And What I Found There - Book Two

22. I'm Wonderstruck

Somehow I am exhausted enough to fall asleep here on the dusty stone ground without a blanket or a sleeping bag or anything. I just curl up in a ball and pass out, shivering as I drift off. However, during my sleep, I am vaguely aware of a mat forming beneath me and a layer of blankets covering me so when I wake up in the morning, I'm pleasantly surprised by how refreshed I feel.

I startle though when I suddenly register Vyndren. I had forgotten he was here! He's sitting on the floor a few feet away from me, absently tossing a throwing star from hand to hand distractedly.

"Hey," he says softly, watching me closely with concern.

"Hey," I smile. "Thanks for the blankets," I hug them tighter around myself. The belfry is still freezing but it's less noticeable now. The wild wind rolling through here is strong enough to make the bells around us softly chime. "How long have you been back?" I try to brush my hair back with the blanket still wrapped around my hand.

He just shrugs. "A while... So, how did you sleep?"

"Surprisingly well. I mean, I didn't have any Blood Dreams, which is a first... Oh wait!" It dons on me suddenly. "I never did have any Blood Dreams when I was with you. I still get the Thirst but...the Blood Dreams are what compels me towards you and now that...that I'm with you again..." If only I could get rid of my blood curse so easily.

"Huh," is his only reply.

"Oh hey," I just now remember something. I fish through my pockets and find what I'm looking for. I gaze down at it in my hand, it's my wooden cross, carved from smooth bark. I rub my fingers over the grooves and ridges, imaging the blade that made them. "You gave me this cross, only a few days before we parted ways for the last time. I keep it with me all the time, but I've always wondered: why?"

He shrugs and leans back on his elbows, remaining silent.

"I mean, I'm super touched that you made me something, but uh ...you hate crosses."

"Yeah, but you don't."

I grin slowly as I look the cross over again. "Thanks."

"Maybe I... maybe I wanted you to remember me," he dips his head down -almost nigh self-consciously- and watches me through the wave of wild hair that falls over his fiery eyes.

"Did you really think I'd ever forget about you?" I smile as I squeeze the cross in my hand.

"Guess you haven't had the chance to find out," he taps his temple and I blush at the insinuation. I almost wish I hadn't told him about my hallucinations. "Anyway," he breezes on indifferently. "I figured even if the cross wasn't infused with holy spirits, you could at least take a match to it and wave the fiery bastard in my face if I ever got too... so 'n so again."

Ugh. For real? I roll my eyes. Take about sucking the romance out of it. "Awesome, protection against you and all your frisky, mischievous ways. God save my virtue," I huff and climb to my feet.

"Or not," he smirks briefly before clearing his throat. "So should we find the jackasses you came with or what?"

I roll my eyes again. "Yes, I'd greatly appreciate it if you'd help me find my friends."

"Fine," he heaves a long sigh as if he's so put out.

I can't help but smile as a familiar question pops into my head. "So, what's the plan, Chief?"

For once he actually smiles back. I think this is as close to looking happy as the Vampire Prince can get, and it's gorgeous. All of his dashing dimples are on display. But of course it's ephemeral. Now he scowls. "I hate backtracking, so we'll cut a new path across country, I'll search for a scent trail from there."