda answered. "Is Skylar here too?"

"Sorry, but she is back at the pack house with Ezra."

Belinda tried her best to put on her brightest smile. "I miss you all."

"I mean, if you stay in the palace will spend more time together. We can have all the tea parties Skylar wants in the garden."

"I wish I could, but I can't."

"Why not?"

Before Belinda could say anything, Denarius moved closer and seized her forearm. "Say your goodbyes. We should get moving."

It surprised her when Fane grabbed her arm and pulled her to him, forcing Denarius to release her. "I will accompany my beloved or she goes nowhere."

An amused smile played on Quinn's lips as she sipped her drink, which Belinda wondered when she had prepared it. "Hearts are so telling."

Aurora hugged Belinda once more. "You shouldn't return to the town—Not after what happened. You don't know what else has slipped through the gaps in the barrier."

"What gaps?"

Silas glanced at Fane. "Haven't you told her?"

"It will not change her mind."

At a spark of electricity, everyone's focus shifted to Denarius as he stumbled, a faint glow in his fingertips. He inhaled and exhaled, and the lightning vanished.

"What the hell was that? Are you not in control of your magic, slayer?" Quinn inquired.

Silas's focus, unlike everyone else, was toward the kitchen. "He should leave now."

"What's going on?" Fane asked.

"Harper fed from him."

Fane's eyes widened. "What?" He headed toward the kitchen, and Belinda remained rooted to the ground, watching as Denarius's magic once more grew furious, the electric tendrils emanating from his hands, slashing at the air before vanishing.

"What's going on?"

Denarius let out a humorless chuckle. "I shouldn't have fed her my blood."

"What's so special about your blood?" asked Aurora.

"The blood of a slayer is addictive and can cause the vampire feeding from them to create a blood bond by accident."

"Fate is playing a twisted game with me," Denarius mumbled before he stood upright, his bright violet eyes turning back to normal.

"The fact you're the son of a sorcerer amplifies that."

"This is my fault. I told him to feed her."

"You forced no one," Quinn said. "Harper could have rejected the offer."

"Why didn't she?" inquired Silas. "She should have."

Quinn shrugged. "I am as surprised as you are. After all the horrors she endured at the hands of the slayers, I too question why she would feed from him."

Fane emerged from the kitchen and seized Belinda's forearm. "Is Harper alright?"

Fane glared at Denarius before meeting her gaze, his expression softening. "Harper will fully ascend soon."

"Wait? Is she not twenty?" asked Belinda.

"She's eighteen," answered Silas.

"That's impossible." Denarius seemed just as surprised as Belinda. "If she was eighteen, her vampiric desires would be dormant."

"They awoke thanks to your people—"

"Quinn, enough."

"I am done being civil." Quinn moved closer to Denarius, her eyes darkening. "You slayers love to portray us as monsters—You claim to be the saviors of the innocent. Yet, you ignored for decades the supernatural children being abused by your leadership. Harper was only nine and your people did not care. In their eyes, she was nothing but a monster and deserved no mercy. They tortured her for years until the moment her vampire side woke up. She killed those who had caused her years of torment..." Quinn stepped back when Harper emerged from the kitchen, accompanied by Delilah.

"There was no reason to tell him all of that."

"Well, now he knows why you have every right to hate them." Quinn ignored Fane when he told her to stop and continued upstairs.

"I'm sorry—"

"Stop blaming yourself for everything," Harper said with a smile. "I was the one who chose to feed from him despite knowing what could happen."

"Why did you agree?"

Harper averted her gaze. "I was starving and the temptation of magical blood drew me in."

Belinda smiled and embraced her. "Are you going to be alright?"

"Once I complete the ascension, I'll be able to control my thirst better."

"Until then, I think it's best the slayer stays away from here, which unfortunately means so will your beloved," Silas stated.

Harper lowered her head. "I'm sorry—"

"You have nothing to apologize for." Fane placed his hand on her shoulder. "I should not have isolated myself—As your future king, I must ensure you ascend safely. I will find the perfect blood donor for you." He focused his attention on Denarius. "I will accompany you both to the town."

Denarius sighed. "Fine."

When they arrived at the town, there wasn't a soul in sight. Corina strolled out of Belinda's home, along with her father. A woman with bright scarlet hair and bewitching eyes also exited her home. While one was hazel, the other was a sea blue color.

Fane stopped in his tracks, wide-eyed. "Bexley? This is impossible."

A tall young man with crimson hair swept back stepped out onto the porch of her home. He came closer but paused when Denarius positioned himself in front of her. "Who the hell are you?"

A gasp escaped Belinda when Fane seized the man by the shirt, glaring daggers at him. "What the hell are you doing here?"

The man jerked out of Fane's grasp, and the woman stood between them. "Stop. Please. It's not time for feuds."

Belinda stared in disbelief, recognizing the familiar voice. "M—Mom?"

Her mother's ring shone brightly. Right before their eyes, as an act of magic, her appearance changed back to the one Belinda had known since she could remember.

Belinda stepped away, her heart breaking. "I told you no more secrets... Who are you?"

"I'm so sorry, darlin'." Her mother's eyes glistened with tears as she held a quivering hand over her lips. "I feared that the truth would cause you so much pain." She paused. "Long ago... I was forced to wed a man who I didn't love. When I saw the chance, I ran and asked the slayers of this town for asylum."

Belinda gestured at the man. "So, who is that?"

"Alaric... your brother."