Page 20 of Vampire Solstice
Fen steps closer, inspecting the tree with a cautious expression. “You’re sure it’s safe?”
Myra smiles faintly. “It brought you here, didn’t it? Trust me, it will take you home.”
I glance back at the villagers, who stand in small clusters, their faces still marked by wonder and hope. Turning to Myra, I take her hands in mine. “We’ll send supplies,” I promise. “You won’t be alone. And if you’d like, you’re welcome to join us for the Solstice celebration at High Castle.”
Myra’s eyes widen slightly, and a small smile tugs at her lips. “We’ll think about it,” she says.
Fen rests a hand on my shoulder, his touch grounding. “It’s time,” he says gently.
I nod, turning back to the tree. Its magic calls to me, a faint pull in my chest that feels like both a farewell and a welcome. Myra steps back, her hands glowing brighter as she channels thetree’s power. The golden light intensifies, wrapping around Fen and me in a warm, comforting embrace.
“Goodbye,” Myra says, her voice steady but tinged with emotion. “And thank you.”
The light swallows us whole, the world dissolving into a blur of warmth and magic. When it fades, we find ourselves back in the throne room of High Castle.
Chaos greets us. Advisors and courtiers rush about, their faces marked with panic. Kayla is ordering people around, but she freezes when she sees, her eyes widening.
“You had just disappeared. Now you're back. What happened?" she asks.
I frown. "Kayla, how long have we been gone?"
"I don't know. A few minutes. I was about to form a search party," she says.
I look to Fen and shrug. "Breaking the curse must have reset time somehow?"
Kayla's frown turns to a look of confusion. "What curse? What are you two talking about?"
I smile. "We'll explain everything. But first, we need to add a village to our maps and get a convoy of supplies out to them right away."
Chapter 11
The Solstice
The solstice night arrives with a crisp chill in the air and a sky glittering with stars. High Castle is alive with celebration, the great hall transformed into a shimmering display of garlands, candles, and frosted greenery with the new Mythos Tree the centerpiece. The sound of laughter and music fills the air as guests gather, their faces bright with anticipation.
I stand on the raised platform at the front of the hall, Fen by my side, his steady presence a source of comfort. Kayla stands at my other side holding our baby who I haven't wanted out of my sight since we returned.
Yami is perched on my shoulder. He was miserable without me. And Baron has been pacing back and forth between us since we returned.
The crowd quiets as I raise my hands, a warm smile spreading across my face.
“Tonight, we celebrate the longest night of the year,” I begin, my voice carrying across the hall. “But also the promise of the sun’s return. Just as the sun rises after even the darkest night, so too must we rise together—stronger, braver, and united as one.”
I pause, my gaze sweeping over the crowd. “This is not just a night for reflection. It is a night for growth, for love, for family—not only the family we are born into but the family we choose. Let us honor this night with joy, with laughter, and with the hope that we can grow together into a future of true happiness.”
As the words leave my lips, a golden light begins to emanate from the Mythos Tree at the center of the hall. Gasps ripple through the crowd as the light intensifies, its glow warm and radiant. The tree hums with energy, and then, as if by magic, figures begin to emerge from its base.
Myra steps through first, her eyes wide with awe as she takes in the scene. Behind her is Kael, looking healthy and whole, his hand resting lightly on her shoulder. They are followed by more villagers, their expressions a mixture of wonder and hesitation.
I smile, my heart swelling as I step forward. “Welcome,” I say, my voice warm. “You’ve come a long way to join us. Tonight, you are part of this family.”
The villagers’ tension eases, and murmurs of excitement ripple through the crowd. I turn back to the assembled guests, raising my voice once more. “This is what it means to find family. To open your arms to those in need, to build bridges instead of walls. Let us honor them and honor this night with joy. Eat, dance, celebrate. Tonight, we are all one.”
The hall erupts into applause and cheers as the music swells. I step down from the platform, making my way to Myra and Kael. Myra throws her arms around me, laughing through her tears.
“You kept your promise,” she says, her voice trembling with emotion. “I can’t thank you enough.”
I hug her tightly. “I’m so glad you could make it,” I say, pulling back to look at her. Myra glances at Kael, her smile soft and full of love. “It’s a new era for our village,” she says. “We want to be part of this kingdom. Part of this community.”