I inhaled, sending the air to all parts of me that felt a hollow ache to accept his offer. To keep my humanity. To…to do…to do what with it?
My mind was blank. I’d envisioned my future hundreds of times, always more simple and more peaceful than whatever reality I was living. But standing there, the only future I could see was the product of his words, his assurances, his promises. A more peaceful, progressive world where communities lived in harmony.
Had he spiked my wine again? Was this his blood swaying my decision?
No. My heart pounded, pushing my blood and onlymyblood through my veins. I was entirely myself, free to make this decision on my own.
Orla had lost patience with our posturing. “Majesty. May I continue?”
Rhazien looked to me. His gaze was measured, neutral, as if he had also built up a mental wall for this evening. There was no persuasive glare, no imposing feelings in the deep greens of his eyes. He simply stood, holding space for me to consider, and waited.
I clenched my teeth together and the ringing that built up between my ears was so loud, I almost didn’t hear myself say, “Yes.”
Rhazien let out a heavy, measured breath. One he needed to let out slowly as to not let on to the audience that he’d been so nervous about my response. While relief swelled in his twinkling eyes, disbelief roiled in my gut. I was really going to do this. Itwasn’t just talk anymore or plans on paper or shared dreams across a pillow while we were tangled up in each other. It was happening. Tonight.
Orla blinked slowly as she smiled and lifted her hands again to address the crowd, the sheer fabric of her robes spreading from her like iridescent wings.
“We thank The Long Night for her gift of darkness. This season of lengthened evenings is a coveted time for our people and deserves celebration every moment of her stay.”
Orla continued her welcome message, commanding the room with her regal presence and haunting, splintered voice. I did my best to keep focus on Rhazien and my hands in his. He anchored me. He was the buoy I needed him to be. I’d been adrift in my thoughts but tuned back into Orla’s message at the mention of Rhazien’s name.
“—and his prospect, Lady Reyva Bergmont, stand before you this evening, ready to commit themselves to each other through our most sacred of rituals and will be bound this very night!”
Cheers erupted throughout the room and movement behind Rhazien drew my attention. Two masked men moved along the outer wall of the ballroom. Doors slammed shut. I quickly scanned the faces closest to us. Those on the podium, the stairs, and below. But my family and a few guards were the only ones I recognized.
Lydia clapped enthusiastically. Surprisingly, Cova’s eyes were brimming with newly formed tears. I gave her a weak but assuring smile. She nodded back to me in silent understanding.
Rhazien mirrored me, smiling at someone behind me in the crowd before recapturing my gaze. I told myself a smile that wide and genuine must be meant for Gorvin. Just because I couldn’t see him—or anyone else familiar—didn’t mean he wasn’t here, somewhere.
But that concern felt so far away when such a life changing moment was right in front of me.
My body shook, tremors spread from my middle and vibrated across my limbs. Sweat began to bead at the base of my neck. I blew away a steady breath, encouraging my newly formed queasiness to remain inside my body until I could find some privacy.
After the ceremony,I coached myself.
The nerves were worsening quickly.
My attention was drawn to Lydia as she wiped away a tear. She looked regal, royal, and she shared my blood. Lydia was half of me. If my aromawas alluring to the vampire citizens of the Hive, she surely had to be as well.
I will be able to protect her better at Rhazien’s side.
Yes. This was the right thing to do. It had to be. It was the first time I considered what Rhazien's ascension could do for me. And knowing she would be safe, that her humanity would be made safer, could be reason enough.
Somewhere on the outskirts of the room, another door slammed. Deep voices murmured. Candles flickered. At Orla’s magic?
“Repeat after me,” Orla’s voice gave measured instruction, “I, Rhazien Kyrell, offer my shadow to you.”
The regent’s voice repeated the phrase behind me.
“As an extension of myself and my immortal existence among this mortal plane,” Orla continued.
Rhazien lowered his hands and repeated flawlessly.
“This is both a precious gift and an unbreakable promise.”
The regent teared as he continued reciting the ceremonial script. “This is both a precious gift and an unbreakable promise.”
“That I’ll honor and protect your life until your mortality ends. And be here to support and guide you when your immortal life begins.”
