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“Of course,” he says with an eyebrow quirked. “I do not want you punished because you were not in your tower when she arrived. We have someone near each portal stone, as well as the edges of the forest.”
My mouth drops open. “That makes sense, but why didn’t you tell me before?” I ask, and his answer is simple.
“I did not want you to think about her while you were happy,” he says.
I have no response for that, but I smile at him gratefully. It’s true, I would much rather ignore the impending threat of returning to the tower. “I guess this means I must leave?”
Raúl shrugs. “Not necessarily. You can stay here, but if I know anything about that witch, she will track you down.”
I sigh and agree. “Let’s get me there tonight. I want to make sure I am there before her.”
He leans closer to me until his nose is touching mine. “You have the mirror now. You can contact me anytime.” His fangs slide out of his mouth and his red eye darkens. “If she harms you in any way, I guarantee she will walk this earth no more.”
The words fill me with a strange sort of vengeance that surprises me and I do not protest his threat. Raúl’s fangs slide back in and he stands up, pulling me to him. He wraps his arms around me and kisses me. “Whatever you want, it’s yours.”
We head to my room and I take one last look, promising I will be back to sleep in that glorious bed. I change into the dress Mother had seen me in, and I leave my new ones here. Just in case she searches my things. When I am ready, Raúl takes my hand. “Remember, you are always welcome here. One of those loyal to me will not stray from the tower. You will be able to call for help at any time.”
We stop by Carmen’s quarters to say goodbye, promising to be back soon. She even hugs me, surprising a quick laugh out of me.
Raúl and I step outside of the castle, my bare feet crushing the grass. I left all the shoes he has given me here, too. I take one final glance at the castle before moving to Raúl.
“I’m ready,” I say, though my voice is full of trepidation.
He whisks me into his arms but does not move yet. “This is the last time I’ll ask. Are you sure about this?”
“Yes. I need answers. I want to hear straight from her.”
“And if she does not answer?”
“I will find out the truth, one way or the other.”
Raúl hugs me closer to him. “Brave Penny.”
I wrap my arms around his neck and gasp as his feet leave the ground. He flies toward my tower at a slow, languid pace. My arms tighten as the world shrinks below. Though it is night, my eyes adjust enough to make out the shapes of trees below and the occasional vampire. Other creatures I do not recognize roam the forest, others I’ve seen pictured in books.
He grins down at me, a fond expression on his face. “Are you having fun?”
I think about it before answering. “Yes, actually. Although I’d love to see the Darkgrove Forest during the day, so I can see everything better.”
“Someday, we’ll make that happen.” He continues over the trees, and I even spot a clear patch where the lake must be. I hope next time we can visit it. Maybe even have a midnight picnic together.
“Are you having fun?” I ask Raúl.
He glances at me with a smile. “Yes. Mostly, I’m glad I haven’t scared you away yet.”
“Does that happen a lot?”
He grimaces, but doesn’t answer.
Raúl’s muscles tense as the crumbled castle comes into view. The dark tower I used to call home stands where it always has. Raúl flies to our window he visits me at, and I lean forward to open it. He sits me on the windowsill, hands tight on my waist, steadily holding me so I do not fall.
I step onto the floor and quickly turn around, staring at Raúl. I open my mouth, closing it again. Twisting my dress in my hands, I stare at the ground. “You’re welcome to come inside, if you’d like.”
My heart pounds as the words leave my mouth. Once a vampire is invited into a home, they are able to come in at will. Raúl isn’t just any vampire, though, especially to me. Instead of the trepidation I know I should feel, only excitement runs through my veins.
Raúl stays still, watching me carefully. “Are you sure?” he asks.
“Yes,” I say simply, though my heart continues to pound.
