Of Blood and Downfall

Chapter 11.

Karden's POV:

    All day I've been mopping around the halls. I wasn't interested in doing anything but go to the stables. The caretaker is brushing my favorite girl, Nala's golden fur. She neighs when she sees me and juts her head out of the stable. I brush her muzzle in long strokes, listening to her heavy breathing.

    Outside, the sky is a bloody orange above the horizon. I want to be alone and away from everyone. Issy tried to talk to me when she spotted me but I held a cold shoulder and kept walking. I don't like being upset with her but she's making things extremely difficult for me.

    Bergenstad.

Not too far away from here. I can walk if I want to, but it'll get too boring after a while. Tapping Nala as a goodbye and walking out of the stables, I stare out of the cope of trees. I feel the pull. I understand it too. Yet, it's something I don't want or even consider.

    I'm never opposed to fate but in decisions like this—she's human. Even if Issy does bring her around, she's going to be bait to the rest of the vampires. Pop curiosity to the witches and even lure other creatures out here. I don't want that for her even if my family will protect her at all costs. But the thought of it entices me just a little bit. Yet, how am I going to tell Aria? She'd be broken, angry, confused...unless she understands we are mates.

    Aria and I never found ours and we bonded enough to feel a connection. But nothing is more powerful than this ridiculous crimson string within me, floating aguishly towards the trees. Past the road and to her.

    I hide it again and suddenly darkness submerges as I glance towards the estate then make my journey to Bergenstad.

    I can run if I really want to but I keep my walking pace, so the sky is completely black. The moon is striking and beautiful and the noise of children and adults on the streets are enlightening. Listening to almost every coherent conversation on the street is annoying but I've learned how to shut them out when I want to.

    Although it's a small town, I'm not sure exactly where Mavis is staying. I stop at the center of the square and focus. Focus on the language, the voice and feel the string pull at a single direction.

    My ears perk up, "You would do that?" A soft, angelic voice says. "Oh, my goodness, I can't thank you enough...yeah, I don't know where my wallet is, I hope whoever finds it calls your number. Right, we'll see....okay, see you soon." The call ends but it's too distant to hear the voice on the other end.

    Following her footsteps and the way she hums to herself; I find myself in front of a small home. In the main house, there is an old lady sitting on the couch watching a cooking channel. Onto the side, there's another door and a dim light through the curtains.

    I cross the street but make sure I keep my distance. There are pedestrians beginning their night outside at restaurants and bars. Leaning up on a tree, I cross my arms over my chest and watch her. It's kind of eerie and creepy to do this but I'm debating...

Sweet Mavis, you have no idea what you have done.

She's in a long sweater dress that compliments her curves. Boots are clanking on the hard floor from every step she takes. It seems as though she's stepping out tonight. With who? I want to know.

Mother has her wallet and I'm surprised Issy hasn't come. I'm also intrigued to why she hasn't left after encountering us. Then she abruptly stops in her tracks, and I stop myself from moving an inch. My thoughts jumble up into a pile when I wonder if she feels it. Notices me...

I clench my jaw in anticipation until she turns and continues to walk into another room. I lose sight of her and irritatedly wait for her return. As I wait, I think maybe I should kill her and end this all.