Page 229 of Fallen Nocturne

I find Bas at the edge of the palace grounds, preparing to leave.

He has packed lightly, carrying only a single bag over one shoulder with enough provisions and personal belongings for the road.

“You’re really going,” I say.

He turns to me and smiles. That familiar, easy smile that I’ve known for centuries.

“I am,” he says, adjusting the strap across his shoulder. “Time to move on. You don’t need me here anymore.”

“That’s not true,” I say immediately.

“You have Rhianelle now,” Bas says gently. “You have a life. A purpose. A future. It is time I found out what comes next for me.”

The smile remains on his face, but I know him too well to believe that is the only reason he is leaving. His departure settles heavily in my chest.

“There’s something I need to find out,” he admits, his expression fading a little. “I want to know whether Ruthven’s lineage survived his destruction. No one knows what happens to the bloodline when a Strigon who created it is killed, and I need to know what became of his descendants.”

Of course. Ruthven’s descendants have been at war with Vlad’s bloodline for centuries, tearing through territories and dragging countless others into their feud. Even in death, my brother continues to wreak havoc and ruin lives.

“I’ll see you soon, brother,” Bas says, reaching out to clasp my shoulder. “I’m glad, Andras. I’m so glad you found her. After everything and all the years, you found your person.”

“I did,” I say.

“That is how it happens, isn’t it?” Bas smiles faintly. “Love finds you when you least expect it. Usually when you have convinced yourself that part of your life is already over.”

His smile fades at the edges.

There’s something wistful in his voice. I see it. The grief that lives in him. The loss that never quite healed.

He’s thinking about Gwyn.

Bas loved Gwyn, and her death devastated him. After all these years, he still carries that loss with him.

“You still miss her,” I say quietly.

He swallows and looks away.

“Bas—”

“It’s fine,” he says quickly. “I’ve made peace with it. Gwyn was my person and I got to love her, even if it was only for a little while. That’s more than most people get.”

The grief in his voice is old, worn smooth by time. He loved her enough that even centuries could not erase the shape she left behind. It is the kind of love that doesn’t fade easily and leaves a scar on the soul.

“Where will you go?” I ask.

Bas glances toward the road beyond the palace gates. “I’m going to try to find Han first. We lost contact for a while. I may need a witch to find him, but I need to know if he’s all right.”

“If you find him, tell him I send my regards and that he still owes me a drink,” I say.

“I will.” Bas adjusts his pack. “After that... I’m going to visit Vlad’s tomb.”

I go still.

Vladimir Mircea Drăculea. The ancient vampire who became a monster. Who hated humanity so much he tried to destroy it. He is now sealed away in a tomb, trapped for centuries.

“Why? You think something is wrong?” I ask.

“I don’t know,” Bas admits. “But someone needs to check.”