Fiona was right. Most of the dreams were beautiful, and it was plain to see which memories meant the most to Emrys. They gave me personal glimpses into his mind; all of his desires, dreams, emotions, good and bad. Now that neither of us had any secrets from each other, there would be no reason to ever think we’d held anything back. We gave one another everything there was to give - so far. As I started to wake up again, many of my own thoughts had begun to stir regarding the very near future: the ceremony we would go through making us husband and wife, and the intimate things we would share soon thereafter. My waking this time brought with it a new hunger as well as thirst.
Squinting through the smallest possible opening between my eyelashes turned out to be - not such a great idea. It seemed as bright as the sun on a hot summer day, and my eyes burned as if they had caught fire. I had to close them immediately and replace the cloth. Emrys sat near me on the edge of the bed, and though his scent was as delicious as ever, a new tantalizing aroma gave me an unexpected wave of thirstiness and along with it came a quiet clicking sound. Instantly reminded of what I had become, I ran my tongue over my new teeth, marveling at their sharp, pointy tips.
“Yes! Give me more!” Calling out in a dry whisper, my voice cracked; my throat suffered from a drought. But there would soon be crimson rain. The liquid gurgled as he filled the cup again, and I hurried to sit up – it seemed a bit easier now. Emrys was ready and holding the goblet for my groping hands. Drinking with joy, his blood renewed me with an ever-increasing strength. I knew now without looking that my face glowed just as Fiona’s had. I wondered how my hair looked and instantly felt foolish, knowing Emrys could hear my thoughts. After all, I had yet to meet an ugly looking vampire, but couldn’t help being curious about my own changes.
“It is a rather normal question; wondering about the changes taking place within your new self,” Emrys said, helping me hold the heavy goblet to my mouth. “But believe me; your hair is beautiful and quite lustrous.” He cleared his throat and then said in a mildly chiding tone, “Elizabeth, it was beautiful before you transitioned; even you know that to be true.”
He was right. That was one quality I believed in: my long, dark hair. I would never cut it off - no matter how old I got. Now that age didn’t matter, well, that made it even better. I could sense him smiling at my silent acknowledgment.
“How much longer, Emrys, before I can open my eyes?” I asked in a soft whisper. I couldn’t wait to look into his eyes again; I missed him so.
“You have one more dose after this one, my dear. This is proceeding much faster than Amrita’s transformation. She struggled so with the light and skin tenderness. I do not recall my transition being nearly as difficult as hers, but then, that was such a long time ago.” He used his softest velvety voice.
I drained the goblet and licked my lips. My thirsty craving was abated for now, though quenched only temporarily. I knew full well that eventually my blood hunger would return forcefully with my new addiction.
“I do believe each taste is better than the one before,” I mused, lying back down on the soft pillow.
Emrys got up and I heard his footsteps as he walked away, I presumed, to the table. His steps no longer a stampede, but more like a distant echo of drumming.
“I will wait for you to sleep again, my love, and then I will go collect my clothes. I shall be quick about it, I promise. I wish to be ready for our ceremony the moment you are,” he said in an excited but low voice, returning to the side of the bed.
He patted my hand and kissed my forehead - both lips and hand hot on my skin, but the burning sensation had lessened a little. His touch was electrical as always, but mingled now with heat. I was falling asleep as he spoke, barely conscious.
“Hurry back, my sweet Emrys,” I mumbled, no longer able to stay awake.