Dun's mild attempt at lightheartedness failed before it began, as Acacia met his words with a frown and dejection. The smile in his eyes fizzled out. Poor girl — it sounded like she was the one who needed a return to some semblance of a childhood, even for a moment. She had such weight on her shoulders.

The reminder of their uncanny vampire blood did not help. "Well, let's hope they bite back. She likes a challenge."

Dunstan shifted on the swing to face Acadia better. "Do you feel like playing a game?" he asked carefully. They were both still so young, two students on their Easter holidays. They had matured fast, but not everything had to be grown-up.