"We need to get that out," she said.
"Later."
Her eyebrows drew together as she frowned at him. "If Caleb did crawl out of his grave, you'll be in better shape to face him if you're already healing."
"Fine," he relented, knowing she was right. "Jack."
He released her as he grabbed the trunk of a tree. With clenched teeth, he braced himself as Jack stepped beside him. Jack placed a hand briefly on his back before seizing the board and pulling it free in one hard yank.
A low groan of pain reverberated off Braith's teeth as he stood with his head bowed and his shoulders heaving. His fingers dug into the bark of the tree as he fought against the bellow threatening to erupt from him.
Aria rested her hand on his arm, but it was a few moments before he could open his eyes to look at her. Ducking under his arm, she stepped between him and the tree. With nimble fingers, she pulled back the tears in his shirt to examine the jagged wound.
Blood still seeped from the hole, but with the beam removed he could already feel his body working to heal itself. The jagged tear in his stomach was already almost closed.
"You need blood," she murmured.
"It can wait."
Aria pressed her back against the tree as she unwaveringly met his gaze and pulled down the collar of her shirt. His gaze latched onto the marks his father had left, an involuntary snarl escaped as he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her against him. Using his body to shield her from the others, he bent his head to the side of her neck that wasn't wounded.
"I'm fine," she told him when he hesitated.
He briefly nuzzled her before sinking his fangs into her. Her hands curled around his arms as she melded against him. He took enough to regain some of his strength before pulling away and offering his wrist to her. Her eyes closed in pleasure as she bit into him. Releasing him, she lifted her eyes to his.
"How was that possible?" she murmured.
Braith shook his head as he released the tree and stepped away from her. Though he would still require human blood, he could already feel the strength of her blood healing his broken bones and other injuries.
"I don't know," he admitted.
"He told me he was over a thousand years old and a stake wasn't enough to stop him."
Braith's jaw clenched, his hands fisted at the reminder his father had a chance to tell her such a thing.
"Has anything like this ever happened before?" she asked.
"I have never heard of such a thing," Xavier said. Xavier was starting to regain some of his color, and the bites on his neck had almost completely healed as he stepped closer to them. "But Atticus was the oldest of our species, ever, and his line is the purest. He must have been far more powerful than any of us realized. I never heard him coming; I didn't know he was there until he was on top of me, and by then it was too late."
"He tracked me," Aria murmured.
Braith wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her to his side. "He'll never be able to do that again."
She nodded as she tilted her head back to study him. "You might also be able to survive such a thing?"
"It is a possibility," Xavier said.
"I'm not willing to find out," Braith told them.
"Neither am I." Aria shuddered against his side.
"We will probably never know what you're capable of, or Jack and Melinda." Xavier's gaze landed on Aria as they made their way steadily up the hill to where Caleb had been unceremoniously buried. "Though it's obvious it's more than the rest of us."
At the top of the hill, Braith led the way toward a barren and dark area of the woods. Nothing grew beneath the high bows of the pines shadowing the forest floor. The inhospitable environment had seemed like the perfect spot to place his father and siblings. Dirt had been heaved up around the hole his father had pulled himself from, but the other two graves appeared undisturbed.
Calista smiled as she handed the shovels to a scowling Gideon and Ashby. "Dig away, boys," she said.
They didn't protest as they broke ground and began to uncover a creature Braith never thought he'd see again. Caleb's hands appeared first and then his chest and face. His face was sunken in, his skin grayish and missing chunks. Aria's hand tightened around his; she shuddered and turned away when they began to uncover Natasha.
"Burn them," Braith ordered gruffly, unwilling to take the chance that a month or two from now they may reemerge also.
Calista and Gideon lit the torches and tossed them into the graves. Braith didn't care to see the result; he didn't want Aria there for any longer than necessary.
"If they're still in their graves, does that mean you wouldn't survive a stake?" she whispered as he led her through the woods.
"I don't know. It may have been my father's age which allowed such a thing to happen, it may have taken more time for them to rejuvenate, or it may have simply been my father's bloodline." Aria nodded as she leaned against his side. "Are you sure you're okay?"
Her hand absently fluttered to her neck; her eyes darkened as she nodded briefly. "I'll be fine. The darkness, Braith, I don't know how you handled it."
He kissed her temple briefly, inhaling her sweet scent beneath the hay, blood, and sweat. "Because of you."
"Yes, because of you," she murmured.
"I understand the darkness, Aria. It will never rule you though; you don't have to fear that."
She glanced at him from under lowered lashes as he squeezed her shoulder. "Unless something happened to you."
"That's not going to happen," he assured her. "Apparently, there's a chance I might be even harder to kill than any of us thought."
A small laugh escaped her. "Apparently."
He fought against the waves of anger suffusing him as he brushed the blood from her neck. "This will never happen again."
"I hope not. If he comes back from a beheading, I think we can give him his crown, throw him a party, and admit defeat."
"Thankfully, that's not a possibility."
"Good, there are only so many shocks my heart can take, beating or not." He chuckled as he kissed the top of her head and they reentered the town.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Throughout the repairs and rebuilding, the golden chains were salvaged from the wreckage of the town and placed where the stage once stood. That night, after taking some time to recuperate and consume some blood from the donation center, Braith gathered all occupants of the palace, towns, and forest together to burn the chains with the remains of his father.
The sun was beginning to set as he lit a torch and handed it to Aria. "I thought you would like the honors," he said.
The flames heated her cheeks as she twisted it in her hands. She smiled at him before stepping forward and tossing it onto the pile of kindling. She'd never seen anything as satisfying as watching all those chains, and the king's remains, spark and catch fire. Braith reached into his pocket and pulled out something. She leaned over him as he opened his hand to reveal the signet ring symbolizing the House of Valdhai he'd worn when she first met him.
"Braith?"
"It's a new beginning all the way around, Aria."
He stepped forward and tossed the ring into the flames. Sliding her arms around his waist, she rested her head on his chest and savored the moment. The fire spread throughout the vast amount of wood and rose higher. Sparks shot and leapt into the air as smoke curled high into the darkening night. It had been an awful day, but this moment made it all worthwhile.
A cheer erupted from the crowd as the last symbols of oppression from the old regime turned to ashes. Food and alcohol were brought forth; music filled the air as the crowd of vampires and humans laughed and danced in celebration.
There was still a lot of work to be done, and a long way to go before trust was fully established, but as the heat of the flames beat against her skin, and Braith twirled her into the merriment, she knew they could do it. That together they could conquer anything; they could make a world neither of them had e
nvisioned, but both of them were willing to sacrifice anything for.
She thought of the darkness that threatened to drag her under earlier, but instead of being afraid of it, she found strength in the power coursing through her. A strength that would help her get through the days and years ahead. Days and years she couldn't wait to experience with him.
The next day, Aria agreed to give Melinda her undivided attention until the wedding and coronation ceremony was over. Melinda bombarded her with endless details, and Aria was reaching her breaking point when Maggie strolled into the apartment with an armload of dresses.
"I asked her to come," Melinda whispered in Aria's ear.
It took Aria a moment to get over her surprise at seeing Maggie again. "You don't have to wait on me," she said.
Maggie grinned at her as she placed the dresses on the arm of the sofa. "I'm not here as a servant. I came willingly."
"Every queen requires a lady in waiting," Melinda said flippantly.
Aria was even more uncomfortable with that prospect. Melinda started pawing through the dresses Aria now realized were wedding dresses.
"I've ordered the tailor to come up also," Melinda said.
Aria winced at the prospect. She had to adjust to these things if she was going to spend an eternity within these walls, but even so, she couldn't help but dream about escaping with Braith to their tree house soon. Maggie watched in amusement as Melinda held dresses up to Aria, shook her head, and tossed them aside with rapid precision.
They were almost to the end of the pile when Melinda seized one that caused Aria to lurch forward. She pulled it closer to her as she gazed at the beautiful dress in awe. "This one. This is the one."
Melinda's gray eyes twinkled as she grinned at her. "I knew you'd like it. Didn't I tell you this would be the one?" she demanded of Maggie.
"You did," Maggie agreed.
"Let's get it on you before my brother decides to snoop."
Aria helped them to maneuver her into the striking dress. Standing before the mirror, she was unable to believe it was her as she gazed at herself in amazement. It was the only dress she'd loved, and not only could she not wait to wear it, but she didn't want to take it off.
Melinda fluffed out the bottom of it and took a step back to scrutinize it. A radiant smile lit her beautiful face as she nodded approvingly. "You're not the most conventional queen, but you can pull off a dress when it's necessary."
Aria laughed as she twirled in front of the large mirror. Feeding on Braith had added curves to her that hadn't been there since her first captivity within the palace. His blood had given her a glow of health and a rosy blush to her skin.
She was amazed by the drastic change her life had taken. As a motherless, wild child, she never would have dreamed she would one day be standing here, a fatherless vampire, surrounded by more loved ones than she ever dreamed of having and marrying a king.
Though it took all her self control, she managed to stay still, and not fidget, as the tailor made a few adjustments before nodding his approval.
Melinda clapped her hands enthusiastically together as she eyed Aria with approval. "Are you ready to get married?"
"More than ready."
"Good. The wedding is tomorrow." Aria gaped at her as Melinda smiled mischievously and shared a pointed look with Maggie. "I've told Braith to stay away for the night, as we have a lot of plans to make, and also because I like to torment him."
"It's too soon for such a big wedding," Aria protested.
"Not the big one, Aria, tomorrow will be your wedding. The one you dreamed of having. The other one can wait until the end of the month."
Tears burned her throat and eyes as she threw her arms around Melinda. Her future sister was nearly her exact opposite, but Aria couldn't have asked for a better friend. She hugged Maggie afterward; grateful to see the young girl who was the closest thing to a friend she had while a blood slave. She'd never been so nervous and excited in her life, but she couldn't wait to be a queen.
Epilogue
William grinned at her as he grasped her hands and held her arms out before her. "Might not be wearing heels, but the dress alone is worth it," he said.
Aria rolled her eyes as she slid her arm through his and smiled. "Don't get used to it."
"I don't plan on it," he assured her. "You look beautiful, by the way."
"Did you just offer me a compliment?"
His eyes sparkled as he squeezed her hand. "Don't get used to it."
"I don't plan on it," she told him laughingly.
"Are you ready for this?"
"I'm pretty sure this is the smallest step I've taken recently."
"Yeah but you'll be a queen after this one, that seems a little more intimidating than dying."
Aria burst into laughter as she leaned against his side. "I think you might be right."
His expression became sober as he studied her. "You'll be good at it though."
"I hope so. You'll do well also, with Jack."
He shrugged as he anxiously pulled at the edges of the light green tunic he wore. Though it was of more exceptional quality than the clothes they'd worn in the forest, it was the same style. "I'm looking forward to it."
"I'm going to miss you," she could barely get the words out through the sudden constriction in her throat.
"I'm not so sure your future husband will."
Aria laughed again as she shook her head. "He'll miss you too, but I'll annoy him enough for the both of us until you return though."
"Of that, I have no doubt."
She leaned forward as she tried to peer out to where Braith waited with the others by the banquet tree. She was nervous about the larger ceremony at the end of the month, but pure excitement filled her with this one.
Today was just for them.
William pulled her back and shook his head reprovingly. "No peeking."
Aria frowned impatiently but resigned herself to waiting a little longer. Though most of the leaves were still in the trees, they had started to flutter down. The clearing was alive with the swirling oranges, yellows, and reds floating lazily toward the ground. The air was crisper, but she didn't feel the cold as acutely as she had as a human.
She shifted the simple bouquet of pale yellow roses and orange baby's breath in her grasp. Max approached from where the others waited for her, he was smiling and handsome in the same color shirt William wore. Amusement gleamed in his eyes as his gaze ran over her and he nodded approvingly.
She'd been blessed with eternity, but it had come at a price. She was reminded of this fact as she looked between Max and her brother. One day, she would lose them, but for now she was going to savor the small moment of perfection she'd found in a life she'd never expected to be blessed with.
"They're ready if you are," Max informed her.
She grinned at him as she nodded enthusiastically. She'd never been more ready for anything in her life. "Completely," she replied as she slipped her arms into Max's and William's.
Someone, she suspected Melinda, had instructed the colorful leaves be gathered and spread out to serve as the aisle she would walk down. There were no decorations except for the splendid color of the fall day surrounding them as she stepped onto the makeshift aisle. Gideon, Xavier, Saul, Calista, Adam, Frank, Ashby, Melinda, and Maggie were adorned in simple garb as they stood beside the makeshift aisle, but her eyes were immediately drawn to Braith with Jack at his side.
Pride bloomed in her chest; love swirled and built within her as tears burned her eyes. He was magnificent with his dark hair brushed neatly back, and his hard jaw shaved clean. The dark green tunic he wore fit perfectly over his large frame.
She had to admit she enjoyed him in such simple clothing; he appeared more at ease in the attire of the forest people. And that smile, well she'd never get tired of the smile lighting his face and causing his eyes to sparkle.
Max and William stepped aside when they arrived at the end of the aisle with her. Braith couldn't stop hi
mself from smiling as he held his hand out and took hers. She was beautiful, with a glow of happiness and love radiating from her as she stared up at him with tears of joy shimmering in her eyes.
She hated dresses, but the simple gown she'd chosen was ideal for her. The cream color was flattering against her sun-kissed skin. Woven across her stomach, through the dress, were subtle strands of gold and orange that accented her slender waist. More strands of color ran throughout the form-fitting bodice, and the off-the-shoulder sleeves. Her hair fell about her shoulders in thick, red ringlets interwoven with tiny yellow and gold flowers.
She was a vision of fall and earth, and she was his.
Daniel cleared his throat to draw their attention to him. Her other hand enfolded his as Daniel began to recite the vows he'd written. Though they weren't traditional, Braith recognized them as belonging to the people of the woods, as belonging to Aria and her loved ones.
Daniel spoke of the trees and the seasons, of growth and loss, of the changes they all had to endure. Braith found himself enraptured by Daniel's speech, the emotion swirling within the words, and the enthusiasm radiating from his gaze.
"Though you may weather tough times, may your love be as durable as the swaying oak, as steadfast as the rising sun, and as evolving as the changing moon." Daniel stared expectantly at them before clearing his throat and blushing slightly. "You can kiss her now," he said as he realized he'd forgotten this part.
Dim laughter accompanied his statement, but Braith heard none of it as he pulled her against him and kissed her. Her mouth was pliant against his as her arms wrapped around his neck and she melted against him. Loud cheers and applause resounded around them as he broke the kiss before he couldn't.
She grinned up at him, her eyes sparkling and mischievous and her mouth slightly swollen from his kiss. He wasn't entirely certain forever would be enough for him. He knew that no matter what, this woman, once his blood slave, then his greatest downfall, and finally his salvation would never fail to amaze him, never fail to bring joy and love to his life, and would hold him captive for eternity.
The Captive Series 1-5 Page 81
