Slaying the Vampire Conqueror

by Carissa Broadbent

“Beautiful. Mysterious. Dangerous. And an obvious, clear-as-the-fucking-moon mistake.”

“Hm,” he said. “To think I let such a dangerous creature sleep beside me every night.”

“It matters,” he murmured. Two words that could mean nothing—should mean nothing. It felt like they meant everything.

“Do you think I don’t see,” he said, voice low, “that the past is devouring you, too?” I knew that a wounded soul craved another to mirror theirs. That was all this was. But my soul was hurting, too. And perhaps I, too, craved someone who understood that.

“I live in dark stories. And I’ve been living in yours for nearly four months. If you’re going to invite me in, invite me.” I pushed against his chest, hard. “I already see you, Atrius. I’m not afraid.”