Fate Unchanged (Quinah & Norminah)

Chapter Forty-Nine

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HALLE

The dread headed woman had finally risen from her slumber. She wasn't surprised to find herself alone in a big fancy bed. In fact, she's been in much fancier ones in her many lifetimes. But it was just as comfortable as the others. She slowly sat up as she secured her locs in a messy bun, looking out the balcony door that was left open just a little. Summer was indeed here. She took a moment to remember all that happened last night after leaving the club. Daemon, surprisingly enough, had proven himself to be quite the gentleman – he opened every door she walked through, held her hand while leading her to some of the main areas of the estate, even prepared a comfortable resting place for her.

For the age-old-vamp to be known as a ruthless monster, he was very classy in the way he carried himself. Halle couldn't say that about most. And yet, what she saw when accessing his memories shook her. He had such a troubled past, with an even more troubling upbringing. Like the many other poor, unfortunate souls that the young Circe had crossed paths with, Daemon's young life had morphed him into who he was now. And though that made all the sense in the world to Halle, she knew it wouldn't make a difference to Normani, Dinah, or anyone else who was affected by what he's done to them. That was one of the reasons why she denied Chloe access to her mind.

What outweighed that reason was the fact that there were bits and pieces of his childhood that she longed to understand for herself. A person like Daemon only needed one thing for a worthwhile change to occur – a friend. Not just any friend, but a true friend. One who could see the faults in another without judgement, scrutiny, or malice...but with understanding, compromise, and love. She believed she could be that friend to him, especially when it seemed like no one else would willingly do so. Her mother taught her that even the blackest of souls yearn for that one spec of light. She knew the risks of getting attached to someone like him, but, in her mind, it's what had to be done for this mission to succeed. A soft knock on the dark, mahogany door pulled her out of her thoughts. Her body relaxed when it was Ty that greeted her with some hot tea. The tall man smiled as he entered the room, Halle returning the smile as she made room for him on the bed.

"Sleeping beauty has finally awakened," he joked.

Halle let out a hushed giggle as she accepted the beverage, blowing on it some before taking a sip.

"Can never get too much sleep," she said. "How was your first night on the job?"

"Not as tough as I thought it would be. Turns out I'm the only one tasked with personally keeping you safe. All the other guards pretty much keep to themselves."

"Have you gotten the chance to talk with any of the other team members?"

"Not really. There was a lot happening at the party last night. And I only saw Normani for a minute before her and the others went out for a drop earlier this morning."

Halle chuckled before leaning back against the headboard.

"No wonder I woke up alone..."

Ty looked into the woman's golden-lit eyes and got lost in them, smiling a little.

"Believe me...no man or woman would willingly leave you to your lonesome if they could help it..."

Halle looked up at Ty and grew bashful at the compliment. She marveled at how his eyes held more than one color – hazel and light green. No other vampire she's ever known had that quality unless they were being compelled. It was one of the most intriguing things about him.

"This tea is delicious," Halle smiled. "Did you make it yourself?"

"I did the best with what I could find," Ty replied. "I usually use herbs I've grown from the garden to make it, but this place doesn't really strike me as a 'greenhouse' kind of place."