Chapter 45: Bittersweet Nightshade, Part 3

They all looked at him. Aubrey lifted his eyes to the ceiling. "Why am I not surprised you have another one of your strange tricks?"

Ruthven merely smirked, then sketched Lord Sangre and Carmilla a deep bow. "I can at least ensure she is not ever bound to one person."

"That's impossible," Lord Sangre said, not releasing Carmilla.

"No, it is not," Ruthven said softly. "Please."

Aubrey thought his father would protest, but after a moment, Sangre stood and moved aside.

Ruthven took his place alongside Carmilla. "I am certain this is more than a little unsettling for you, my lady, but I promise all will be well. All right?"

Carmilla nodded slowly, but reached out to clasp her father's hand.

Smiling gently, Ruthven lifted his wrist to his own mouth and bit down sharply. Blood trailed down it, dripping over his arm to fall on the bed sheets. He held his bleeding wrist out. "Drink slowly."