I said goodbye to Sunny and Uncle Frank, refusing to even talk to them about their own transformations, at least for now. Not after I'd failed with Pannera, had to tread the walk of shame-at least, in my own head-down the throne room aisle, past the watching, grieving vampires until I couldn't stand it anymore.
Lifted Sassafras into my arms, cuddling him close, as I tore open the veil and returned us to Castle Wilhelm.
"I won't pressure you," Sunny said as we touched down in her throne room, "but I want you to consider it."
I nodded, miserable still, Sass's purr only taking the edge from my failure. No, I didn't care I'd failed. I cared Pannera was going to die and there was nothing I could do about it.
Yeah, she'd been my enemy once. But damn.
Hell of a way to go.
Sebastian took my elbow in one hand as I tore the veil again for home.
"I'd very much like to speak to your mother," he said.