"It's safe," Vellum told him quietly so as not to wake Mariel. "My sire is gone."
"Your sire," Clay repeated, testing the word. He rose up onto his elbows and searched the camp before settling his gaze on Vellum. His expression was difficult for Vellum to read, but he could guess what thoughts swirled through the man's head.
"You heard him correctly," Vellum said before Clay could ask. "Apparently it was I who murdered Janie."
"Janie…"
Despite all the blood he'd just consumed, Vellum felt lightheaded. "I'm aware that it will provide little comfort, but…I'm sorry for what I did, Clay. You have no idea how sorry." Enough that I would behead myself right now if you asked for it.
Clay had two choices, and Vellum wouldn't fight either of them. But when Clay said, "I forgive you," Vellum was left reeling as emotions bombarded him.
"I didn't ask for that," Vellum said, unable to hide the tremor in his voice or in his hands.
"You're getting it anyway. Lord knows I've had enough of bloodshed." Clay let his head fall back. He stared up at the stars. "What now? Are you going to abandon us again for another excuse to be alone?"
Vellum had to close his eyes to gather a strength he had never lacked until this moment. He opened his eyes and then said softly, "I…had thought we might purchase an airship together."
Clay's head jerked up. He stared at Vellum as though he'd gone mad. "An airship…"
Vellum twisted his hands together. "You and Mariel could pilot it."
"Or only I would," she murmured. She opened her eyes and looked at each of them in turn. Her smile was full of mischief. "Clay would be better at providing security."
"Security for what?" Clay looked flummoxed.
Vellum latched onto the look in Mariel's eyes as though it would save him. It very well could. "I might be aware of an underserved market," he said. "Vampires looking to safely transport goods as well as themselves between territories. I've heard that it's currently a rather dangerous journey."
"Trains are unreliable," Mariel murmured, grinning widely now. "I should know."
"I suppose they are subject to attack by bandits." Clay rubbed his chin. "Sounds like quite a commitment, though, this transportation idea of yours."
"Would require a considerable commitment," Vellum agreed, feeling a pressure in his chest that he hadn't felt in years. "I'd wager it would require…decades of commitment."
"Decades," Mariel whispered. She sat up and threaded her fingers through Vellum's. She did the same with Clay's, and then brought both sets of hands to her lips where she gently kissed them. "Sounds like we're in business."
Vellum stared at their twined grips and questioned the strangeness that he felt.
No, he realized. It wasn't strangeness. He felt human. Just like his lovers.