Sanctuary [h.s.]

Chapter Forty

"Not a lot, just forever

Intertwined, sewn together."

***

The next morning, we lay in bed together, the golden light of early dawn filtering through the curtains, casting everything in a soft, dreamlike glow. The room was quiet, save for the slow rhythm of our breathing, the occasional rustle of sheets as we shifted against the pillows. My warmth seeped into the blankets, wrapping around us both, but Harry remained as cool as ever, a contrast I would soon leave behind.

I traced lazy patterns over his fingers, feeling the smoothness of his skin, the lack of calluses, the way his hands held no proof of time passing. My own hands felt different in comparison—mortal. It wouldn't be long before that changed.

"I'd still like for you to change me, Harry," I murmured, breaking the silence, my voice quiet but certain.

His fingers stilled beneath mine. For a moment, he said nothing, then let out a slow exhale and pressed a lingering kiss to the top of my head.

"You don't need to change," he murmured against my hair. "You're perfect just as you are."

I tilted my head up, meeting his gaze. "You know what I mean. Make me like you. A vampire." My voice didn't waver.

His crimson eyes searched mine, studying me so intently that I could feel his sigh before I heard it.

"I was hoping you'd change your mind," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

My brows furrowed. "You don't want to do it?"

His lips twitched into something that wasn't quite a smile, something almost sad. "I'll do anything for you, darling," he murmured, his fingers brushing down my arm in slow, thoughtful strokes. "I just think you deserve better than an eternity of this lifestyle."

I reached for his face, cupping his jaw, my thumb running over the sharp curve of his cheekbone. "If it's an eternity with you, then it's worth it," I said simply, pressing a kiss to his cheek.

His eyes fluttered shut for a moment, as if savoring the touch, before he pulled back just enough to meet my gaze again.

"You mean that?" he asked, his voice softer now, almost vulnerable.

I grinned, nodding without hesitation. "I do."

Harry held my gaze for another long moment, as if searching for any trace of doubt. When he found none, something in him seemed to settle. He exhaled slowly, his expression unreadable.

"Last chance to back out, my love," he murmured, a teasing lilt to his voice, but beneath it, something much heavier.

I took a steady breath, my heart thudding in my chest. "I promise this is what I want."

His gaze darkened, his fingers trailing down my neck, his touch featherlight over the spot where my pulse beat beneath my skin.

"Lie back," he instructed, his voice quieter now, laced with something almost reverent.

I obeyed, sinking into the pillows, staring up at him as he shifted closer.

I swallowed, my throat suddenly dry as I lay beneath him, staring up into those impossibly red eyes. A part of me didn't want to ask—didn't want to hear the details of what was about to happen—but I needed to know. Needed to understand the weight of what I was choosing.

"What will it be like?" I asked, my voice quieter than I intended.

Harry's fingers ghosted over my skin, tracing the line of my collarbone before shifting my hair off my shoulder. His expression was unreadable, but his gaze softened slightly, like he wished he could lie to me. But he wouldn't.