Vampyre | Book I of Bloodlines

A SHARED PREMONITION

Viola

Given everything that has transpired, I'm so emotionally depleted that I have no energy left to mourn for Amber. Poor, young, and lovely Amber, with her entire life ahead of her, was cut short because of Stefan.

I'm uncertain of Stefan's intentions, but Darius insists that we must leave tonight. With William's protection charm, Stefan will be immune to Darius's powers—our only defense against him. And since Stefan is older than Darius, he's apparently much stronger.

Stefan's ability lies in influencing emotions—anyone whose blood he drinks, he can manipulate. Darius suspects he may have consumed a drop of Elliott's blood to better control him, which could explain why Elliott wasn't afraid of him even after potentially witnessing Amber's death.

Darius mentions that I might also develop magical abilities, but it can take up to 20 years to see signs of such a gift. That might not seem like a long time in Vampyre years, but it's longer than we can afford to wait with Stefan at our doorstep.

Sophie opens a book she found in William's office—a witch's tome discussing the origins of Vampyres and Dhampirs.

Darius leans against my dressing table, and wrapping his arms around me, positions me between his legs in preparation to listen to whatever Sophie found after a day's scouring. I rest my head against his chest and do my best to pay attention, but with Darius looking so dangerously handsome in his new suit, it's nearly impossible.

Sophie clears her throat and glances at us to confirm we're paying attention. "Dhampirs are not artificially created or turned; they are naturally born through. According to Vampyre lore, only a living human female can conceive a Dhampir with the assistance of a male Vampyre. This reproductive process is fraught with danger for the female, as the growing Dhampir child gradually drains her life force to sustain its own growth until birth. Despite this perilous origin, Dhampirs possess the same physical attributes as Vampyres. They remain forever beautiful and have enhanced speed and improved sight. It is unknown whether a Dhampir may inherit a father's wings, as flight is an extremely rare talent only unlocked by the most disciplined of Vampyres."

I glance up at Darius, thoroughly impressed by him, as he continues to hang on Sophie's every word. He must truly be amazing to have the ability to fly.

"A Dhampir can consume both blood and regular food, reproduce, and intriguingly, they can transform humans into Vampyres using venom produced within their fangs in the same fashion a Vampyre may turn a human."

Sophie moistens her thumb before turning the page and continuing. "There are no documented instances of a human or Vampyre successfully transitioning into a Dhampir. As of the writing of this text, such a transformation remains purely speculative within Vampyre mythology."

"I was dead, Sophie. Are you sure there was nothing else?" Darius inquires.

"No, I suspect what happened to you cannot be replicated. The circumstances are far too unique," Sophie says as she closes the book and presents a diagram she's drawn to illustrate her theory.

"You, Darius, had consumed so much of Viola's blood that some of the life force of Willow's soul also flowed through you. When Viola made the choice to be only half Vampyre, half of Willow's soul was still within you. Viola's intentions must have been powerful enough to bring some of you back. She is a half-witch, after all," Sophie theorizes.

Darius's eyes lock onto mine. His knitted brows seem to soften as he smiles at me, and I blush under his intense gaze. I can't help but look away as I feel myself burning up right on the spot.

"Viola, do you remember your strongest emotion was when you spoke to your mama?" Sophie asks.

My cheeks flush even hotter. I know exactly what it was—my one burning desire at the time. Glancing at Darius, whose eyes remain fixed on mine, I feel a mix of vulnerability and excitement. This is a topic we haven't discussed yet amidst all the chaos.