Chapter 26: A Time for Healing

*Esmerelda*

I had no idea what I would do next, but I knew I couldn’t stand there all night, not with Elijah promising that he had just revoked his protection. Even with Richard about to be staked for nearly killing me, it wasn’t worth it to take the chance.

I wanted to go after Elijah, but I knew that way only led to more heartache.

I still wanted to go after him.

The headmaster appeared before I had to make a choice.

“Come, Esmerelda,” he said gently, taking me by the arm. “Now isn’t the time. Elijah will come around. For now, it is best to stick to what he wishes.”

While his words made sense, so much for the headmaster making a show in front of all the vampires and pretending he didn’t bow to Elijah’s will. At that moment, he was bowing to Elijah’s will.