Chapter 5 Eye flash

Alexander's eyes flashed with surprise, but he didn't pull away. Instead, he drew closer, his breath caressing Valérie's skin as he whispered, "Vampire." The word was a barely audible sigh, a gentle acknowledgment of the secret she had revealed.

Valérie's heart raced as she awaited his response. Would he be frightened, repelled by her true nature? But Alexander's eyes only seemed to burn brighter, his gaze intensifying as he drew her closer.

"You're beautiful, Valérie," he whispered, his lips brushing against her ear. "Inside and out. Your secret is safe with me."

Valérie felt a wave of relief wash over her, followed by a sense of wonder. How could this mortal, this stranger, accept her for what she was? She had expected fear, revulsion, but instead, Alexander seemed to embrace her true nature.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the garden in a warm, golden light, Valérie felt a sense of freedom she had never known before. She was no longer alone, no longer forced to hide in the shadows. Alexander's acceptance had given her a gift, a chance to live in the light, to be herself without fear of reprisal.

And as they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, Valérie knew that she would never let him go. Alexander was her salvation, her redemption, her love.