Blood Bond

Chapter 1

Never make a promise that you won't be able to keep. My mother often reminds me of this well-known saying. The pledge I made many years ago has now come to find me. In this world, humans are not the only beings that exist and inhabit the earth; some creatures are either downright abysmal or do not belong to my kind, and most of the time they are the unknown. I called them the Shadow.

"...you may continue to the second floor. Mr. Belmont has been anticipating your arrival." I was told by the waiter. 

This day, which I had been dreading, has finally arrived. "Thank you." I said. Some of the upscale eatery's patrons are inside and they are completely unaware of the predator monitoring them from the second floor. I deliberately slow down my pace so  I can gather my thoughts before meeting him.

I looked in the wall-mounted mirror. My hair is knotted, unkempt, and up in a bun. There isn't a scrape of makeup on my face from this morning; the only thing that's left is the crimson lip stain. I groan heavily and continue ascending the stairs. When I got to the 2nd floor, I saw him sitting by the railing, a few tables away. When he saw me approaching, his eyes were as icy as always.

Without waiting for his invitation, I approached and sat down.

"It's been a while, Lana." My hair stood on end at the back of my neck when he spoke in a deep voice.

"Yes, it is,"

"Have you eaten?" He took a taste of the red wine and set the glass down. I observe how formal he appears. He looked more appealing than the last time we met, thanks to the grey suit and black turtleneck shirt. He also had some facial hair that was long enough to accentuate his looks.

"Erm... No. I'm not hungry." Recently, I've struggled to eat as I should and I lost weight in the process.

A waiter appears behind me when he raises his hand.

"Prepare a meal for one."

"Very well, Sir."

I waved my hand to stop the waiter. "There is no need. I don't even feel hungry."

However, the waiter ignored my comments and walked away. When I turned back to face him, he had a grim expression.

"We came here only for the promise. Dinner is not included." I say.

"It looks like you have been neglecting yourself. As I recall, such behaviour is not typical of humans. Does the person's death bother you still, Lana?"

Under the table, I grasp my skirt's.

"What has been done is done."

His jaw muscle twitches. "Fine. After meal, we'll chat about our matters."

"But-"

He turns to look at the folks below as a sign that he would stand by what he says regardless of what I say.

Soon after, the server came back with my dinner. It is a treat that deserves praise. However, I'm not sure if I can complete everything. I take a modest mouthful of food to start, but after a while, an uneasy feeling sets in. "I understand that you don't always eat our food, but could you at least join me for a drink." 

If I'm not mistaken, I can see him grin.

He follows my request and drinks his wine while observing me. He will keep adding food on my plate even when I don't feel like eating it until I have consumed all of it.

When the waiter has cleared the table, that is when the important conversation will begin.

"Do you have the information I require?" He queried.

I looked through my tote bag while nodding. I offer him a file that is contained in a slim, clear blue folder. "What do you intend to do with her?"

"Judgment." His plainspoken way of saying "killed."

"Do you really have to?" I asked which made him glare.

"As I've said previously, none of them can get away with what they did to me in the past."

"But," I paused, "the woman is currently pregnant. Can you just-wait?"

Guilt from yesterday arose once more.

"The earlier the better."

"She is expecting a baby. The mother's sin should not be carry by the child."

"And I heard you but nothing will change."

"This is not acceptable. I...I didn't ask for it to be this far." I feel a drop of blood fall into my hand as his eyes turn golden. I immediately wipe my nose to stop it. My head is heaving.

His eyes return to their original colour, and the sensation fades.

"This will be the last time. In the future, I won't need you."

He moves the chair back and gets up. My hand automatically reaches for him as he is about to pass me. He takes a glance at it before turning.

"Has it slipped your mind, Lana, that I'm not one of your kind? Mercy is not a trait I possess."

"All I want is your patience, Belmont." To my surprise, I managed to say his name.

"Farewell. Do not attempt to obstruct me, or you will suffer the same fate as her."

He released my hold and left.

Nothing but coldness and my guilt remains.