Blood Forge

Chapter 4

                         August 23, 1999

A few weeks had passed since that night in the motel. Since then the two had traveled to District 5, to the city of Narvi where they had been residing in another motel. She had barely spoken since she told him what happened, only speaking when it was time to eat did she respond with a yes or no. He had decided that he'd watch after her at least until the child arrived, assuming she only had a few more weeks. She was a vampire even though you could barely tell by the way she acted but she still wasn't human and would eventually have to return to where she came from which was the other side of the border either that or stay and be hunted and killed.

He had tried asking her more questions like what she was exactly but the girl only shook her head, refusing to answer him.

He didn't feel comfortable venturing out with the girl unless they were relocating but today had been different, he had a mission coming up. He'd be away for a week or two and couldn't possibly trust that the girl would survive without him.

They were now heading to a small town in District 5 to visit a friend. The vampire girl watched the lively outside world, knowing she'd never be able to experience it. The thought had made her sad especially since she'd have to leave soon.

They soon came to a stop outside a small bar. She was opening the door but Killian stopped her before she could get out.

"Once we get inside you don't talk, do you understand?" He asked though he know that wouldn't be a problem. She pursed her lips before nodding. "You don't touch anything either and most importantly do not take off those sunglasses for any reason whatsoever." He said and they stepped out the car. The two had gone over a made up story, if anyone asked about her she was to tell them that Killian helped her escape her abusive partner and was staying with him until things settled down.

They entered the almost empty building and approached the bar where a woman was wiping down the countertop.

"Good evening." The woman said without looking up. "What can I— Killian?" Her brows furrowed upon seeing the man. He walked over to the bar, leaving the girl near the entrance.

"Serena." He greeted as he approached her. The woman scowled at him, crossing her arms over her chest. "I need a favor."

"Of course you do. You disappear for five years without an explanation and now you're back because you need a favor." She retorted as she went back to wiping down the bar.

"Long mission, had to leave the district. I didn't have time to say goodbye." Was all he said. Serena sighed.

"What do you want, Killian?" She asked, eyes wondering to the girl he walked in with. "Who's the girl?"

"A friend, she's been staying with me." He said. "I'm going on a mission tomorrow, I won't be back for a week or two. I need you to keep her for me."

"Keep her for you? What am I, a babysitter?"

"She can't be left alone, not for that long. She's... she's pregnant, I don't know how much longer she has and I don't want her to be alone." He explained. He knew he couldn't trust Serena enough to tell her what Aurelia was but she was his only choice at the moment. Serena stood there tapping her foot on the ground before asking.

"Is it your?"

"No." He sighed. "Like I said before she's a friend. I just need her to stay with you until I get back. Can you do that for me?" He inquired and she was silent as she thought about it before she finally agreed.

"Fine." She said. "She can stay in one of the extra apartments upstairs, I'll make sure to check in with her every once in a while, see how she's doing."

"Thank you, Serena. I owe you."

"You definitely do." She huffed as Killian motioned for the girl to come over.

"This is Aurelia, Aurelia this is Serena. You're going to stay with her for a few days." He said as he introduced the two. Serena waved at the girl who only stood there carefully observing her behind her sunglasses. "She's a bit... shy."

Killian couldn't linger long, he had a long drive ahead. He began walking out the door when Aurelia grabbed him by his arm. He turned back to see the girl frantically shaking her head.

"Don't go." She whispered, her covered eyes unknowingly pleading with him. He placed both hands on her shoulders.

"Remember what we talked about?" He asked and she nodded. "Good. You will be safe here and I'll return as soon as possible." He said and left out the door without sparring the girl another glance.

                                 Blood Forge