Page 157 of You’re So Vein

I imagine the pair of us going to sleep together as the sun comes up, nestled in each other’s arms inside a coffin made for two.

Maybe we don’t need to live on Sanctus Estate to be safe. To have a bright and wonderful life.

Maybe what I needed all along was a little foolish, unhinged hope.

59Komal

Winnie: No one is allowed to miss tonight’s Nevermore Coven meeting, upon pain of death. I have news!

“IT’S HERE!” WINNIE CRIES THE moment she races into the Events room. She waves a letter bearing a dramatic wax seal. “It’s the official letter from the Conclave. They’re changing the laws. Vampires and humans are allowed to marry!”

We crowd around while Winnie reads the letter aloud. I wouldn’t have believed it if not for the official Conclave seal inked in blood (of course – vampires, so dramatic). Dante and Irene came through for us, and with Kael indisposed, the Lady of Agony was named as the Nightshade delegate. Although her support of Alaric’s marriage was far from guaranteed, she voted for the law change.

This is huge.

It doesn’t change vampire society overnight. It doesn’t mean Dhampir are accepted by Upyr. But it’s the biggest change to vampire law for hundreds of years. It means they’re open to reform. We convinced them.

Hannah convinced them.

There are so many battles left to fight – who knows how many other Dhampir are living in secret, fearful of the Ordo Exsecrati. But this is the first step towards giving all Dhampir the freedom they deserve, and all vampires and humans the right to fall in love with whoever they choose. For today, I intend to lay down arms and celebrate our victory.

“Does that mean you can set the date?” Mina asks, her voice tight with excitement.

“We can set a date!” Winnie spins around the room. “I can’t believe it. I’m getting married. And you all have to help me. I don’t know the first thing about throwing a vampire wedding.”

“You’re literally a professional organiser. Organising a wedding is your thing.”

“Yes, but this isn’t just a wedding, is it? It’s a political event.” Winnie stares down at the letter, her brow creased with worry. “Vampires from all over Europe – from all over the world – will come just to gawp at us. Alaric will be a mess. His mother will have Things To Say. It’s all so much, and I don’t even know where to begin.” Winnie jabs a finger in Celeste’s chest. “You! Catering!”

Celeste gulps. “I haven’t perfected my blood pastries—”

“For the humans. It’s my wedding too and I want cake! So much cake! All the cake! I’ll get that Conclave guy, Dante di Sangro, to take care of the blood. And I’ll need a dress. And… and… flowers!” Winnie looks at Dora. “You can do flowers, yes?”

“It would be my honour.” Dora beams.

“What about transport?” I ask. “The bride arrives by helicopter.”

“Sure, that too!” Winnie squeezes me tight. “I’m getting married. It’s finally happening. And it’s all because of you, Komal.”

“It’s really not. Hannah deserves the credit. You should have seen her, how brave she was—”

“Like mamma, like daughter,” Beth says with a proud smile.

Mamma. It’s a name I’ve longed to be called all my life, and now I hear it every day from Hannah, usually when she wants me to help her with some mischievous plot. I know I’ll never replace her real mother, but I’m so honoured and excited to help shape her into the brave, creative and boisterous young woman she’s growing into.

And it helps that her dad is super hot.

After book club, Winnie insists on shouting a round at the Rose & Wimple. I help Mina pack up the room, and she decides to leave Oscar at home as he’s already sound asleep, so I link arms with her to guide her over to the pub. Just as we settle in at an outdoor table with the rest of the coven, a looming shadow emerges from the side of the building.

Augustin, wearing one of his dapper suits and a grin that splits open the universe.

“Alaric invited me to the pub.” He holds up a glass of blood. “He’s asked me to be a groomsman.”

His voice is quiet, filled with awe. After all this time, Augustin still can’t believe that someone might choose him. But I’m not the only one who thinks he’s wonderful. Now that my friends can stop pretending to hate him on my behalf, they are fully back on the “Augustin Is Great” train.

Only this time, I’m the conductor.

“Oh, hello, Augustin. Fancy seeing you here.” Winnie slips her arm into Mina’s. “I’ll make sure Mina gets her G&T. You two go and talk or canoodle or whatever it is that vampires in love do.”