worthwhile relationship cannot begin via coercion . Joining must be consensual . The vampire must be invited in .”
“ What could it offer me that I would trade a limited set of confines for an unlimited one ?”
“ Time .” Richard shrugged and smiling , showed his bait . “ As you have already surmised , eternal youth is but the starting point .”
Mercy made no reply . Assessment weighed behind her eyes .
“ It is possible for this union to function without words ,” he promised . “ Though admittedly , it takes time and effort .”
“ What kind- ” she broke off , gasping .
Richard anticipated rather than felt the lash of power from the vampire . He didn ’ t anticipate the cry of pain ripped from Mercy ’ s throat as talons burst from every finger and thumb nail , ejecting blood and severing delicate nerves . Or the horrified shriek that accompanied the pain of human eyes being pushed into their sockets and restructured like an oyster enduring grit to produce the required shimmering pearl : host eyes .
The scream was one long , nerve-grating note . It dragged hairs to safety above the nape of his neck and cowered there .
The silence behind it was bliss .
Two-inch-long opaque talons , weeping crimson , protruded from small , trembling hands . Two white eye sockets , the chocolate brown irises devoured by a dark hunger , turned towards him .
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