Joanne’s POV
The forest looked different as dusk began to grace the horizon. The vampires rose for their night watch, and the air was heavy with the metallic tang of old blood and sickness. Alexander hadn’t returned yet, and I was grateful for that. I feared what he might say or do if he knew that I was leaving the barracks without an escort.
I thought of asking one of the soldiers to accompany me, just so I wouldn’t get in trouble. But they all looked so worn out and tired, I couldn’t ask this of them. The ones who didn’t look as worn and tired were busy on their patrol or training. This would only be a bother to them.
No, this was my mission and my mission alone. I didn’t need to burden another, as I seem to burden Alexander.
The Witchroot was the only way to slow the infection lon
