The morning sun filtered through the sanctuary's reinforced windows, casting geometric patterns across the bedroom floor. Adrian woke to find Kieran already awake, watching him with those ancient gray eyes that held centuries of devotion.
"How long have you been awake?" Adrian asked, voice still rough with sleep.
"An hour. Maybe two." Kieran traced a finger along Adrian's jawline. "I like watching you sleep. It's one of the few times you look completely at peace."
Adrian stretched, feeling the pleasant ache of their lovemaking from the night before. Since completing his transformation into a vampire three weeks ago, everything felt more intense—pleasure, pain, emotion. The bond between them had deepened impossibly further.
"What time is it?"
"Nearly sunset. You're still adjusting to nocturnal life." Kieran sat up, the sheet falling to reveal his sculpted torso. "There's a supply run tonight. The western territory reported unusual activity—possibly hunters."
Adrian turned to face him fully. "We'll handle it together."
"Together," Kieran agreed, but something flickered in his eyes. Fear, perhaps. Or premonition.
They'd been investigating a new threat for weeks—a sophisticated group of vampire hunters with access to weapons and magic that shouldn't exist. Three vampires had been killed already, including one of Kieran's oldest allies.
"Hey." Adrian cupped his face. "Where did you go just now?"
"I'm here. Just... thinking about the hunters. They're organized, well-funded, and they know too much about our weaknesses." Kieran's jaw tightened. "I don't like you being exposed to this danger."
"I'm not the fragile human anymore, Kieran. I'm a vampire now. Your equal."
"You've only been turned for three weeks. You're still learning, still vulnerable—"
"Then teach me. Train me. But don't ask me to hide while you face danger alone." Adrian kissed him firmly. "We're bonded. That means we face everything together. Remember?"
Kieran pulled him close, burying his face in Adrian's neck. "I remember. It's just... for a thousand years, I've lost you. Over and over. Now that you're finally immortal like me, now that we have forever... the thought of losing you is even more unbearable."
"You won't lose me."
"Promise me something."
"Anything."
"If something happens tonight—if things go wrong—you run. You don't try to save me, you don't fight to the last breath. You run and you survive."
Adrian pulled back, frowning. "Kieran—"
"Promise me." His eyes were intense, desperate. "Please."
"I promise," Adrian lied, knowing he could never keep that promise.