CHAPTER 376: FREEDOM AT LAST

Vincent/Vaelthor~

The next morning, I stirred before anyone else, the world still holding its breath in that fragile space between night and day. The first rays of dawn slipped through a crack in the curtains, spilling soft gold across the room like a whispered promise. I pushed myself upright, my back against the headboard, and let my eyes drift to Katrina.

She lay tangled in the sheets, her breathing slow and steady, lashes fluttering against her cheeks as if she were chasing dreams she’d never speak of aloud. Her lips were parted in a delicate sigh, and the sunlight caught in her hair, setting it aglow like threads of spun gold. In that light, she didn’t look mortal—she looked otherworldly, untouchable. Like some celestial being who’d fallen into my arms by accident. Technically, she was.

My chest tightened, a knot winding itself deeper with every quiet second. When would I do it? Today? Tomorrow? In some still, quiet moment when the world wasn’t looking—or in the middle of chaos so no one would hear the sound of something breaking?

My mind chased every possibility like a storm tearing through calm skies. What would it feel like—the rejection? Would it be like tearing flesh from bone, or something worse... like snuffing out a part of my soul I could never reclaim?

The ruthless ambition that had carried me this far roared in the back of my mind, urging me forward, whispering of duty, of purpose, of a mission greater than desire. But beneath it, love—the kind I had never imagined would exist—murmured warnings soft enough to make my resolve tremble. The shadows that always clung to me stirred restlessly at the edges of the bed, twisting like uneasy sentinels, as if they too could sense the storm gathering inside me.

Katrina’s eyes fluttered open then, those striking blue orbs locking onto mine with a warmth that pierced straight to my core. A sweet smile spread across her face, lighting up her features like the sun breaking through clouds. She reached out, her hand soft against my cheek, and leaned in to press a gentle kiss there. "Good morning, Vincent," she murmured, her voice husky from sleep, laced with genuine joy. "I’m so happy to wake up beside you again. It feels... right, doesn’t it? Like we’ve found something we didn’t even know we were missing."

I froze for a heartbeat, my resolve wavering. I didn’t want to give in to these feelings, this pull that made me question everything. But that smile—gods, it undid me, melting the ice around my heart like a flame to frost. Against my better judgment, I let myself sink into the moment, promising inwardly that it was temporary, just a brief indulgence before the inevitable. I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her close, her warmth seeping into me as I kissed her softly, our lips meeting in a tender dance that sent sparks through my veins. "It does feel right," I whispered against her mouth, my voice rough with emotion I couldn’t fully suppress. "For now, at least." I whispered the last bit so wouldn’t hear.

The moment shattered as Nicholas stirred on his bed, groaning dramatically as he sat up, his black hair tousled and dark eyes squinting at us. A cocky grin spread across his face, his vampire charm oozing even in his half-awake state. "Oh, for the love of the moon, would you two tone down the lovey-dovey crap? It’s too early for this mushy display. You’re making me nauseous over here—Vincent, hugging and kissing like some sappy romance novel hero. And Katrina, that smile? Spare me."

I pulled back from Katrina, shooting him a glare laced with shadows that flickered in warning. "Jealous, Nicholas? Or just bitter because you’re not the center of attention for once?"

Katrina laughed, a bright, melodic sound that filled the room, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she propped herself up on one elbow. "Yeah, Nick, what’s the matter? Can’t handle a little affection without your brooding kicking in?"

Before Nicholas could retort, Winter stirred on her bed, her blonde hair falling like midnight waves around her as she blinked awake, her expression guarded yet soft in the morning light. Nicholas’s cocky facade crumbled instantly; his dark eyes softened, his posture shifting as he gazed at her, utterly melting. "Winter," he said softly, his voice losing its edge, turning almost reverent. "Good morning. You look... beautiful, as always."

Katrina burst into laughter, clapping her hands in delight. "Oh, look who’s talking now! Mr. ’Tone Down the Lovey-Dovey’ just turned into a puddle at the sight of his mate. Hypocrite much, Nick? One glance from Winter and you’re done—completely lost your cool. It’s adorable, really. Winter, you’ve got him wrapped around your finger."

Winter blushed faintly, her eyes darting to Nicholas with a mix of affection and that ever-present guard, but she managed a small smile. "Morning, everyone," she said quietly, her voice like a whisper of night. Nicholas reached over, brushing a strand of hair from her face, his touch gentle, his magnetic arrogance replaced by genuine tenderness.

"See?" Katrina teased, nudging me with her elbow. "We’re all in the same boat here. No shame in it."

Nicholas rolled his eyes, recovering slightly as he flashed a grin. "Fine, fine. Guilty as charged. But at least I’m not as obnoxiously sweet as you two."

The banter was cut short by a soft knock at the door. It swung open to reveal a procession of servants, dressed in crisp palace uniforms, carrying trays laden with fresh linens, toiletries, and garments for the day. They bowed deeply, their movements precise and deferential. "Good morning, Your Highnesses and guests," the lead servant, an older woman with silver-streaked hair, said warmly. "We’ve come to assist with your preparations. Baths have been drawn, and outfits selected to suit the day’s events."

I shifted uncomfortably as a servant approached me with a robe, their efficiency both impressive and intrusive. I wasn’t used to this—being served hand and foot, treated like royalty when my life had been one of shadows and self-reliance. Ever since we’d arrived at the palace, it had become the norm: attendants fussing over every detail, from meals to attire. It grated on my independent nature, but I forced a nod, allowing them to help. "Thank you," I muttered, stepping toward the adjoining bathing chamber.

As we all began freshening up—splashing water on our faces, changing into fresh clothes—the realization hit us like a sudden breeze. Katrina wandered to the far side of the room to inspect a gown, and I felt... nothing. No crushing pain, no emotional torrent. Nicholas moved to the window, Winter to the vanity, and still, silence from the bond’s usual torment.

"Wait a minute," Katrina said, pausing mid-step, her blue eyes widening in surprise as she turned back to us. "Did anyone else notice? I just walked across the room and inside the dressing room, and... no pain. Nothing at all. The bond—it’s relaxed! We can actually be apart without feeling like our hearts are being torn out."

Nicholas tested it, striding to the dressing room and back, a grin splitting his face. "Holy crap, you’re right! Freedom at last. No more glued-together nonsense. This is a game-changer."

I forced a smile, glancing around. Everyone looked relieved, their faces lighting up with joy—Katrina beaming, Nicholas pumping a fist in mock victory. But Winter... her expression faltered, a shadow of sadness crossing her features, her eyes downcast as she fiddled with a brush. It twisted something in me, seeing her like that.

Through our mind link, I reached out to her, my voice a private whisper in her thoughts. "Sylthara, we have to talk. This is very important."

She glanced at me subtly, her mental response laced with quiet apprehension. "What is it, Vaelthor?"

But I held back for now, the weight of the day pressing in. The Chapter of our revenge was unfolding, and I knew the hardest parts were yet to come.