Destiny has left its mark (Vampire Romance) +

6 ~ Hurricane

Elijah confidently descends the ornate staircase of the Governor's home, his grip firm around Beverly's hand. My entire focus is drawn to him; his hazel eyes seem to penetrate right through to my soul, locking onto mine with an intensity that makes it feel like he's walking directly toward me, each step pulling me in deeper until I almost forget how to breathe. It's a powerful sensation that leaves me momentarily breathless, as if the air around me has thickened.

Though my memories are hazy and fragmented, one detail stands out vividly: he murdered me and harboured a deep-seated hatred for me. The weight of that realization crashes over me like a wave, and I instinctively break eye contact, my gaze flicking to Beverly, who is glaring at me with an expression that conveys disdain. "I shouldn't have come," I whisper anxiously to Ellie.

She stands beside me, radiant in a flowing white and sea blue gown paired with elegant silver sandals, the soft fabric highlighting her beauty. Tonight's dress code is formal, as is the tradition among the wealthy elite of Darres; it's an atmosphere where appearances matter, and everyone dresses to flaunt their wealth in hopes of garnering admiration from those around them. I typically remain unfazed by material possessions, but I cannot overlook the character of a person, particularly when it comes to whether they are fundamentally good or bad—a distinction that is especially significant among the vampire friends I hold dear.

"The Governor invited us. How could we possibly refuse such an invitation?" Ellie replies, her eyes not meeting mine but instead focused intently on Elijah, who is beaming at Beverly with an expression that lights up his entire face. "I would give anything to have him smile at me like that. He looks so happy." She glances over Beverly's gown with envy, adding, "She really does have such exquisite taste."

"They really do seem perfect for each other, don't they?" I remark, just as the couple reaches the bottom of the staircase. I can feel a sense of longing deep within me. "I think I really need some fresh air." I begin to scan the room, taking in the guests; some are seated at their tables while others, like me and Ellie, choose to stand and mingle. I realize Ellie is lingering solely to catch every possible glimpse of Elijah, her eyes practically glued to him. The guests are dressed in a stunning array of gowns adorned with jewels, while the men exude elegance in their expensive suits, most sporting crisp black ties—the party's only dress requirement, although some go so far as to wear long overcoats for added flair.

Feeling the weight of the atmosphere pressing in on me, I decide to walk away from Ellie, who continues to gaze at Elijah with a mixture of admiration and envy. The Governor's mansion, grand and beautifully designed for an occasion like this, boasts an extravagant sweeping staircase that Elijah and Beverly just descended, the structural elegance emphasizing the evening's significance. High ceilings and intricate architectural details grant the place a regal quality, a sense of majesty that feels fit for royalty. The McKinney family has held the governorship in Darres for generations; the lore suggests that one of their ancestors once saved the king's life, securing their family's illustrious position as a reward. However, I have remained an outsider, never learning about the magical arts or vampirism, having been deemed a reject who was excluded from such knowledge during both school and college.

As I step outside into the garden, the balmy evening air rushes over me, but I am quickly overwhelmed by a wave of fear. The vampire standing before me is the very same one who assaulted me the other night, scratching and poisoning me with a chilling malevolence. He wears a disturbing smile, and my heart races. "Keep away from me!" I shout defiantly, though my voice trembles, betraying my lack of confidence.

"Who healed you?" he asks, his eyes narrowing, now focused intently on my face.

"I don't know," I admit, wrapping my arms around myself in a futile attempt to stave off the shuddering fear that threatens to engulf me.

He leans closer, seeming to search for sincerity in my response. "Don't you want to know who the vampire is that made a blood bond with you? Surely you're curious?"

Yes, I am. No, I'm not. "No, it doesn't matter," I respond, forcing the words out, though the truth gnaws at me—that it does matter. I've been wandering and searching for days, desperate to uncover the identity of the vampire tied to me in this blood bond, and I know with certainty that it isn't any of my male vampire friends.

He grins, a creeping smile that sends a chill down my spine. "See? It matters more than you admit. The one who sent me wants her fiancé to know that you'll always be connected to another vampire. You cannot escape this bond unless you die, of course. Then it won't matter at all."

As he approaches me, a surge of panic rises within me. I shrink back, but before I can fully comprehend what's happening, he grabs my arm with a fierce grip. A sharp, searing pain radiates through me, and I hear the unmistakable sound of bones crack. I grit my teeth against the agony and scream, knowing full well that any vampire nearby can easily hear my cry of pain. Then, just as suddenly as he appeared, he vanishes into thin air.

Ellie rushes over, her face a mask of concern. "Daniella, what just happened? Are you okay?" Her voice is filled with urgency and alarm.

"My arm, it's broken," I manage to say through tears that stream down my face. Pain radiates from my elbow, even though the injury affects my forearm, a sharp throbbing reminding me of the encounter.

We are no longer isolated in the garden; a small crowd of vampires and other magical beings has gathered, drawn by the commotion to witness what has just unfolded. I can hear Beverly's voice slicing through the gathered crowd. "No man came to help? What is wrong with everyone?" Suddenly, Abraham emerges from the throng, pushing through the people with determination. "I'll take you to the hospital," he says, his tone steady and reassuring, offering me a lifeline amidst the chaos.

The vampire feels increasingly suffocated in his current relationship, a feeling that has been building ever since he healed Daniella. Since that moment, his instinct to protect her has grown stronger, and he cannot shake the overwhelming desire to keep her safe from harm. However, he is also grappling with the weight of his duty, which pulls him in a conflicting direction. He feels a deep obligation to do what is right, but this sense of responsibility is heavily overshadowed by a sin from his past that he cannot bring himself to forgive. This internal struggle makes it incredibly challenging for him to ignore the powerful bond he shares with Daniella. Although every part of him wants to reach out to her, he manages to exercise restraint and stops himself from tearing her away from Abraham, who is taking her further away.

Meanwhile, Beverly steps forward, her voice rising above the crowd as she announces, "The show is over." Her words echo through the atmosphere, signalling the end of the gathering. Feeling overwhelmed by the emotions swirling around him, the vampire swiftly moves away from the crowd, his speed a blur. He doesn't care where he goes; he simply seeks solitude, desperate for a moment to calm his racing thoughts and tumultuous feelings. In the solitude of darkness, he hopes to find a sliver of peace amidst the chaos of conflicting emotions.