Guilty All The Same (English)

32 - Father

She gently stroked the love mark the vampire had left on her neck. That area where the vampire's fangs had penetrated several times and where, hopefully, they would continue to do so for a long time to come. That singular scar would never disappear and would continue to accompany her.

It was a clear and obvious sign that represented part of the relationship between her and the vampire. It should have been a sign of violence, a legacy of an unscrupulous monster. But for her it meant something quite different, it was their union and, however perverse it might seem, their love.

She took a certain pleasure in looking at her neck disfigured by those marks; she had learned to live with their image, also because it inevitably recalled those moments of extreme intimacy with the vampire. The memory of the vampire's hand caressing her body was still vivid. She smiled.

She knew that it must be very difficult for Ferid to limit himself to this, but he restrained himself and behaved like a perfect gentleman. She was pretty sure that was something very rare to find in men, although in those days such issues were not the only focus. A lot had changed since the Apocalypse, although life seemed almost normal within the defensive walls. But that was only the appearance because those walls hid the darkest secrets.

Probably too many people did not realise how dangerous it was to follow the army's instructions. The world had become a struggle for survival and supremacy. And maybe Ferid had a point; humans could play a lot dirtier than vampires.

"We'll have to make sure Krul never comes to bother you again." Yurika sighed. "Do you have any ideas about that, too?" "Of course. I'll never part with you. Simple as that." The girl noted that there was no mocking tone in his voice. He was serious. She sighed.

"I don't think it's as simple as you claim. You've told me several times that a war between humans and vampires is on the horizon, a real war. While you said the last mission was an almost inconsequential matter in comparison. You will definitely have to take part in it, you won't be able to refuse." "I never said I won't fight. I am a vampire, my dear. I need some strong adrenaline rush."

"You see, then you won't be able to be around me all the time." "I thought you might come to the same conclusion I did." The girl shifted her gaze to the vampire, remaining silent.

"When my presence is required in the field you will come with me. Very simple."

"You're joking I hope."

"Absolutely not. You will come with me."

The vampire's tone hardened as if to emphasise that he would not allow a reply on the matter.

"Wouldn't that be riskier?"

"Would you rather have another visit from Krul? You know, I doubt she could be so benevolent a second time."

"Because taking me as a human to fight among vampires is a safe move."

"No one would twist a hair on your head."

"I don't..."

"Yurika I've already explained this to you. Only Krul is stronger than me, the other vampires are of a significantly lower level, the other nobles of the country are not directly involved in the moves for now. Not yet. I will make it clear that no one is to try to even approach you. Unless they wish for a slow and painful death."

The girl shuddered. "You don't have to kill anyone because of me."

Ferid sighed. "Actually, it's not just that I'm worried about..." He whispered faintly. "If I come to the battlefield I might find myself forced to fight. If that happens my opponents will be humans." Her voice cracked. "What if I'm up against someone I know? How could I even think about fighting?"