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I felt disconcerted by all that had occurred and knew that Vlad’s suspicion was a dangerous thing indeed. But I

knew not how to assuage it. If anything, if I tried to calm his fears, he would only become more distrustful.

“May we enter?” Astir’s voice asked from behind me.

I turned to see Astir standing in the doorway with Ignatius behind him. A smile touched my lips as I saw that Ignatius was recovered from his earlier wounds and dressed in a long red coat. He returned my smile with his own, but it was hesitant and bittersweet.

“Yes, of course. I was waiting for Vlad to return. ”

“He is temporarily delayed,” Astir assured me.

“By you?” I tilted my head, arching an eyebrow.

Astir just smiled innocently. “I shall leave you two alone for a few moments. ” He retreated back through the door as Ignatius stepped past him. Astir graced me with a tight little warning smile over Ignatius’ shoulder, then disappeared as the door shut.

Ignatius came to me silently. I wrapped my arms around his neck and held him. I stroked his silky raven hair and pressed kisses to his cheek. Wordlessly, he kissed my face and my lips, then held my cheek firmly against his. We were both warm with the life we had stolen from our willing victims. I could feel his heart beating in his chest.

We kissed again, quite sweetly and he rested his forehead against mine. I stroked his neck with my fingers, trying so very hard not to cry.

“I should have let the dhamphir kill him,” he whispered at last.

“Do not worry over that now,” I answered.

“But he will now take you from the city and I know not when I will see you again,” Ignatius answered in quiet misery.

“I will find my way to you,” I promised ardently. “I will. I promise. ”

He kissed me tenderly. “I love you. ”

“And I love you. ”

“Come, Ignatius,” Astir’s voice said from behind him.

I gazed into the dark blue depths of Ignatius eyes as Astir’s hand drew him from me. In his eyes, I saw his great love for me. The two men vanished before my eyes just before the door opened and Vlad entered.

My Master was at full strength, his brutal power emanating from him like hot flames. He glared at me as he strode toward me, clad in black, his long hair flowing around his face in thick curls. He grabbed me by my throat and gazed deeply into my eyes. I glared back at him, fierce and bold, and he abruptly smiled before releasing me.

“I am a fool to think anyone could conquer you,” he said with a laugh.

“Yet you try,” I answered glibly.

Vlad shrugged, moving toward the fireplace. “We leave before dawn. Astir has provided us with a carriage. ”

“He also saved my possessions from the fire,” I said pointing to the trunks.

Vlad glanced toward the luggage. “He is a creature of great power. ”

“Do you fear him?”

“No,” Vlad answered. “Why should I?”

“You are very much the dragon, are you not?”

“Yes, I am. I am brutal, strong, and protective of what is mine. For a moment, I thought perhaps my brother had somehow managed to steal your heart. ”

“Really? I barely met him just tonight. ”

Vlad looked at me piercingly. “You lie. ”