I sat in the living room, my hands wrapped around my cup of hot cocoa, staring out, lost in thought. The rain slapped hard against the window, as if trying to intensify my restlessness. It was already evening, but I couldn't bring myself to go back upstairs.

Exhaustion settled on my body like a leaden weight, but my mind was restless. Eryon had said he wouldn't hurt me—but could I really trust him? After everything I'd read? After everything I knew about vampires?

Still... his story made sense. So much sense that it frightened me. And yet, I felt a deep sadness inside. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't...