Page 16 of Fallen Nocturne

“The honey will help.” Rainer doesn’t even look up from his paper.

“If you say so,” I murmur, then decide to address my real concern. “But Uncle, what were you thinking bringing that... that vampire to Völundr?”

Now Rainer does look up. “What do you mean?”

“The blacksmith,” I say, lowering my voice even though the tavern is nearly empty at this early hour. “The one working at the forge down the street. Do you have any idea how dangerous those creatures are? They’re monsters, Uncle.”

Shade glances at me before lowering his attention to the wolf again. His gloved hand moves slowly over the animal’s head.

Rainer sets down his mug slowly. “Is that so? And what makes you think he’s dangerous?”

“He’s a vampire,” I say flatly. “They feed on blood.”

Shade and Rainer exchange a look. Neither speaks.

“Arescaine has been nothing but helpful to our cause.” Rainer sets down his paper slowly. “He’s created weapons and armor that have saved countless elven lives.”

“But at what cost?” I insist. “He will want something in return.”

“Perhaps…” Rainer clears his throat softly.

Normally, I’d press further, but something draws my attention to the window. Through the warped glass, I can see the forge across the square.

There he is… the vampire in question.

He’s working shirtless despite the cool morning. His pale skin seems to glow in the firelight from the forge. Muscles ripple across his back as he brings a hammer down on glowing metal, each strike precise and powerful. His dark hair is tied back, revealing the sharp angles of his face and the tension in his jaw as he concentrates.

I realize I’m staring and quickly look away, heat rising to my cheeks.

“Rhianelle?” Rainer’s voice breaks through my thoughts. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine,” I say too quickly, taking a large bite of eggs to avoid having to say more. “I’m just... concerned about the safety of our people. Having a vampire in the city seems like an unnecessary risk.”

“He’s been thoroughly vetted,” Shade says. “You have nothing to fear from him.”

“Fear isn’t the right word,” I mutter before I can stop myself.

They both look at me sharply.

“What was that?” Rainer asks.

“Nothing. I just...” I risk another glance out the window. The vampire has paused in his work, using a cloth to wipe sweat from his brow. The morning light catches on his skin, making him look like a marble statue come to life.

Beautiful… and dangerous.

“I think it’s reckless,” I say firmly, forcing myself to focus on my breakfast. “Bringing a vampire here, letting him work so close to where we’re staying. What if he loses control? What if he decides to feed on our people?”

“He won’t,” Rainer says with such certainty that I look at him in surprise.

“How can you be so sure?” I set down my fork.

My uncle picks up his coffee cup and takes a long sip, clearly buying time. “I have it on good authority that he has... alternative arrangements for feeding. He’s no threat to our people.”

“Good authority,” I repeat skeptically. “From whom?”

Another exchange of looks between him and his trusted Grimsbane. The silence stretches uncomfortably.

“Uncle,” I say, frustration creeping into my voice. “What aren’t you telling me?”