Chapter 53

Valerie

It was well past sun-down when we left the castle.

The streets were cold, and I was still donned in the dress I had worn to the auction. Lucas had acquired a cloak for me from Lord Mueller’s servants, but it didn’t do much to ward away the chills coursing over my skin.

At this point, I wasn’t sure if they were caused by the cold or the dozens of hungry faces passing us by on the streets. There were more vampires out now than in the day time, which made perfect sense—however, I had not been expecting it. Once we had reached the market district, the streets came alive with the shapes of moving bodies and the sound of laughter and conversation.

I had hoped the city was quiet at this hour. That we could go about our business without worrying about the blood in my veins and the strangers passing by who might smell it. After all, the upper district had been mostly sun-proofed. With the large sheets strung above, blocking out the skies, there was nothing to detere them from walking t