Chained To A Vampire (ON HOLD)

Chapter Nineteen

In all too soon we are huddled around the coffee table, studying the photos of Lorenzo Rossi's winery in Chiani, the place looks absolutely beautiful and i've always secretly wanted to visit Italy but one glance at Paul and Dylans face sets my stomach to stone, they look more eager to run away from the place than go there. I know they've got history in Italy, many bad memories but for the sake of their brother they are willing to go through anything to get him back which is unbelievably brave. Laying my head against Paul's shoulder, his arm automatically wraps around my waist.

I've missed this. Aeliana whispers happily in my head.

I've missed you, even all your annoying comments.

I still don't like this darkness inside us. 

Neither do i but there is nothing we can do about it now and actually its going to be coming in handy. You never know it may extend my life so we aren't seperated so soon.

You may have a point, but i'm not happy about it.

Of course you're not. Look i'm sorry for everything that happened.

I should be the one who was sorry, I unintentionally caused this darkness inside us, i think thats why i hid, i couldn't face the guilt, but you were so damn strong, you fought and defeated what i never could.

"Sapphire?" Pauls gentle question pulls me from our conversation.

"Sorry, catching up with Aeliana." I glance between the brothers guiltily but Dylan just smiles, even though i should be terrified of him, his size is enormous but i feel as though he understood from the start about me so he can't be that bad. He does have an infectious smile.

"Do you think you're going to be able to portal us into this courtyard? It should be far enough from the main house to ensure we aren't seen, but close enough that we won't be off the property." Paul points to a square on the map, before pointing to the photo of the courtyard. Picking up the photo i study the image, the rolling green fields, the beautiful stone walls, the patio area make me even more eager to go, studying every last detail to memory i create the image in my head, trying to imagine how it would smell and how the air would feel on my skin before i put the photo down and look towards Paul.

"I'm sure i will be able too. When do we leave?"

"As soon as you're ready. Dylan have you got everything ready?"

"Facciamola finita." (Lets get this over with.) Dylan replies, smiling grimly, slinging a huge bag over his shoulders, securing the strap across his chest.

"Pardon?" I ask, Italian isn't my strong suit.

"He said 'lets get this over with'." Paul replies, cupping my face gently before pressing a soft kiss to my lips.

"You don't need to sound so pessimistic Dylan." I chastise to which he just shrugs, Paul leans down and picks up his bag as i mirror him, picking up my own bag.

"If we leave in the next 10 minutes we will be able to speak to this Lorenzo person before we have to sleep." Dylan informs, i nod before blowing out a breath of trepidation.

"Facciamola finita." I reply, trying to copy Dylan, a beaming smile brightens his face.

"You catch on quick." He praises before we all walk from the house to out on the lawn, standing in a circle i reach out my hands, linking one with Paul and one with Dylan, his hand completely engulfs mine, they also connect their hands.

"You can do this Sapphire." Paul encourages, inhaling deeply i close my eyes and imagine the courtyard, imagining the warm air caressing my skin, the smell of plants and wine fill my nostrils as i concentrate hard on the courtyard, each stone in the walls, the green metal seats, i feel my power swirling through my veins, ready to explode, tightening my hands i release the energy and feel the world drop away, keeping the courtyard firmly in my mind, every other sensation fades away until my feet land heavily on solid ground, my knees giving out as i fall, warm sweet air brushes against my skin. Opening my eyes quickly i first see Paul and Dylan collapsed infront of me, both awake but breathing heavily, pushing to my feet, my legs feel like jelly i glance around and freeze. The photo has come to life, i turn slowly, taking in the rolling fields, the maturing vines, the stone walls and the vibrant green seats, excitement gives me new energy as i hold my hands out to Paul and Dylan before helping to pull them to their feet.