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As Rhyland turns away from his old life forever, once reborn under the moonlight, I feel my pulse quicken. His account of gaining spectacular new powers and insatiable hunger utterly transfixes me.

"Over centuries with my maker, mortal memories slowly faded, like a half-forgotten dream." His ancient eyes meet mine then, full of wonder. "I never thought a greater purpose awaited me...until finding you, Angel."

Tears spill down my cheeks at his tender words. I kiss him deeply, wanting to heal this old wound from so long ago. If our meeting was somehow predestined, I promise silently to spend every moment proving worthy of his sacrifice.

Rhyland smiles softly when we pull back, brushing the moisture from my face. "You've awakened my spirit once more. The future no longer seems so dark," he whispers. "Now I understand why that battlefield death was not my destiny. It was so I could one day find you, the one who would complete me."

I cling to him then, overcome with emotion. I know it's true in my heart—our souls are connected across time and space. We were always meant to find one another. Destiny has brought us together at last.

My eyes fill with emotion as I take in his sentiment. Never has anyone expressed such intensity of feeling through their words and actions. I am utterly obsessed with this man, a connection that transcends reality.

Fervently, I search his gaze, my hands cradling his face as my tender palms brush against his stubble. “I know, I feel it, too,” I whisper breathlessly.

My heart swells open to him, raw and exposed for the first time. Our bond cannot be bound or fixed by any physical world.

Our lips move in perfect harmony as his tongue explores mine. I melt into a puddle of pleasure as he passionately kisses me deeper and deeper. With each gentle caress, I am overcome by the most powerful sensations overcome me, quivering inside with warmth that radiates to every corner of my being.

“Do you see?” he softly queries, tenderly tracing his fingers over the place where Azrael left his mark. “It’s all healed,” he says with a smile.

There's that dimple again. I bring my fingers to my neck and feel smooth skin. The bite is no longer there, and the pain is gone.

I had completely forgotten about it until now. “How did you…?” I start to ask.

“Our blood has healing properties in it,” he answers.

It takes me a few moments to process this new information, which I had never known despite studying vampire blood for a while now.

“Who else knows about this?” I query him as he adjusts me on his lap.

“Not many people,” he responds warily. "We don’t want our abilities abused for selfish reasons.”

“Do you know what this could do, Rhyland?”

“Angel, you need to understand why we can’t share the secret of my blood’s healing properties with the world.”

I frown, my curiosity piqued. “But Rhyland, think about the good it could do. It could revolutionize medicine and save countless lives.”

This explains why the institute won't allow us to test vampire blood. Do they know its secrets? My brain whirs like the engine of a wild carnival ride, filled with ideas of how his blood could be the magical cure for ails.

Rhyland nods slowly, acknowledging the potential benefits. “Yes, it could, but it would also unleash chaos and endanger our kind and the balance of the supernatural universe.”

He continues, his voice low and grave, “Imagine if the world knew there was a source of eternal life and healing. Mortals would stop at nothing to obtain it. Governments would hunt us down, imprison us, and subject us to experiments. We’d become commodities, stripped of our freedom and dignity.”

How has no one found out about this? Or do they, and it’s been a well-kept secret all this time? Is this why it is sold illegally?

My mind spins in its little maelstrom as I realize the gravity of the situation. “But we could use it discreetly to help those in need without drawing attention.”

Rhyland sighs, his ancient eyes fill with sorrow. “Angel, history has shown that pursuing power and immortality corrupts even the noblest intentions. There would be those who’d seek to control this gift, to use it for nefarious purposes. And if they couldn’t control it, they’d destroy it, unleashing even greater chaos.”

I exhale heavily, conceding to his point. I have to let this go, at least for now. I whisper, “Thank you. Will you stay with me?”

His hands move across my body lovingly as he replies, “Baby, I am never leaving your side. But it will be light soon, and I need a place that protects me from the sun.”

He nods at the windows lined up along the walls of my apartment, indicating their lack of cover, and I nod.

“Whaddya have in mind?”

Rhyland