Crimson Tears: A Crimson Sky (Book 3)

Chapter VI: Broken Memories & Mended Hearts

Lume'Ere Cave

As I wait patiently for Catella and presumably Marko, Nora, Aerina, and my daughter, I reminisce the time Jerick and I first met. All the fights and arguments we had, the times we laughed and cried seem so far away now. The time I overheard Jerick telling Marko he had a secret crush on Aerina's mom. The moment I realized I was in love with him and how the vampiric changes started. Everything I've fought for from then to now seems so far away. Looking at our daughter makes me wonder what Jerick was like as a child. I couldn't ask Aerina about it outright, it'd be too embarrassing. My chest tightens and tears begin to swell in my eyes until I hear a familiar voice calling out to me. Wiping away the tears with the back of my hand I make my way to them.

"I see you're well." States Castella with a wide grin.

"As good as I can be, I suppose." Replies Kayle, giving Castella a hug.

"You know your husband is hard to carry in that form." Says Castella as she rubs her shoulders.

"Tell me about it. It took Marko, Nora, and me to carry him from the front door to the room." Replies Kayle with a small smile.

"Well we made it to the mouth of the cave and we could use another set of hands, do you mind?" Asks Castella.

"Sure." Replies Kayle.

Castella and I walk to the mouth of the cave having idle chit-chat about the events leading up to their arrival. When we arrive I'm greeted by my daughter with a big hug, followed by Nora then Marko. I noticed that there were only four people, not including Jerick.

"If you're wondering where Aerina is, she helped us get Jerick to the airport then told us she was staying behind. I had no right to argue so we left." States Marko.

With a sad expression, Kayle says "I see. But, it's probably for the better she isn't here."

"You're right. Shall we get moving then?" States Castella as she turns her attention to Jerick.

Nodding my head, Castella, Marko, Nora and I slowly and carefully lift Jerick's body from the cave entrance and walk to the center of the open chamber. Once there we carefully set his body down and wait. We could all feel the tension in the air as nightfall slowly encroaches. I step outside of the cave to gather my wits before we begin. As I stand there watching the sky turn shades of purple and pink, I'm greeted with small hands clasping mine. I look down to see Elizabeth smiling at me. I kneel down and give her a hug to reassure her everything's going to be okay.

"It's almost time, are you ready?" Asks Kayle.

"I am. Do you think this'll work mommy?" Replies Elizabeth.

"For our sake, I hope it does." States Kayle with a weak smile.

With that Elizabeth and I make our way to the center of the cave where Jerick's body lays. As we make our way there, the blood moon begins to rise from behind the slight cloud cover and illuminates the cave walls. As I saw in the painting the walls turn the color of blood. I look down at Elizabeth and see her eyes have turned to the Amethyst color I've seen on the occasion she's with her father. With that, I'm sure this will work.

With everyone in a semicircle, Elizabeth and I kneel down next to Jerick. I take a small knife and cut my hand with it, draining the contents in a cup. Elizabeth takes a small shaking hand and holds it over the cup. I look at her and she nods to let me know she's ready. With a quick cut, she lets the blood drain until the wound heals. I close my eyes and pray to every star in the universe this will work. Then I take the cup and pour the contents down Jericks throat. Once it was empty, I held Elizabeth's hand and stepped back, not knowing what to expect.