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Rhyland’s lips eagerly part as he leans down. His fingers are like silk, caressing my cheek, and his tongue explores mine. His passionate kiss sends waves of pleasure and love throughout my body.

“Holy shit! Someone shut these assholes up before I take matters into my own hands. I’m sure the whole damn city can hear you all!” Lucian shouts from the other room, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

I'm so embarrassed that I can’t help but laugh and cover my mouth with my hand. I shake my head. “Oh my god.”

Rhyland retorts, “Ain’t nobody stoppin’ you, Lucian. You can dip out anytime you want.”

Rhyland's thumb traces my cheek, joy crinkling his eyes. Clearly, it's been a while since he felt such delight. A whisper floats in my mind— "I love you."

I jolt in surprise. "What was that?"

Rhyland looks equally startled, asking if I heard his voice internally. He explains some vampires communicate telepathically once bonded. Now that our connection has formed, I can access this intimate exchange.

"Try projecting back to me," he encourages.

Unsure how to focus my thoughts intentionally, I questioned him further. "Relax your mind and feel our bond thrumming between us. Then voicelessly share whatever words you wish me to hear."

I close my eyes, senses attuning to the vibrant chord resonating with heart and mind. I want to say something crudely, so I form the syllables soundlessly like blowing soap bubbles into Rhyland's awaiting psyche—"I love to suck your dick.”

Rhyland roars with laughter.

I can’t help but laugh. “Did it work? Did you hear me?” I inquire.

“Hahaha! Yeah, that’s all you should ever say back,” he says.

He wraps his arms around me and nuzzles his nose against my neck. “You’re a quick study.”

Rhyland

53

As we dress, Danica halts me with a startling revelation. “Remember how you thoroughly distracted me this morning? I actually had a pretty wild convo with an angel named Seraphina, while you slept.”

I blink hard. “You...spoke with an angel. Are you certain?”

Dani explains Seraphina's counsel about magical realms, celestial lineages...and disturbing doubts about whether my darkness can truly assist Danica's fated quest.

“Are you certain? You can travel between realms?” That's all I could manage.

According to legend, it has been lost to memory for many years as the realms have been shut off.

“I guess.” She says softly.

“Did Seraphina explain anything about the reasoning for your abandonment?”

Dani shakes her head. “Only that I need to speak to my father about it when the time is right.”

I embrace her with understanding before saying, “We will, Angel, and we will get the answers you deserve.”

She mentions finding a relic linked to her heritage. I frown in puzzlement. “A relic?”

She nods. “Yeah, but I have no clue how to even start.”

My fingers rake through my hair in frustration. How can I help her if I’m bound by darkness?

I take a deep breath, “Okay…we will figure this out, but I don’t think I can be of much assistance if—”

Dani interrupts me with palpable excitement, clapping. “This is the best part! My blood’s properties will allow you to be in daylight.”