Epilogue

Charlotte visited each room one by one in the large house at the end of the town square, biding a “good night” to her newfound family. First Sarah, Lusian, and Dusana, then Sasha, Jorge was the last of the Vampires, then Mr. Třínožka who slept in the study by the fire, ever with his little Edwin. He would create a new burrow for himself in the morning just under the house, so he would always be close. Charlotte opened the door to one last bedroom, left vacant. A small, golden wedding band sat alone in the center of the bed. Charlotte gave a tiny smile. “Dobrou noc, Andela,” she whispered, before closing the door behind her.

She finally skipped back to his bedroom, where Valek was sitting on the edge of the bed, toying with something small in his hands. She ran over and pounced into his lap. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pecked his cheek. “What is that?”

“It is your birthday present.” He held up a little silvery whistle to the moonlight. “Belated, of course.”

Charlotte cocked her head and grasped it. “But I already have one.” The thing was beautiful, however. It was intricately done, with the image of a phoenix carved into the sides, embellished in pieces of jet and pearl.

“You don’t,” Valek mused. “It was destroyed in the flames as I wore it. Its pieces must be somewhere in the Regime still.”

“I love it!” She reached behind her neck to clasp the necklace chain.

Valek’s large hands replaced hers as he helped her. It fell just in front of her chest. It was smaller and more delicate than the one she used to have. She continued to study it.

“I had Sarah order it from a human merchant days ago, when we were still in the city. There is nothing enchanted about this. It is meant more as a symbol that I will forever be here to protect you, no matter what happens, Charlotte. No matter how much fire we endure.” He closed both of her small hands in his. He turned the whistle to the backside and read the letters carved there. “We will always rise.”

She smiled as she then fully understood the symbol of the phoenix and lifted her face to kiss him. “Thank you, Valek. I will treasure it.”

“I am never going to let you leave my sight again, Lottie,” he said seriously.

“I wouldn’t want you to.” She nuzzled his chin. They sat in silence for a few moments, thinking privately. He did not cross the boundaries of her mind. “We are safe, Valek,” she reminded him.

“Yes. For now, we are.” He rested his cheek atop her head.

“And you will walk in the daylight tomorrow.” She beamed. “Like the others.”

He smiled. “Yes. I will.”

They were together. Finally. They were the moon and the sun—the light and the darkness—together and to be alone to more.

* * *