THE DARK SIRE: ACCOLADES (Special Edition Issue, March 2021) | Page 67

“ I know ,” she sniffed , trying to hold back her tears . “ But I don ’ t like to see you like this .” With that , she curled up beside me , snuggling into my ribs as best she could , like a small puppy in a new home .
I looked upon Pandim for a moment , allowing my eyes to soften briefly at her innocence - but remembering that Viken was still in the room and watching , I turned and looked at him coldly .
“ What ?” I growled at him .
“ Nothing ,” he said , feigning innocence - at which he failed . “ As for the first of many questions : Damascus ’ errand boy , Zavier , came with a message telling me to come and , ‘ retrieve my pet ’.” Viken looked like he wanted to ask me something but wasn ’ t sure if he really wanted to know the answer . His hesitation didn ’ t last . “ What in the hell were you doing at Damascus ’ manor anyway ?”
“ Well - ” I began , but stopped . “ I went after the medallion .” I knew he wouldn ’ t merely drop the subject , so I decided to just be honest with him . “ Lianna discovered that Damascus had taken possession of it . I couldn ’ t pass up the opportunity .”
Pandim sat up beside me , “ Why do you always have to do that ? To go after vampires like Damascus . It doesn ’ t make sense ! Do you have a death wish ?” Her dark green eyes were wide with worry and sadness .
I sighed heavily , knowing it would be hard for her to understand .
“ Do you remember the day I found you ?” I asked her , placing my hand on her pale golden hair .
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