Chapter 19

CHAPTER 19

U nder the soft glow of the moon's subtle light, I stirred from the realm of dreams, with the warmth of silk sheets cradling me. They caressed my skin like a gentle touch from Rene's fingertips as I attempted to blink away the remnants of my slumber. The comforting smell of vanilla candles alerted me to my location, and I sighed as Rene's arms tightened around me. "I passed out, didn't I?"

Rene kissed my cheek. "You expended too much of your power. In time you will learn to harness mine through our connection so you may sustain yourself longer."

"I just want to stay here." In the intimate suite I now called home within the mansion, I realized I had sensed his presence before I even fully opened my eyes. Rene, my eternal partner in both life's challenges and its exquisite pleasures, was nestled beside me, his loving touch a reminder of his devotion. His fingers traced delicate patterns across my skin, as if choreographed by an ancient dance of desire. Every stroke ignited a firestorm of sensations that licked over my body, awakening my senses.

The air was infused with a subtle blend of scents, including Rene's lust. He had been waiting for me to wake, but hadn't wanted to interrupt my slumber. The soft rustle of fabric accompanied his restlessness, and a melody of affectionate intent filled the space between us. He tipped my chin up to meet his gaze. The reflection in his eyes would have stopped my heart had I still been human. Those unspoken words bound us together stronger than any spell. Love and commitment were our connection, and they would last an eternity.

As I closed the distance between us, my lips angling toward his, our eyes locked in a silent exchange. A language known only to two souls who would traverse the landscapes of undead life together. Time blurred as his lips connected to mine. The gentle collision sent a current of emotions coursing through me. Each kiss was a brushstroke on the canvas of our eternal bond, painting a portrait of love and commitment that would grow richer and more profound in the coming years.

Our bodies, attuned to one another's needs and desires, responded with a shared yearning that transcended our species or circumstances. Our love would deepen and mature, like a fine wine savored over time, and I looked forward to every pleasurable second.

As our embrace tightened and the space between our bodies narrowed, every hesitation or grain of uncertainty melted away. Our souls entwined in a symphony of heartbeats and hushed breaths as we made love slowly. The world outside faded into the background, and we allowed passion to replace duty and dedication.

I wasn't sure how long we remained confined to that bed, but I dozed in Rene's arms for some time with his caressing my shoulder before my curiosity got the better of me. "What happened in the training facility after I blacked out?"

"Constantine was outside when the mercenaries and clan members who helped Dimitri attempted to flee. They have all been sent to their eternal rest."

"I wondered where he was. I was so focused on Brigid and Dimitri, that I didn't really notice who else was in the room."

"Constantine takes loyalty quite seriously. He has requested that he be your personal adviser. It is... surprising that he would suspend his duties to the Shadow Phantom clan to undertake such a position."

I frowned. "But I want Cassara."

Rene kissed my cheek. "She is mine. If I renounce her, then she must regain her status over time."

"No. That isn't fair. So, if I take Constantine as an adviser, that means he lives with us?"

Rene grunted. "No. He would have his own suite, like Cassara does. Since we will be required to travel to the clans, he will travel with us. I will say that while Cassara strikes fear into many of the clans, she is still... young by vampire standards. Constantine is one of our oldest members and his skills are indisputably the best. Attacking you with Constantine as your adviser is... a death sentence."

"Cass would kill anyone who attacked me or you, anyway."

"True," Rene said.

My eyes narrowed. "This isn't just about me. He wants Cass to accept him."

Rene sighed. "It is true he has fancied Cassara since she began training, but Constantine is a patient man. He knew that not allowing her time to... experience life as a vampire would end any chance of a relationship."

"I thought some vampires chose human lovers and turned them so they could be together."

"That is true, but Cass is unique. She was never allowed to be herself in her human life. She has never truly been in love with a man."

"She likes the mortician," I said.

"She has many lovers, but she is not in love with any of them. The mortician is an intelligent man. He knows he could have a brief relationship with Cass, and it would be enjoyable, but there is no future in it."

"Do you think Cass is in love with Constantine? Is that why she avoids him?"

Rene sighed. "She fears becoming one of the women she helped in her human life. Some of those women loved their husbands but feared for their lives when they contacted Cass. Constantine would never hurt Cassara, but he is of the old world. He cannot stop his instinct to protect her."

"Oh dear. That is worse than asking her to wear a frilly dress."

Rene chuckled. "Yes, I suppose it is."

I was quiet for some time and my fingers traced a pattern on Rene's chest. "Will you tell me more about this king business? Constantine gave me the queen moniker because he anticipated your evolution."

Rene nodded. "I suspected that as well, but I don't know exactly how I will evolve."

"Do you feel any different? Now that we bonded, I mean?"

His fingers traced my shoulders. "Yes. I was becoming... anxious. But I can't say if that is because I was afraid you would reject me or the onset of the madness that afflicts my species as we age."

"But you don't feel that way now?"

"No. I am content. Happy."

I smiled at him. "Good. What do we do next?"

"I must introduce you to all the clans."

My body stilled. "There better not be any other wives."

He laughed. "No. You will be inducted into every clan. As the only vampire with magic, the clan heads want you to have residency within the clans. Of course we have to formally introduce you, so there will be many vampire balls in your future."

I winced. "More parties?"

"Yes."

"Cass is going to hate me."

Rene chuckled. "She is used to it, and she can buy more dresses."

"Because she loves shopping so much," I teased.

"Yes, but Constantine will be forced to attend, and she will enjoy his disdain for such events."

"That is terrible of her... funny, though."

"I agree. Constantine is far too sure of himself. Cass is one of the few people to challenge him."

"You are one to talk. But I imagine that is one of the reasons Constantine loves her," I said.

Rene stared at me. "Thank you for choosing me."

I grunted. "I think that is the other way around. You are the most powerful man alive."

Rene shook his head. "There have been many overseers in our history. There is only one of you."

I licked my lips. "The prophecy didn't say much about me other than I am the Blood Witch."

He kissed my forehead. "You are my eternal bride. That is the only thing that matters. It is all you need to be."

I pressed closer to him. "I can do that."

His lips met mine in a gentle kiss that conveyed his immortal love. It wrapped around my soul like an unbreakable silver thread and the room blurred around us until he lifted his head.

I stared into his sparking eyes. "So, this is my magical, undead life?"