Epilogue

The Harvest Moon—a celebration vampires observed about the creation of their kind—used to bring pain to Laurel’s and Oriel’s life, as it was a festive day celebrated with family, and they had lost two of their family members. But this year, the holiday brought new meaning as they spent it with their growing family—Siemon included.

Of course, Nicolae still didn’t allow Siemon into Ichor Knell, but they celebrated in his newly repaired and decorated home. The home now looked beautiful. The windows no longer contained cracks, replaced by blown glass as clear as the Nashe River. The walls had received a fresh coating of mud and wattle, and with Zachariah’s help, they’d made an enhancement to the small cottage by adding a hearth, which was currently in use, burning logs while each family member sat around it.

Oriel’s favorite addition was the mantel which he had carved by hand. Within the wood, he had carved each of their transformations, and he included a tribute to their mother by adding carved iris embellishments—their mother’s favorite flower.

He smiled, his joy bursting to life as he held Cosette close and sat on the sofa nearest the fire, watching as Siemon read a book to Leif, who sat in his lap. Over the past few months, forgiveness had been difficult to come by, but he had come to the conclusion that to harbor resentment would only cloud his own heart with darkness. To forgive meant to find peace.

He brought a cup of blood to his lips, his smile widening as he turned his attention to Zachariah and Laurel. Laurel had consumed several cups herself while Zachariah refused to drink a single drop. He still scavenged for his meals, which would never change.

Getting to his feet, he crossed the room to gaze out the window, watching as snow drifted from the gray-orange clouds of twilight. Now that the danger he and Cosette had experienced on their union trip had passed, the snow once again held the calming peace as before the incident.

“Enjoying the scenery?” Zachariah asked as he stood beside him, also looking out the window to the snowy landscape.

“I am. Are you enjoying the high and mighty praise in Ichor Knell?”

Zachariah shrugged as he stared sheepishly at his feet, but a smile still tugged at the corners of his mouth. “I didn’t think performing a successful surgery for a defanged vampire would warrant so much praise and recognition. I don’t really care for it, but I’m grateful you gave me the opportunity to further my career by allowing me to do it. Doctor Enache insists I can no longer be called an apprentice. I am going to be a fully-fledged doctor.”

“You deserve it, Zach.”

His brother-in-law continued to shuffle his feet.

“Is there something else?”

Finally, Zachariah lifted his head, biting his lip before he said, “I’ve never really had a good time to ask.” He glanced toward the others, his gaze lingering on Laurel, who spoke animatedly to Cosette on the opposite end of the room. “But I know how much Laurel adores the property you own by the river. We’ve been living in the castle for a few years now, and I’d prefer to have a place of our own. I’ve saved up enough, and I was wondering if the property was available for purchase.”

Despite the obvious nervousness Zachariah portrayed, Oriel couldn’t help but grin and clap him on the shoulder. “I was wondering when you’d ask. I’ve been keeping it in good repair for when you two decided you were ready to move in. There’s no one else I’d rather sell it to.”

Zachariah released a sigh. “I haven’t told Laurel yet. I wanted to surprise her.”

“She will definitely be surprised.”

The sound of his son’s voice pulled his attention toward the hearth.

“Papa said you can play the viol.” Leif beamed, his head tipped upward as he looked at Siemon endearingly. “I want to hear.”

Siemon closed the half-finished book. “I haven’t played in a very long time. Perhaps next year when I have practiced more.”

“Come on, Father.” Oriel grinned. “I would like to hear you play. You used to play every Harvest Moon. Cosette enjoys music. You would like to hear, wouldn’t you?”

“Yes,” she replied, still a bit timid around Siemon.

“Well…” Siemon said hesitantly. “If Cosette is asking, how can I refuse?”

He disappeared into the next room and returned a minute later carrying a viol, one that looked like it had been neglected for years. The instrument was horribly out of tune, and he spent the better part of a minute tuning it by ear until he played a chord that resonated beautifully beside the hearth.

Lifting his gaze from his instrument, Siemon addressed everyone. “You may be familiar with this tune already. It’s a ballad about the creation of vampires, and the beauty and strength one possesses, given to us by Ylios himself.”

Each year, their father used to play back when their mother still lived. Both she and Laurel would sing along. Although Oriel had no musical talent, he had always enjoyed watching his other family members perform.

“Laurel?” Siemon asked hesitantly, but Laurel just turned up her nose and looked away. She clearly wasn’t ready to forgive him quite just yet.

Siemon swallowed, and for a moment, his expression turned somber, but it quickly disappeared.

He struck up a tune, the viol producing beautiful waves of sound. The music brought back memories of when their family celebrated in the autumn forest, kicking up leaves as they danced and laughing joyously as their father played. The memories brought both warmth and sadness. It wasn’t the same without their mother, but he looked forward to creating new memories with his loved ones.

Surprisingly, Cosette started to clap along, laughing merrily, and she was soon joined by Zachariah, who pulled her to her feet. They danced throughout the room, both laughing as they went. Even more surprising was when Laurel began singing along as if unable to help herself, and soon, nothing but merriment filled the cottage.

“Papa, I want to dance too!” Leif pulled on Oriel’s hands, and he laughed, obliging the young boy’s wishes.

“All right but try to keep up!”

As he danced with the overexcited Leif, he glanced around the room at his family. He was grateful for the opportunity to be here. He was grateful he had survived being defanged. And he was grateful to have such a wonderful family.

A smile spread across his face as happiness blossomed in his heart. He felt like the luckiest vampire alive.

THE END

A word about the author…

Sydney Winward is a fantasy and paranormal romance author who dabbles in the occasional historical fiction. She loves building complex worlds filled with magic, strong characters, and emotional stories that can make you laugh and cry.

Sydney is the author of The Bloodborn Series and the Sunlight and Shadows Series. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, thinking about stories, or going on adventures with her children. She lives in Utah with her husband, three amazing kids, and one stubborn fish.

Sydneywinward.com.