My mouth immediately begins to form the word “no.” But I stop myself short. Do I feel sympathy for the vampir? Instinct tells me not to. My mind says I could never.
But my heart…
“I did; I do. I know what it’s like to live feeling like there’s no hope, no way out, no future other than a grim one paved by others’ hands. And it’s a fate no one should endure. At this point, the vampir are as much victims as we are,” I echo Ruvan’s words.
Quinn inhales slowly and exhales something that sounds like relief. He runs a hand through his dusty brown hair, turned full rust in the sunlight. He shakes his head as if in disbelief. I suppose we can share that sentiment.
“I never thought I’d see the day a human would take pity on our kind. But then again, I never thought I’d see the day where my lord, any vampir, would become bloodsworn to one such human.” He drops his hand, holding it out as though it is a peace offering. “I suppose, if any human is to walk among us, I’m glad it’s you, forge maiden.”
I chuckle softly. I suppose Ruvan must have shared the truth with Quinn and Callos. Not that I mind. I can’t deny that I’ve begun trusting them all. Clasping hands with Quinn, I say, “I suppose, if I am to walk among vampir, I’m glad it’s with your lord and his covenant as well.”
Quinn releases my hand, placing both of his in his pockets, as if to physically prevent himself from ever even thinking of extending such a peace offering to me again. I turn back to the window, thinking of what my next question to him will be. But we’re interrupted.
Winny’s hasty footsteps grow close and she bursts into the smithy. “Quinn, Riane—Floriane, come quick. It’s Ruvan.”
My heart sinks to the pit of my stomach. Her wide eyes, her frantic tone…
“What is it? What’s happened?” Quinn asks, rushing to meet her. I follow, determined not to be left behind, pulled by an irrational fear threatening to consume me.
“It’s the curse. He’s on the edge of becoming Succumbed.”
