Destiny has left its mark (Vampire Romance) +

15 ~ Storm

"They already have a blood bond. It's evident to anyone who can see clearly enough," Lincoln states, his voice carrying an air of certainty and authority.

Elder Campbell, with a knowing smile, replies, "I could see it the moment they walked in. The bond was unmistakable."

I step forward, my heart pounding in my chest. "I was healed by Elijah after Beverly and her minion attacked me in the forest," I explain, my voice steady but laced with the lingering fear of that night. "It has no effect on me, though; I assure you."

Even my voice sounds different now, almost like Charlotte's, which feels both strange and unsettling. Elijah gives me a sidelong glance, a look that reminds me of how he looked before. I can't shake the weird feeling that washes over me. Is he looking at me, or is he seeing Charlotte?

Roland, the Elder who once commented that my blood smelled divine, now asks, "You have no feelings for King Elijah, then?" His tone is probing, as if he expects me to reveal a hidden truth.

"I—" I hesitate, my words caught in my throat. Why is it so difficult to lie in front of them?

Elder Campbell returns to his seat, a knowing look on his face. "In that case, I'm looking forward to the invitation to your wedding." The other elders nod in agreement, their excitement evident as they murmur among themselves.

Wedding? Whose wedding? They're looking at me and Elijah, and I can't believe it. There's no way that's possible.

"First, we need to find Beverly," Elijah states firmly, bringing the focus back to the task at hand. His voice is resolute, cutting through the murmurs of the elders.

Suddenly, the double doors swing open, and Neo strides into the room, gripping Beverly firmly by the arm. Her eyes are glazed, and she's handcuffed, her mouth covered to prevent her from speaking. She still resembles me in some bizarre way. Could there really be two of us?

Lincoln approaches, his movements deliberate and precise as he begins searching Beverly. His fingers find and remove one of her rings, and to our surprise, she transforms before our eyes. The woman standing before us now has long, flowing red curls and bright blue eyes. The transformation is utterly unexpected and captivating.

"Everyone, meet Beverly Jackson," Neo announces, his voice echoing in the suddenly silent room. "She is an orphan raised by her alcoholic mother, who was a vampire hunter that practiced magic. Her father, Hansen Benson, a vampire, died before her birth, killed by her mother after he assaulted her." Neo pauses, allowing the gravity of his words to sink in. "I didn't realize she had used her magic to alter her appearance—" His eyes suddenly land on me. "Who are you?" he demands, confusion creasing his brow.

He seems unable to recognize me despite the fact that I no longer have Charlotte's face. But now that I look like her, he doesn't seem to know I'm Daniella.

"This is Daniella," Elijah answers calmly, his voice unwavering.

"Daniella? But how do you look like Charlotte?" Neo's confusion is palpable.

"I don't know," I respond, feeling utterly lost in the chaos. "I don't know who I am, but I know I'm not her. I refuse to be killed by the one I love again. I'd rather hide my feelings deeply and leave Darres forever."

Just then, a woman in a nurse's outfit enters the room, her presence radiating magic. "Elders. King Elijah," she states, bowing slightly to him in respect.

"And you are?" Elder Campbell asks, his curiosity piqued.

"Lisa," she replies, her voice calm and steady. "I knew Beverly's mother a few years ago and worked in the same hospital when Beverly was born. I can testify that Beverly's mother used magic to switch the identities of Beverly and Daniella."