Page 93 of Wicked Magik

I stumbled upon a vivid memory, my former self entwined in the sheets with Veylor. Our bodies were tangled together, breaths coming in quick gasps, hearts beating in a synchronized rhythm. The warmth of skin against skin, the tender whispers shared in the dim light, all painted a picture of intimacy.

Yet, as I gazed upon this scene, I had to avert my eyes, for it no longer reflected who I had become.

The grand hall echoed with the sound of laughter and the clinking of coins as scenes unfolded before us. Nobles from various courts engaged in animated conversations, their voices mingling with the rustle of fancy fabrics and the soft murmurs.

We observed as fortunes exchanged hands, the glitter of gold reflecting off the polished surfaces around us. Marriage contracts were signed with a speed, sealing alliances as brides and grooms were paraded like prized possessions. Amidst this, our fingers intertwined beneath the table, a silent gesture of shared apprehension as we watched the unfolding drama with a sense of dread.

In one vivid memory, my family was approached in the dimly lit corner of a grand room, the atmosphere thick. I stood beside them, a silent witness, my heart pounding in horror at the unfolding scene. Veylor's eyes, sharp and envious, bore intous from his secluded spot in the opposite corner. My parents engaged in a hushed, earnest conversation with a young woman and Veylor’s parents. His sister, a money-hungry, snobbish, potential bride they had deemed suitable for me.

I could see the gravity of the discussion weighed heavily on my shoulders, the encroaching reality of my future pressing in from all sides.

I swallowed and pushed all of that away. How I could remember these scenes and the emotions I felt come to life within me was too much. I wasn’t here for any of that. I was here to take care of Vesper. To see if Veylor was lying.

As I continued through the memories, more doubt that Veylor was lying lifted from my shoulders, and as I saw the memory I was looking for come before me, it confirmed it so. He had brought those vampires before he even knew my pet was here.

Overwhelmed by shame, I collapsed to my knees. My ears drooped, and I was abruptly yanked out of Veylor's mind.

My knees were on either side of his torso. Veylor didn’t try to kill Vesper, but from her perspective, I could see how it could be perceived that way.

I was tired of being played like a fool. I didn’t know anything. All I knew was Vesper; I was learning Veylor all over again, yet he knew me. Why did I not have memories of him? Why could I not know who he was?

My hearts thundered in my chest, and I let out a strangled whine.

Veylor sat up, dark blood stained his hands where they leaked from his ears. He reached out and cupped my jaw. “Oryx, what’s wrong? Did you see?”

I grunted. “You did not purposely hurt her.”

I stood and stepped away from him. “Don’t be so thoughtless anymore. We have a human who is fragile. If something like this happens again, I won’t look for answers.”

Veylor sat up and came toward me.

Veylor's voice was soft, almost tender, as he spoke. "Oryx, I never intended for any of this to happen. You must believe me. I have been reckless, yes, but I would never harm what is precious to you, and I believe to me too. I can’t understand nor process it. I have a pull toward her as well."

I turned away, my body tense with a mix of anger and newfound confusion. "I do not know what to believe anymore," I admitted, my voice a low rumble. "All I know is that Vesper is mine to protect, and I will do so at any cost."

Veylor sighed, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "I understand. And I will help you protect her. We will keep her safe, together. I want this too."

I glanced back at him, studying his face for any sign of deceit. But all I saw was sincerity and a touch of sadness. "Why do you care so much?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. I still couldn’t believe he wanted her too, after the indifference he had shown for so long.

Veylor averted his eyes, staring into the distance. "Oryx, I used to believe I should have just one person in my life, but it's clear there's a bond that extends beyond just one individual."

I tilted my head in confusion.

Before I could respond, a soft moan echoed down the hall. Vesper. I stiffened, my ears perking up as I listened intently. Another moan, louder this time. She was waking up, and she was in pain.

I hurried back to the room, Veylor close behind me. Vesper was curled up on the bed, her face pale and her forehead glistening with sweat. She whimpered, her eyes fluttering open as we approached.

"Oryx," she whispered, her voice hoarse. "What... what happened?"

I nuzzled her gently, my voice soft. "Shh, my pet. You are safe now. Rest."

Veylor stepped forward, his hands wrapped with shadows. "Let me help her," he said, looking at me for permission.

I nodded, stepping back to allow him access. He kneeled by the bed, his hands hovering over Vesper's body as he chanted softly under his breath. Slowly, her breathing evened out as she fell into a peaceful sleep.

“Foolish,” I whispered to myself. I was going to need help keeping my fragile human healthy. Especially if I was feeding off her blood and now her pleasure.

“Come,” Veylor said. “Let’s try to see if a blood bowl can keep you full so we can let her heal. You can sleep with her peacefully until she awakens again.”