Night had fallen, but Atlas remained by Ezme's side. Their bond was undeniable, and the king generously granted Atlas some time off after he explained that Ezme was undergoing heat.
They had just finished another intense lovemaking session and were now entwined in a warm bath. Atlas gently stroked Ezme's back, his fingers moving in soothing circles as he asked, "Tell me, what happened? Master Kasper mentioned that there's a story behind why you can't control your vampire venom."
Ezme sighed, her head resting against the edge of the tub as she relaxed in the warm water. "Hmm, when I was young, I had a close human friend," she began, her voice soft and reflective. "She was a kind girl, around my age—about ten."