Page 154 of Eternal Obsession

I was shocked. “Orpheus has been my enemy for my entire life⁠—”

“You misunderstand me. Orpheus has brought you closer to God.”

“I’m going out of my mind!” I said.

At least I’ll have company.

Fabian smiled patiently. “Our friends are wonderful to have around. They make us laugh and bring us joy. However, our enemies shock us awake so that we look to God for answers. As such, our relationship with Him deepens. We awaken. Orpheus has brought you pain and you brought him pleasure. Such opposites are as light and darkness, illusions that we attempt to define and place into categories. But they are as one—undivided.”

“Does this mean that I must let go of Catherine?” I asked. “It’s just not going to happen. I won’t allow her to stay with Orpheus.”

Fabian leaned forward. “When we hold onto something or someone, whether it is a person, a memory or a passion, suffering arises. It’s not enough to fall in love. We must become love.”

“This isn’t for me.”

“In time, this will be your guide.”

“Perhaps.”

“Consider my words,” he said.

“My head’s spinning right now. Fabian, please give me Sunaria’s ashes.” If he even had them.

“Patience.”

Forgive me.

“No need,” he said.

“Are you the oldest of us?”

Fabian smiled.

“So many secrets,” I said.

“And even more than that.”

I desperately tried to fathom his words. “What does it all mean?”

“Of one thing I am certain.” Fabian’s voice was firm. “That the truth lies within love. No greater love is there than one who gives his life for another.”

I pulled back. “It’s too much.”

“Trust the process. You have proven yourself worthy.” Fabian rose. “Wait here.”

He withdrew.

I turned my gaze toward the tapestries with their stories frozen in time. I understood why Fabian had kept himself hidden away all these years, safe within the walls of this clandestine castle. Fabian was indeed correct in his assumption that immortals everywhere would beg him for the ashes of their loved ones.

I understood that not every vampire would take the ashes and use them wisely. Was I intending on using Sunaria’s ashes wisely? I realized I would have to restore Sunaria to her full form, otherwise Orpheus would not believe me that the ashes were hers. How, I wondered, did one rekindle the ashes of a dead vampire?

Fabian reappeared. “Like a phoenix, rising from the ashes!”

I jumped up and stared wide-eyed at the large urn that Fabian held, ornate with Egyptian drawings.

“Sunaria will arise,” he said, “and once again walk upon this earth.”

My heart beat so fast, I feared it would burst out through my chest. “Did you know her?” I asked.