Proof that Tony Stark has a Heart

Chapter

*Harry's POV*

Tony peacefully slept on the bed when I returned to the estate. Markus was pleased with our catch, and it seems I have regained my place in his favor for the time being. Adrianna looked sullen the whole time—I barely hid my satisfaction over this. Markus valued me in his organization for a reason.

I approached the bed silently, not wanting to disturb him. My mind briefly wandered to the seven hunters being drained and waiting to be awakened—new pawns. Tony wasn't going to be like that. I will make sure his transition will be as comfortable as possible. He will not leave my side—even if, technically, he would work under Markus. I will make him stronger, deadlier than any Strigoi out there. So no one could hurt him ever again. He could break Adrianna's neck if she ever touches him again. He'll never feel weak or helpless.

He murmured something in his sleep. What could he be dreaming of? As a Strigoi, there was no sleeping anymore—our bodies didn't need it anymore. But that was alright. My waking hours were much better than I could ever have hoped to be. In my dreams as a wizard, I had wished Tony, and I would be free of the constraints they've bound us with since birth. As a Strigoi, I can now make that happen. And we would be together. Finally.

I sat in the bed and moved closer to his body. His fingers twitched, and his breathing became shallower...he must be coming awake. I pressed my lips to his skin softly. I missed the taste of his blood.

He finally opened his eyes. They were heavy with sleep and exhaustion, and for a moment, I was worried that Adrianna's attack was more serious than I thought. But his face was gentle and soft as his smile. His fingertips grazed my jawline. "You're back. I missed you."

I twisted my head to kiss his palm and breathe in his scent. "I had things to do."

His eyes sought my face. Slowly, he pulled his fingers across the corner of my mouth. Probably Alexei's blood.

"So I see," he frowned.

"It's the natural order, Tony." I reminded him patiently, not wanting to be upset with him or myself. But, instead, I remembered the condition his body must be in. "How are you feeling?"

"Better. Except..." he bit her lip and looked away.

Something was troubling him deeply—separate from the situation he was in right now. It could only be because of one reason.

"What?" I asked.

"Why are the Strigoi fixated on killing the noble lines? We know they've—" he shook his head, "—you've been doing it, but why? What does it matter? Isn't a victim a victim—especially when plenty of Strigoi used to be noble magicals?"

"That requires a complicated answer." But it was all straightforward. I had wondered why I didn't consider it as a wizard. But, of course, I was too blinded to see Strigoi as something more than a savage creature. "A large part of hunting magical nobility is fear. In your old world, royalty is held above all others. They get the best guardians, the best protection..." Tony didn't argue—he knew I had a point. "If we can still get to them through that, what does it say? It means that no one is safe. It creates fear, and fear makes people do foolish things. It makes them easier prey."

He closed his eyes. "That's horrible."

There's nothing horrible about it. "Prey or—"

He cut me off impatiently. "Yeah, yeah. I know. Prey or predator."

I let his interference pass. "There's also a benefit of unraveling the magical leadership. But, unfortunately, that creates instability too."

"Or maybe they'd be better off with a change of leadership," he said carelessly.