“Maybe not,” I said, “but there’s something to be said for hope. We need to believe happy is a possibility to have the wherewithal to keep going.”
She rolled her eyes. “Americans. We prefer to see what is and meet it head on. It is the only way to fight for justice. You hide your eyes and dream of fairytales.”
“Ouch,” I said, heading back for the bridge. “I want to see the Buda Palace. You can come with me or follow angrily at a distance. Whatever works for you.”
Ten
One Less Monster in the World
Viktoria followed at a distance, still pissed I wasn’t ratting out the vamps, no doubt. I climbed Castle Hill and explored the Palace and Matthias Church. Just outside the church was a courtyard called the Fisherman’s Bastion. Since I no longer had my tour guide, I relied on the internet to tell me what I was looking at. Apparently, this was a gathering place for fishmongers back in the day. Now, though, it boasted incredible views, high above the river, looking out over all of Budapest.
Viktoria was still following me but seemed content to keep her distance. I ignored her and watched the sunset.
Good evening, darling? Where are you?
I’m at the Fisherman’s Bastion, leaning against a stone arch, watching the sun dip below the horizon.
I wish I were with you.
Me too. I’ve been taking pictures all afternoon to share with you, so it will almost be like we’re sightseeing together.
He was quiet for a moment. I’m sorry you had to experience the city for the first time all on your own.
I wasn’t. I’ve had a wolf following me—the woman translating on the phone. I went up to her and introduced myself. She started acting as my guide. She’s super pissed off at me now, though. And I have an update for you that you’re not going to like.
Are you all right?
I’m fine. It’s about the vamps attacking humans in town. I’ll explain it all when I see you. My current problem is how I get back into the Guild. The tunnel is one-way.
Yes, I asked about that. Sebastian wasn’t terribly helpful, saying we should do what we did last night.
Well, you said it was a super-secret lair, so they probably don’t want to advertise that people go in and out. It’s cool. I can find a bench and hang out, watching the sunset and the lights sparkle on the Danube until it’s dark enough for you to find me.
I don’t like you being out there on your own with a hostile wolf surveilling you.
You should ask Vlad how he gets in and out. He might have a secret passage we don’t know about. Oh. Speaking of which, Vlad can move around during the day. He was active while you guys were snoozing.
I have yet to see Vlad. He’s not terribly social. As for being a day-walking vampire, I know. It’s part of what makes him so threatening to others of our kind.
Hmm, creepy.
Indeed. I’ll be there shortly. Stay safe, please.
Will do.
Where I was standing was the edge of the upper courtyard. There was a steep drop to another gathering spot below. The stairs down were far to the side. I wanted to just sit on the edge and wait, but I didn’t like being in a compromised position where an annoyed Viktoria could shove me off. I’d survive, but a twenty-foot plunge on a recently broken leg concerned me.
I decided to stroll instead. The rest of the tourists were heading back down the hill, but I stayed. I took a picture of the huge statue of St. Stephen, Hungary’s first king, on horseback. Taking the wide stairway down, I paused halfway and sat on the stone balustrade, enjoying the view.
I heard a whisper of steps behind me. “Viktoria?”
She stopped a few steps back. “Why are you just sitting here?”
“It’s beautiful,” I said quietly.
She came down, stopping a little past me before leaning against the thick wall I was sitting on. Her short reddish-brown hair blew in the breeze.
We shared the twilight in silence before she finally asked, “I don’t understand. How could you have married a leech?”
