The Vampire's Bride

Chapter 15

Jason paced around his room, anxiety like stones in his stomach. Where was Iris?

How had he managed clear thought before? The ability had escaped him as soon as Iris had arrived at court. Worries and thoughts of her contantly egged at his mind now. Was she safe? Was she hurt or lost somewhere?

The thirst clawing at his throat didn't help him think rationally. Burning, urging, craving. Jason held his arm tightly in resistance. The monster inside wanted him to find the nearest servant and sink his fangs into soft skin, to watch scarlet blood leak from two neatly made wounds.

He hadn't fed since the night Iris came to court. How had it already been a month?

Jason raked his fingers through his hair. His head whipped around as the door began to open, but his shoulder's slumped as his eyes met the emerald of Evelyn's.

"Don't look so disappointed," she chided sarcastically. "Where's Iris?"

"I don't know," Jason hissed at her. He jumped and cursed as Kova let out a deafening bark. The hound leapt from the bed, immediately running to Evelyn. The assassin barely managed to lower herself onto the couch before the dog collided with her.

"Surely she should have been back by now, have you called any guards?" Evelyn asked.

"No, I haven't..." Jason admitted, pausing as her face paled. Her eyes seemed to be focused just to the left of him. The prince questioningly followed her gaze, but found nothing out of place. His stare returned to reveal that the color had returned to Evelyn's face. Kova sat at her feet, his tail vigorously slapping and swishing across the wooden floors. As if he was seeing his best friend.

As if he was Evelyn's pet, and not Iris'.

Jason turned his head so fast that an ache stabbed at his neck at the sound of the opening door. His thirst flared as fast as his fear at the smell of blood.

Iris looked at him.

"You're a disaster," Evelyn pointed out, pausing her playing with Kova's ears. Jason couldn't bring himself to speak. He could scarcely manage to shoot a glare at Evelyn.

In truth, Iris did look like death. Dried blood cracked on her lips and chin, and what looked like still moist vomit was still caked on her torn dress. Dark circles ringed the girl's bloodshot eyes as she stared at him, trembling and weak.

Jason willed himself to move from his spot. The prince quickly shut the door and scooped the girl up in his arms, shuddering at the feeling of her skin. Iris might have well been dead, she was so cold. He carried her shaking body into the bathroom, where warm water waited. Jason carefully sat her down on a nearby bench.

"What happened?" He rasped out. Iris shook her head and stared at her hands. The girl looked so... lost. Frightened. The vampire gently lifted her chin, shaking as the sight of her blood made his fangs reveal themselves. "Iris, did Xavier do this?"

She shrugged. Shrugged, like she didn't know, or care. Jason frowned and placed his hands to her shoulders.

"Iris, love, what happened?" He pleaded. She shook her head again, directing her silver eyes to the floor. Jason looked up to see Evelyn standing in the doorway.

Her eyes, again, were focused on something behind him. She snapped herself from the trance quickly this time. Evelyn crossed the room and pushed him out of the way.

"Iris," the assassin said softly. When Iris didn't respond, Evelyn placed her hand under the girl's chin. "Iris."

Still, nothing. Jason watched as he picked himself up from the ground. Again, he caught the assassin's eyes flicker to the spot just behind him before they returned to Iris.