Page 67 of The Vampire's Redemption

“Look!Look!Itisblooming!”

Gabby dashed to the flowering vine with its white flowers the size of her hand. She stuck her face in it and sniffed, even though she could’ve scented it with her enhanced vampire senses. There were still some human habits she hadn’t grown out of.

The scent was spicy and light, even to her vampire nose, along with a hint of vanilla. It had taken two months for vining flowers to take over the black metal trellis.

Felix stopped beside her, an indulgent smile on his beautiful face. He’d brought her the seeds from traders traveling from the New World. A gorgeous white flower that blooms only at night.

He’d said the painting from the merchant had reminded him of her.

Felix plucked one bloom and tucked it behind her ear. It was so big that part of it blocked her right eye. Giggling, Gabby swiveled her head one way, then another, until it fell off.

“I believe this will work better.”

Her heart skipped a beat as Felix leaned closer and inserted the flower into her braids. His effect on her had yet to lessen. The scent of salt and ocean enveloped her, reminding her of home.

Home. Armando.

“Tesoro mio,I hate seeing your sadness,” Felix said. He lifted her chin until their gazes met.

“Shall we ever return?”

“Yes. You are now an immortal. One day, we will return to your home.”

An immortal. The concept remained foreign to her. Other than the thirst and the preternatural senses, she felt no different than before.

“But I will not see Armando again.”

“No.”

Though her brother had killed her, ended her human life, Gabby couldn’t drum up any hate or resentment. Sorrow weighed her down. She had broken Armando’s heart. Despite what others said about her brother’s cold-hearted nature, he would mourn her. She often prayed someone was there to comfort him in his time of grief.

Beside her, Felix straightened, suddenly alert.

“What is it?”

She’d learned the signs of when he was communicating with someone telepathically. Seconds later, his smile returned. “I must take care of a small matter. Nasir—”

His second-in-command appeared next to them and grinned. Gabby liked Nasir. He was considerate and funny and kept her company whenever Felix was gone on official matters.

“I will be back soon.” Felix gave her a light peck on the lips and vanished.

Little did she understand it was the beginning of the end.

The dreamscape swirled around Gabby, and she fought against it. She dreaded what happened next. As always, the dreams came regardless of her needs or wants.

617 years ago

“What is the meaning of this?”

Gabby jumped to her feet and greeted Felix with a ferocious grin. She dusted off her pants, which she’d asked the seamstress to make for her, and ran into his arms.

“You’ve returned!”

She thought he’d be happy to see her, except he scowled as he scanned the practice field. Nasir, who’d been working with her, refused to meet Felix’s gaze.

Ignoring his dark mood, for he’d been moody the past two weeks, she said, “Look what I can do now.” Then she dashed to the obstacle course and shouted, “Please begin!”

The sound of gears grinding was loud to her vampire ears, but she’d learned to tune it down until it was distracting no longer.