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I let out a long breath, watching the diminishing rays play across the blanketed gardens. “I suppose I must, though I hardly know where to begin.”

I fall silent, struggling to arrange my chaotic thoughts. Slowly, I spill everything that happened since we last saw each other.

I’ve finished, but Luna waits patiently, radiating compassion. When I remain mute, she ventures,It was brave, telling him those secrets you’ve held so long. The first step toward healing.

I let my forehead rest against the cool glass. “Was it? Or have I foolishly given him power to destroy me?”

Draven seems sincere, yet old fears run deep. If word spreads of what I am…

You underestimate his honor and his care for you. He will not betray your trust.Luna sounds utterly certain.

I wish I could share her faith.

“I want to believe that,” I whisper, “but it is not so simple to set aside a lifetime of wariness. You were right, though. Confronting the past may be the only way forward, as terrifying as that path seems.”

Luna nuzzles my cheek. Her warm breath tickles my skin.You need not walk it alone anymore. I am with you and now Prince Draven as well, if you allow it. Fate gave him to you for a reason. It would be wise to accept their gift.

I smile softly at the thought of having allies on this difficult road. Perhaps together we can face the shadows that haunt me… if I can find the courage to fully let Draven in.

“Do you really believe fate could have bonded us?” I ask hesitantly.

Draven seems convinced our stars are aligned, but after shutting off that part of myself for so long, I hardly know how to embrace it.

Luna’s eyes shine knowingly.Really Thorn? You’re now second-guessing that the fated mate bond is real?

A knock at the door cuts short our conversation.

After crossing the room, I open the door to find Draven. He looks refreshed and devastatingly handsome as always in a black doublet embroidered with silver thorns along the collar.

“Good evening.” He smiles warmly, clearly relieved to see me recovered. “I hope you are feeling better after some rest.”

I dip in a brief curtsy, touched by his thoughtfulness. “I am, thank you, though I fear I slept the day away.”

“No matter. It gave me time to prepare a surprise.” Draven’s eyes dance with anticipation. He offers his arm. “If you would accompany me.”

I hesitate only a moment before accepting, letting him draw me close. I give one quick glance back at Luna before I close the door behind me. I swear that fox had a smirk on her face.

Draven’s presence is comforting and electrifying all at once. Perhaps I am ready to explore what fate wishes me to find here.

“Let us see what surprise you have in store.” I give him a playful smile to mask the sudden flutter of nerves in my belly. His joy is contagious.

Draven leads me through quiet servants’ passages until we emerge at the base of a narrow winding stair. I eye the gloomy ascent warily as he gently propels me upward.

“Where are we going?” My whisper echoes eerily off the close stone walls.

“To visit an old friend, one I hope can help provide some… clarity.”

Cryptic as ever.

I hold my tongue, sensing Draven will explain no more until we reach our mysterious destination. Irecognize the old passages, the very same that I used to visit an old friend, but he couldn’t be…

After what feels like endless crumbling steps, we finally halt before an iron-banded door etched with arcane symbols. As Draven knocks sharply, I smooth my skirts and pull back my shoulders, determined to face this unknown trial with poise.

Shuffling sounds precede the door creaking slowly inward. A stooped figure leans heavily on a gnarled staff, blinking rheumy eyes in the gloom. Recognition hits me with the force of a physical blow.

Master Eodan. The ancient castle mage who tutored me decades past when I was nothing but a new vampire in this court deceiving all with my tea and fake name. My knees nearly buckle. He will surely recognize through his mystic sight the truth of what I am.

Draven’s hand at my back propels me gently over the threshold before I can bolt