Epilogue

EPILOGUE

IVY

B asking in the warmth of the sun, I allowed myself a rare moment of contentment. At six months pregnant, my belly felt more like it belonged to someone in their ninth month. But here, in the inner courtyard of Kael's estate, I could enjoy the sunlight without fear for my unborn child. The house fully surrounded the space, keeping me secure while being outside.

Kael and his vampire security team kept a vigilant watch from every exit and window, though they couldn't actually come outside to protect me because the sunlight would kill them. That was why he'd hired a security team of witches to sit outside with me. Which was the only way he allowed this at all.

"Isn't it lovely out here?" I asked, knowing full well that Kael couldn't hear me from his darkened perch. It wasn't exactly peaceful, but it was as close as I could get with an overbearing vampire mate.

"Absolutely," said one of the witches.

"Thank you for being here," I murmured, more to myself than anyone else. It felt good to have this small respite, even if it was constantly monitored.

"Of course, Ivy," replied another witch, offering me a warm smile.

I closed my eyes, letting the sun's rays envelop me like a comforting embrace. This was my sanctuary, a brief escape from the suffocating overbearing of my mate. As much as I loved Kael, there were times when his intensity became too much to handle.

Sunlight filtered through the pages of my book as I lounged in the courtyard, as I enjoyed myself. There were five witches guarding me today, seated around me in a 400 square foot area. It was clearly overkill, but it made Kael happy, and if he was happy, then so was I. I didn't need to look up to know that he was watching me through the UV protected window, his dark eyes always on me.

Shifting in my seat, I tried to find a comfortable position, though it was becoming increasingly difficult as the baby felt like it was dancing on my bladder. I knew that if I went back inside now, Kael would refuse to let me return to the courtyard today. He always made such a big production out of it. As much as his overbearing nature could be tiresome, I couldn't help but admit that I was hopelessly in love with him. And so, despite having been out here longer than we'd agreed upon, I continued to bask in the sunlight, cherishing every moment.

"Are you enjoying your novel?" one of the witches asked, breaking the silence.

"Very much so," I replied, not looking up from the pages. "I haven't had much time for reading lately."

"Is there anything else you need?" another witch chimed in, her voice filled with concern.

I sighed inwardly, knowing their intentions were good, but wishing for even a moment of true solitude. "No, thank you. I'm perfectly content."

As I returned to my book, I let my thoughts wander. What would life be like after our child was born? Would Kael become less protective, or more so? And how would I handle the challenges of motherhood while navigating vampires and whatever else was out there? These questions spiraled around my mind almost every moment of the day, but I pushed them aside for now, focusing on the warmth of the sun and the quiet peace that it offered.

"Remember to take breaks for water," a witch reminded me, her voice gentle. "We wouldn't want you getting dehydrated."

"Of course," I agreed with a tight smile, my patience wearing thin. "Thank you for looking out for me."

"Anything for you, Ivy," she replied, and I couldn't help but feel a small twinge of gratitude. They were here for me, after all, even if their presence could be stifling at times.

Flipping the page of my book, an unfamiliar sound caught my attention. Glancing down, I saw a small, round metal orb that had landed beside my chair.

Before I could react, all hell broke loose. A blinding light exploded from the orb, sending an excruciating pain through my brain. I couldn't see, but the sound of what seemed like a shotgun rang in my ears. I tried to drop to the ground, but strong arms wrapped around me instead. Arms that I didn't recognize.

"Kael!" I screamed, desperate for his help. Yet the witches who were supposed to protect me remained absent. Even with my enhanced strength and speed, I couldn't shake off the attacker.

"Relax," a gentle voice murmured in my ear. "You're safe now."

Thrown off by the words, I insisted, "I don't need rescuing."

Kael's roar of fury echoed from inside the house.

As my vision started to return, I realized that the wind rushing around me was my captor jumping over the roof of Kael's house. This stranger had managed to infiltrate our heavily guarded estate, and now held me captive despite my best efforts to break free.

"Who are you?" I demanded, my voice shaking. "And why did you take me?"

"Answers will come later," the stranger replied cryptically. "For now, focus on calming yourself and protecting your child."

"Release me," I snarled, my thoughts racing. How had this happened? Why hadn't the witches come to my aid?

"Please don't struggle," the stranger pleaded. "I'm not here to hurt you. But I can't let you go back to him, either."

"Back to Kael?" I asked, confusion and fear swirling inside me. "Why?"

"Because you deserve better," the stranger whispered, his voice filled with a strange mix of determination and sadness. "I promise, I'll explain everything as soon as we're safe."

The world rushed by in a blur, the wind whipping my hair and tearing at my clothes. My abductor's hold was surprisingly gentle as we soared through the air, making sure I wasn't hurt. As I blinked away the pain in my eyes, Kael's blood worked its magic, healing the damage to my retinas.

By the time my vision cleared, we had left Kael's estate behind and were running faster than I could register. The landscape changed from lush gardens to a cityscape, and soon, we were entering a building that looked like something straight out of an FBI movie. Fancy holding cells lined the walls, and interrogation rooms visible through glass partitions.

My abductor moved swiftly through the large room, finally stopping before what appeared to be a comfortable holding cell. He released me and pressed a button on the wall.

"Please, have a seat," he said, gesturing to the plush chair in the corner.

"I don't want to sit," I snapped, crossing my arms over my chest. "I want answers."

"Of course," he acknowledged, his tone still infuriatingly calm. "But first, allow me to make sure you're comfortable."

"Comfortable?" I scoffed. "You've kidnapped me and torn me away from my home, from Kael. How do you expect me to be comfortable?"

"Your well-being is important to me," he insisted, folding his hands in front of him. "Despite how it may seem, I'm not your enemy."

"Then who are you?" I asked while trying to stuff down my panic. I was vulnerable here. More so because of how pregnant I was.. "Why did you take me from Kael if you're not my enemy?"

"Because sometimes, even those who claim to love us can be our greatest threat," he answered cryptically, his eyes serious. "I took you because I believe there's a better life for you and your child outside of Kael's world."

"Kael loves me," I argued, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. "He's been nothing but protective and caring since we met."

"Please, Ivy," the man said calmly, his hands raised non-threateningly. "My name is Cade, and I apologize for how abrupt this has all been. Kael's protection of you has been nearly impenetrable. If it wasn't for your brief moments in the sun, I might never have had a chance to reach you."

"Take me back!" I demanded, desperation creeping into my voice. I couldn't bear to be separated from Kael, especially with our child on the way. There was no telling what he would do to find me.

"Listen to me, Ivy," Cade implored, holding my gaze with his earnest eyes. "You may not believe me now, but as soon as the vampire glamor wears off, you'll see things more clearly. We can help you deliver your baby safely, and then assist you in finding a new life."

"I don't need your help," I shot back, anger and fear lacing my words. "I love Kael! He's taking care of me and our child. He will get me anything I need."

"Kael's love cannot change the fact that you're carrying a Dhampir," Cade insisted, his tone gentle but firm. "The chances of you surviving the birth are slim without the assistance of someone who knows how to deliver such a child."

His words hit me like a brick, and for a moment, all I could do was stare at him in shock. Deep down, I knew that there was only so much the doctor who had been tending to me could do with their lack of experience.

"Please, Ivy," Cade continued. "This isn't about Kael or me. It's about your life and the life of your unborn child."

"And what if I would rather go back to Kael?"

"I can't let you do that." Cade sighed. "You won't survive if you go back."

As much as it pained me to admit it, Cade's words struck a chord within me. I wouldn't leave Kael. I loved him, something I knew wasn't being controlled by a vampire glamor. For now, I had no choice but to bide my time until I could get back to Kael.

"Alright," I whispered, my voice shaking. "I'll listen to what you have to say."

"Thank you, Ivy," Cade said softly, relief flooding his features. "I promise we're on your side."

I studied Cade's face, my mind racing. He seemed sincere in his desire to help me, yet so much of what he said led me to believe he knew more about what was going on with my child than I did. A sudden realization dawned on me.

"Wait," I said slowly, "you must be a half vampire, right? That's how you know all this?"

He nodded, a tinge of sadness flickering in his eyes. "Yes, I am a Dhampir or a daywalker. And unfortunately, my mother died during my birth because no one knew what would happen."

My heart ached for him, but the thought of facing something similar with my own baby sent shivers down my spine. Escape seemed impossible. There were more obstacles in my way if I tried to escape than there had been in Kael's panic room. For now, I had to accept Cade's help and find Kael when it was safe, or hope that Kael would come for me. Until then, I needed to learn as much as I could about daywalkers.

"Tell me more about yourself, Cade. How does being a Dhampir affect your life?" I asked, swallowing my fear.

"Being a daywalker has its advantages and disadvantages," he began, leaning back against the wall. "We possess the strength and speed of vampires, but without their weaknesses. We can walk in daylight and aren't bound by their thirst for blood."

"Then why do you want to help me?" I questioned, suspicion creeping into my voice. "Why should I trust you?"

"Because I don't want anyone else to suffer like my mother did," he replied earnestly. "And besides, not all vampires are as noble. They have their own agendas, and many would love nothing more than to exploit a daywalker child for their own gain."

"Alright," I said finally, "I'll listen to what you have to say. Teach me everything I need to know about daywalkers."

Cade's face softened, and he nodded in agreement. "Of course, Ivy. I promise to do everything I can to help you and your baby. We'll provide everything you need. I'll have the team in soon to give you an exam and make sure the baby is okay."

In that moment, I knew that I had no choice but to trust him. At least for now. The stakes were too high, and the well-being of my unborn child was my top priority. Kael would find me eventually, or I would find my way back to him. But first, I needed to ensure the safety of our child by learning the truth about the world I was now a part of.