eyes had been a blue so pale they seemed almost colorless. But, for all that, they mesmerized her with their intensity. When he looked away, she felt as though she had lost something precious.
She had risen early the next morning, hoping to see him again. She had waited in the common room all day, but he had never made an appearance. And then, just when she was beginning to think she would never see him again, he had glided into the room. She couldn't help staring. Never before had she seen a man like him. His clothing - fawn-colored breeches, a white lawn shirt, soft leather boots - was impeccable. Unlike the people of her small village, his skin was clear and smooth. His pale blond hair fell to his shoulders.
She stared at him, hoping to be noticed, and when he looked her way, a rush of warmth flooded through her, chasing away the cold that was ever a part of her.
Her eyes had widened as the stranger moved toward her.
When he reached her side, he inclined his head. "Good evening, my pretty one."
Pleasure filled her at his words. "Good evening, kind sir."
"Will you walk with me?"
She had swallowed hard. "Me? You want me to walk with you?"
He held out his hand. "Will you do me that honor?"
She hadn't known what to say. No man had ever noticed her before. She glanced around the common room, looking for her mother but, for once, there was no one else in sight.
Filled with a sudden sense of adventure, she had thrown back the quilt that covered her and placed her hand in his.
With easy strength, he had helped her to her feet. Placing her hand on his arm, he had escorted her from the inn.
Outside, night had fallen. A slice of butter-yellow moon kept company with the stars.
Kitanashivered, though she wasn't sure if it was her illness or the cool air that made her tremble. The stranger seemed to tower above her though he was only a few inches taller than she.
"How long have you been ill?" he asked.
"All my life, sir."
"Have you seen a physician?"
"Yes. None of them has been able to help."
"I can help you."
Pausing, she had peered up at him. He looked back at her, his eyes glowing like pale sapphires in the darkness. "Are you a doctor, sir?"
"No."
She shivered again, frightened now without knowing why. "I think I should go back. My mother..."
"Do not be afraid, mein kleines ."
She drew her hand from his arm and backed away. "Good night, sir."
She didn't see him move, but the next thing she knew, his fingers were digging into her forearm and he was dragging her into the trees. She struggled in his grasp, kicking and scratching. Her nails raked his face, but to no avail.
When they were well away from the inn, he came to a stop.
Kitanalooked up at him, her heart drumming in her ears. "What... what are you going to do to me?"
"I am going to give you a gift that was given to me centuries ago."
"A gift?" she asked skeptically. "What kind of gift?"
He looked past her into the distance. "I am the last of my kind."
"Your kind?"Some of her fear dissipated in the face of her curiosity.
"I am Vampyr ."
" Vampyr?'She repeated the word,then gasped. "You mean vampire? You're a vampire?"
He nodded. "All the others are gone. Those who were not destroyed by the hunters have taken their own lives."
She tugged against his hold, her gaze darting from side to side. "But I have no wish to be a vampire."
"I have never brought anyone across. My blood is pure, my powers strong." His gaze settled on her face again. "I have what you need," he said quietly. "But be warned, the gift I am about to give you carries great risk and great responsibility."
She stared up at him, the taste of fear bitter on her tongue, as he lowered his head toward her. She tried to fight him, her struggles increasing when she felt his teeth at her throat. And then, abruptly, she was filled with a sense of warmth and well-being. She closed her eyes and leaned into him, all thought of resistance swallowed up in the sense of euphoria that engulfed her.
" Kitana. Kitana, child, you must drink."
Feeling drugged, she blinked up at him.
He thrust his wrist in front of her, pushed it against her lips."Drink!"
Staring into the endless depths of his eyes, she did as she was told. And when he tried to