Somewhere Secluded
"They killed my man." An elder's voice, sharp with frustration, cut into the dark.
"I told you not to send a human on that mission," another snapped. "But you were stubborn."
"Hey — you don't get to boss me around." The elder said
The younger man laughed, a thin, dangerous sound.
"Strange," the younger man replied, cold as stone. "You say that, yet here you are, scheming to leech others' power because your own is useless. No one takes you seriously even on that... ."
"I dare you finish that sentence." The elder voice out
"What will you do about it?" The younger man bared his fangs.
A soft wind carried a woman's voice then, low and frosty. "Stop." It drifted across them like a blade. "We need a plan — and fast. If they mate, everything collapses. We can't be exposed by his awakening."
The elder scoffed. "I thought you were busy charming your way into his bed. Now you need our help?"
She fixed him with a look that could chill blood. "I'll delay them, but you must do your part. Be useful for once." With that she turned and left them staring after her.
****
Riven
It was dark outside, but I needed him. I kept reaching for the bond, trying to locate the brown- eyed vampire through it, but the way felt blocked — like a door bolted shut. I could see the Night Kingdom's lights in the distance, a faint constellation of someone else's life.
Then I felt him—warm, near. "You asked for me," he said from behind.
I turned. "I didn't think my message went through."
"It didn't. But your thoughts were not at peace, so I came."
"I need something from you." I stepped forward, exhaling. "Mark me."
He laughed, incredulous. "Riven, are you insane?"
"It's not like you'd lose anything." I tried to make it sound casual. "Come on."
He stepped closer, eyes unreadable. "I won't do it. It's not just a mark — it's you becoming mine."
"Even if it lifts your curse?" I asked.
He paused. "Even so. I can only mark you when you come to me willingly."
I snorted. "You say it like I'm your woman."
He flinched at the word but didn't flinch from the truth. "Listen. In this bond, we are two men from two worlds. I am not your woman. I can only touch you when you have done what is needed of you. I want you to be mine as much as I'm yours."
"It's not that easy," I said. "I have to protect you. At the same time I have to watch my back."
"I will be with you, Riven," he promised.
"You know my name," I said, surprised. "But I don't even know yours."
He smiled softly. "Lior Solavar."
"Will you be there when I'm ready?" I asked.
"I will. Just trust me." He sounded earnest — almost human.
A black crow tore away from a branch, startling us both. My heart kicked. "Damn it," I muttered. "I'll take care of it." I turned and left, the night swallowing Lior's quiet silhouette behind me.