Page 47 of House of Darkness

I inhaled another bite of cake, barely swallowing before responding. “How are we even having this conversation right now?”

“That wasn’t an answer.”

“He was an amazing kisser.”

Razvan burst into laughter, a splash of red hitting his sleeve. I groaned, my face burning. “Catina was right—he’s got his hooks in me.”

Razvan, still bubbling with laughter, held his glass high. “Ofcourse he does. Have you seen him? I’ve thought about kissing him myself.”

I gasped. “You have a crush on Roman?”

For a long moment, there was silence. My heart raced, unsure if I had crossed a line. Just as I was about to retract my statement, Razvan spoke. “No. I haven’t felt that way in a long time.”

“Can I ask why?”

Razvan took a long swig from his glass, closing his eyes as he swallowed. “I once had a lover. His name was Jeremie. When I was sad, he’d tell me stories to inspire my paintings. He had a way of telling stories that made you believe them. A nurse found us together and told my parents. They moved me to Greford and never spoke to me again. They said I committed an unforgivable sin.”

“I’m so sorry. But maybe you could visit him now? Roman might even help bring him here if you wanted. We could make it work.” My words rushed out, scrambling to put the broken pieces in front of me back together.

Razvan’s eyes were calm as he looked at me. “He passed away a week before I was turned.”

There were no words to ease his pain. I squeezed his hand, hoping my presence offered some comfort. He withdrew his hand and raised it, palm up. A soft blue carnation began to bloom from his palm.

“The day I visited his grave was the day my powers manifested. I wanted life—his and mine—so badly that I was able to create it in my palm. Doesn’t make anything better, though.” He plucked the carnation and tucked it behind my ear.

Questions swirled in my mind, but I kept them to myself. The nature of vampire powers were shrouded in mystery. Razvan’s explanation hinted that desires could influence them, but I didn’t want to press further. His eyes twinkled with understanding.

“Powers can be influenced by lineage, environment, or personality. They can change based on what happens to us. Trauma often shapes them,” he explained.

“Oh. They don’t teach that at the academy,” I murmured, gently touching the flower tucked behind my ear.

“They wouldn’t know. It’s a vampire secret.”

“Yet you told me?”

“We’re friends, aren’t we? Friends share things. Besides, you don’t have other humans to gossip with.”

He had a point. I might not see another human for a while, if ever. But what mattered was that I wasn’t alone. I had a friend, and Razvan wasn’t alone anymore either, I’d make sure of it. I finished my glass.

“We should probably head to bed, Es. I need to pack.”

The nickname jolted me. Was it a coincidence that Razvan would use it? The image of my sister, her fearful gaze as Roman took me away, burned in my mind. I missed her terribly. Worrying wouldn’t help either of us, but I hoped she was okay.

“My sister is the only one who’s ever called me that,” I whispered.

Razvan paused. “I’m sorry. I won’t call you that again.”

“No… I like it. It reminds me of her.”

“Then it’s my new name for you.”

We settled into a polite silence, then I processed the other part of what he had said. My heart dropped. “Where are you going?”

“Roman has asked me to visit the Fjällräv House to finalize the treaty paperwork,” Razvan explained.

“No fancy ball for the treaty signing?” I retorted.

His lips quirked into a smile as he picked up the empty bottles. “You must not know much about the Fjällräv. It’s less balls and more blood sacrifices. Besides, everyone will be clearing out for the full moon anyway. Except for Roman, of course.”