CHAPTER 46

Vita

VERIAN RAN A HAND along the dusty tomes in the library as Vita watched him from the couch.

Early autumn sun streamed in through the tall windows, basking them in its warm glow, the earthy smell of old books filtering through the space.

After their morning with Renatus, Vita had shown Verian around the palace—the parlors, the greenhouse, the astronomy tower, and the library. He couldn't hide the awe on his face from the decadent extravagance infusing every room.

Livia had escorted them to another bedroom, one that he could take residence in, though she couldn't imagine he'd be sleeping alone anytime soon. Still, she could sense his melancholy, his jaw tense as he inspected his new quarters.

Verian finished his exploration of the bookshelves, dropping onto the couch next to her and pulling her into a cuddle. "Quite a collection he has."

"Oh, yes, Renatus is an avid reader," Vita said with a chuckle, turning to face him. "So… was it as nice as you expected?"

"What?"

She bit her lip. "Being intimate with a man. With Renatus."

Verian swallowed hard, though he couldn't stop the grin from pulling at his lips. "It was… better than I expected. I thought I would be more nervous, but it helped that you were there."

Vita's smile beamed through the library, relief settling in her bones. She had hoped his first time was as euphoric as her first kiss with Aurora. He certainly seemed to enjoy himself as he was on his knees for Renatus. Something she still hadn't gotten a chance to do.

"I'm glad."

Silence filled the room, not exactly uncomfortable, but heavy with the weight of the past few days.

"Will you be going back to the guard?" she finally asked, unable to hide the anxiety in her voice.

He was silent for a long moment, his mouth a thin line. "I don't think that's a wise decision with all that has happened. Even if Renatus wiped the memories of those who saw me, it feels wrong to return."

Her brows furrowed as she examined every inch of his face, creased with gloom. "I'm so sorry, Ver. I know how long you've dreamed of becoming a centurion and—"

He cut her off, turning to face her with a serious expression.

"Please, do not apologize. I was coming to find you before I realized you were missing. I wanted to tell you that I planned on quitting the guard. I allowed myself to serve a man who I knew to be vile for the sake of moving up in the ranks." He gave her a tight squeeze and a kiss on the cheek. "My dedication was misguided. You are the most important thing in my life, and you have been since the day we met. I love you, Vita, and I would do anything to keep you safe, to make you happy."

Tears burned her eyes as she felt the warmth of his words, the relief of his embrace. "I love you too. I'm so happy you're here with me."

He hummed. "You know, I'm glad I'm here too. It will take some adjustment, but I think I will enjoy being your personal guard ."

She turned to look at him, brow quirked in question. "Personal guard?"

"Renatus is more than capable of protecting you in the dark of night, but you need someone for the light as well."

Vita shook her head with a laugh, settling back into his arms as the sunlight bathed them in its golden glow. For the first time in a long while, she felt fully content. Like everything might turn out alright. It was a pleasant feeling.

Though, there was still one conversation she needed to have for her own peace of mind.

The three shared dinner in the dining hall, the table set to its usual extravagance. Aurora and Petran had not yet returned, and though Vita was eager to see them, it was nice to be alone with Verian and Renatus.

The conversation was comfortable, almost straying on the side of being too polite. Three people who were still working out how they fit together, though it had warmed her heart when Renatus kissed both of them in greeting.

As the meal winded down, she felt shaky, unsure whether to broach the request of a private conversation, but he made it easy for her.

"Vita darling, would you accompany me on a walk to Shadowholde this evening?" He turned to Verian with a wink. "I promise I won't keep her to myself for too long."

As Renatus returned his gaze to Vita, she nodded. "Yes, I would… like that."

This was what she wanted, a chance to speak with him privately and honestly. So why was her heart racing like a horse pulling a chariot?

Verian chuckled. "I was just thinking about checking out the bathhouse again."

"Enjoy yourself, dear," Renatus said as he cupped the other man's cheek, his thumb gently brushing over smooth skin.

Then he stood, offering his hand to Vita, who took it. She exchanged smiles with Verian as Renatus escorted her out of the dining room and towards the front door.

The night was surprisingly warm, her red dress of layered chiffon only giving her a slight chill. It was one of her favorites, though all of Renatus' gifts were beautiful.

"Where are we going?" she asked as they walked across the bridge.

He tutted, shaking his head. "You'll see, my dear."

The walk was pleasant, an owl hooting from one of the tall trees echoing through the night. There were few people out as they walked along the outskirts of the city, avoiding the hustle and bustle of the busy taverns and inns.

Vita had an idea of where they were headed, passing familiar businesses and streets, though she said nothing. Eventually, her suspicions proved correct as they stood outside the entrance to Quercu Coemeterium.

Sturdy oak trees surrounded the cemetery, candles glowing amongst the statues and headstones. The musky-sweet smell of decaying leaves settled in the air, moonbeams lighting their way as Renatus guided her through the crowded rows of graves.

Though it had been some time since she had been here, her pulse quickened when she realized exactly where he was taking her. She looked at him with furrowed brows as they stopped in front of a grave with a simple gray headstone. One she knew well.

"How did you know?" she breathed, emotion welling in her chest.

"I did some research, dear. Thought you might want to visit your old friend."

Vita gulped back tears as she kneeled in the grass in front of Mariana's grave.

With a hand on the cool stone, she traced a finger over the old woman's name. It was small, simple, the best she could do for the woman who'd saved her life, who'd raised her when her parents had refused. Renatus let her have her moment, silent tears falling down her cheeks as she remembered her old guardian.

Mariana would be so proud to see what she could do, the control she now had over her magic.

There was a comforting hand on her shoulder, and she wiped the tears away before standing back up to face Renatus. He pulled her into a hug, running fingers through her hair as she sighed with relief.

"Thank you," Vita whispered, as if the ghosts of the past could hear. "It's been too long since I've come to see her."

"You've had valid reasons for your absence. I'm certain she would understand."

He wasn't wrong.

It had been difficult to find time to herself while she'd worked for Amulius, and since moving to the palace, things had been better, but no less complicated.

"If you're up for it, I have one more thing to show you," Renatus said, gazing at her with that piercing stare.

Something else? Vita nodded, her heart settling as she said goodbye to Mariana.

He took her hand, leading her through winding rows in peaceful silence before stopping at another grave.

All the breath left her lungs as she read the name.

RENATUS POLLUX .

Emotions roiled through her, confusion, melancholy, despair. Someone had loved him enough to bury an empty casket with a beautiful headstone. One that was covered with dirt, as if no one had been here to visit in quite some time. She got on her knees, brushing the mud from the smooth stone so his name shone clearly in the moonlight.

RENATUS POLLUX .

Vita turned to look up at him, and there was a wry smile on his face.

"I didn't find out about it until many years after I had been turned. Tullia was the one who did it." He cleared his throat. "I hope that doesn't upset you, but I wanted to bring you here. It's been decades since I've come myself."

She frowned, his worry making her chest clench. Did he really think she'd be bothered because Tullia was the one who did this? She pushed her way up, wrapping her arms around his neck as his hands grasped her hips.

"Of course I'm not upset. Thank you for sharing this with me. I'm so sorry for what happened, all of it."

"What's done is done." His jaw clenched, though his eyes softened. "And if I hadn't been turned, I would never have met you."

The statement settled in her chest, a cascade of emotion that brought more tears to her eyes. She rested her hands on his shoulders as he pressed his lips to hers. The kiss was sweet, gentle, an owl hooting in the distance as they let the night air caress them.

Renatus pulled back, placing a hand on her cheek with a smile. "Vita, it's important that you know… I-I love you. Not because of Tullia, but because of you. You're special to me, in a way that even Aurora and Petran aren't, and I hope you will stay with me. It would be the greatest honor to be yours, for as long as you wish to have me."

All the words she'd been waiting to hear, and they were more perfect than she had expected. She could see the truth in his eyes, his touch, his genuine smile.

"I love you too. Of course , I want you. I've wanted you since the night in the rose garden. And I promise I'm never leaving again."

He leaned in close, his eyes serious. "My beautiful Vita. I've wasted so much time trying to deny what I felt. I promise I will not waste another moment."

With a smile, she let her lips brush his, every nerve in her body tingling.

"Can we… do the blood bond again? I want to feel you, know you."

Words weren't enough; she needed to be connected with him in a way that only the Gods could understand.

Renatus nodded, taking her hand and pulling her to a bench, the cool stone chilling her as they sat.

"I would like nothing more than to taste you again, and to let you taste me."

Vita tried to smile, though her brows furrowed. "And there's no way to make the bond permanent?"

"Not unless you…" he trailed off, but she finished the sentence for him.

"Die."

Her face was as serious as an oath, her eyes offering what she couldn't bring herself to say.

Renatus shook his head vehemently. "No. Vita, no. I would never hurt you, never curse you with what has happened to me."

"What if I wanted that? Wanted to be your—"

He cut her off. "You don't and you know it."

Renatus was right. Of course he was. She was ready to give up control in every way. Every way except one.

Vita bit her lip, willing the tears away, but he just smiled.

"I will taste you, my darling, and remember how sweet your blood is. Then you will do the same for me. We can fulfill the bond whenever you wish, will forever be connected by our love."

With a mirrored smile, she nodded, brushing aside her raven locks, exposing her neck.

Renatus cocked his head, his tongue flicking across his lips. He moved towards her, but she stopped him with a final question.

"Am I yours?"

A smile spread across his face, eyes softening as he pressed a gentle kiss on her lips.

His whispered words buzzed at her mouth. "Of course you are mine. You are mine until the stars forget to shine in the night sky, until the sun grows cold, until the universe blinks out of existence. I'm never letting you go."

Tears dotted her eyes, though her heart was full.

Renatus kissed her once more before turning his attention to the pulse at her neck, his pupils dilating as he took in her scent. Fangs raked across tender flesh and Vita tensed, ready for him.

He plunged into her throat and she resisted a scream, settling for a hiss as the sharp pain jolted her. The sensation was strange, blood leaving her as he inhaled deeply, but already the sting was subsiding, replaced with pure euphoria.

When he pulled away, sticky redness dripped from his lips, his eyelids at half mast. "Oh, Vita, you taste so sweet, so pure. I have starved while you've been gone, but I am satiated again."

"Starved?" she asked as he pressed the flat of his tongue to her wound, sealing the punctures.

When he raised his head, his eyes met hers, a sheepish look on his face.

"I have not fed since you left," Renatus admitted.

Vita beamed, unable to stop the satisfaction that buzzed through her at the confession. She didn't wish for him to go hungry, but the thought pleased her; that he'd been as severely affected by their parting as she had.

With a grin, he tore into the flesh at his wrist, holding his arm out like an offering.

An offering she was eager to accept.

There was no hesitation this time. Vita pressed her lips to his wrist, taking in a deep gulp of his blood. It slid down her throat, filling her body with warmth, coiling around every muscle and sinew. Iron scented the air, wafting between them as Renatus eyed her eagerly.

Warmth gave way to something else; butterflies fluttering in her stomach and electricity running through her veins.

Adoration enveloped them, wrapping them in its embrace as it twisted, knotting them together as one.

"I love you," Vita breathed as she pulled away from his wrist.

"I love you, too," Renatus replied, pressing their lips together so their blood mingled, the bond complete.