Free Demon Dark by Penelope Fletcher

said.
    You must travel east until you cross the water. Past that point you are on Wyld land, and a fairy Knight will show his or herself to you. They will bring you to us if you tell them you have an invitation from Lady Rae.
     
    Will they let us get close enough to speak before attacking?
     
    They will be wary. We cannot change the perception that you are not a danger during a single conversation, but if you come bearing no weapons, and appear peaceful they will not attack. They will be expecting you.
     
    Samuel nodded and then his expression went goofy. His eyes widened, and his breathing deepened. Then he blushed bright red.
     
    Seeing the cause of his distress, I looked away, trying not to laugh.
     
    Daphne groaned.
     
    The corner of Breandan s mouth turned up.
    I think that’s enough.
     
    She immediately lifted her head and let go of his arm.
    Thank you,
    she said sweetly, wiping a trickle of blood from the corner of her mouth and sucking on her finger.
     
    Samuel let loose a shuddering breath. He inspected the pinpricks on his arm, swiped a finger over one tentatively.
    That didn’t hurt that much.
     
    I wasn’t trying to hurt you,
    Daphne said winking impishly.
    Fangs can be delicate or deadly when feeding. If they re used to cause pleasure or pain is down to the vampire.
     
    Daphne took the book back from me, and I sighed in relief. The grimoire didn t feel good to hold at all. It almost seemed to sense the key to open its pages was near.
     
    Samuel nodded absentmindedly.
    How long will that sustain you?
     
    A few nights. If I d drained you completely I could go seven, maybe eight if I wasn t extending too much energy.
     
    That’s all you need?
    he asked slowly, expression thoughtful.
    I don t even feel woozy.
     
    Well, I have to feed every night, but the blood doesn t have to be human. And may I suggest you eat more red meat than usual over the next couple of days.
     
    You re, ah, satisfied?
     
    Yeah.
    She grinned.
    I don t want to rip your throat out now I ve had a taste if that s what you mean.
     
    He flushed, and I had a suspicion that wasn t what he meant at all.
    Sorry. It s just we ve always believed bloodlust would take over.
     
    Again, the feeding depends on the vampire. Some are cruel, and some are not. Since the Rupture, the majority of vampires who haven t starved to death have fallen into insanity. We re not evil, we re just hungry.
     
    Samuel cocked his head.
    The Rupture was systematic destruction of our entire world. I doubt hunger would drive you to such desperate measures.
     
    Exactly,
    I said.
    Hasn t it ever seemed off to you that the vampires would encourage their own food supply to be totally decimated? When they re not mad they re perfectly sane and rational thinking creatures like Daphne here.
     
    There was something else behind the attack?
     
    I nodded gravely.
    Keep that in mind when you talk to the Priests, and make them see that. There s a lot more to this than they understand, and they need to talk to us about it.
     
    I can t promise anything, but I ll try. How can I get word to you if anything goes wrong?
     
    Gunarr,
    Breandan said.
     
    The fairy materialized behind Samuel.
    Yes?
     
    Samuel jumped, his hand going to his rifle. Gunarr stared at him with disinterest he did not see Samuel as a threat.
     
    You will stay here as emissary to the Tribe under Lady Rae s authority. You will answer any question they ask, and only lift a weapon against them to defend yourself. You will protect these humans from any danger, as you would our own people. Alright?
     
    Yes,
    he said simply and turned to press his fist to his chest and bow his head to Samuel.
     
    The Lord Cleric was leery at first, but after swallowing hard, he nodded repeatedly.
    You certainly will, ah, draw some attention. You re a fighter?
     
    A Knight.
     
    Say-so.
    Samuel’s gaze roved, taking in Gunarr s warrior stance that was relaxed yet confidently on guard. An acre of green skin was bared and