"I'm curious... very curious," Vlad replied, his eyes turning ahead again.
"Then—"
"Because it doesn't really matter," Vlad continued, cutting her off mid-sentence. "Wanting to know about you is my curiosity, not a necessity. Whatever identity you hold, you will still be my friend, still be Lily for me."
A breeze swept through the forest, blowing Lily's hair back and revealing her slightly widened eyes and parted lips as she looked at Vlad.
"Besides," Vlad said, looking at her with a guilty smile. "I'm also keeping many secrets, not just from you but also from my family and loved ones. But it doesn't really change who I am. We all wish to have some place where we can be true to our personality and character without the burden of responsibilities and titles. I'm glad that I can be that place for you."
A low gasp escaped her lips, her eyes slowly lowering. For the first time in the several centuries she had lived...
Her heart was racing as she looked at someone.
