Vampyre | Book I of Bloodlines

EPILOGUE

Viola

The nervousness I feel as Dae introduces us to his descendants is beyond description—I want to be accepted by them so much that it frightens me.

They welcome him with tears of joy. To them, Dae is a legend—not just a living ancestor of old but he's also their guardian angel, the head of the family whose absence they feared meant his demise. Seeing him surrounded by people who love and revere him is heartwarming, and I got to see him through their eyes.

They are not only relieved to see him return but also astonished by his transformation into a living, breathing being with a wife and daughter. Despite my ongoing struggle with the language, they welcome me warmly, with open arms and genuine smiles. One of the aunties cups my face in her hands, inspecting me closely with a broad smile of approval before announcing to everyone that there's another witch in the family.

I learn that there are already two witches among them, and with Sophie, Orphea, and myself, talk emerges of starting our own little coven. This prospect excites me, offering me the chance to explore a part of myself that I never knew existed until meeting Dae.

At dinner, when the whole family gathers to eat, Orphea and Elliott stick close, slightly overwhelmed by the attention lavished upon them. Dae reveals what became of Emily after she departed for England with William, and I discover her birth name was Eun-Sook, meaning kindness and purity. Dae is determined to uncover how William managed to seduce her, but no one has any answers. To this day, it remains a mystery why she left her homeland to marry William. Perhaps it was love, after all?

As the days pass, Elliott thrives amidst the warmth and affection of his newfound family. He becomes more talkative, as if making up for lost time. Even in moments of solitude, he chats to himself or sings, embracing his sense of belonging and stability.

"You were right," Dae says, approaching me from behind as I watch Elliott play in the small courtyard.

"You'll have to be more specific," I tease, nudging him playfully. "I'm right about a lot of things."

Dae's hearty laugh fills the air, and he turns me around to face him. "About Elliott's memories. I wanted so badly to erase all the abuse, but you were right to stop me."

"Unfortunately, our little Elliott learned too early how cruel the world can be, but it's an important lesson, one I hope he'll never have to re-learn."

I rest my head on Dae's chest, and together, we watch Elliott in serene silence for a moment.

"I think it's time we started weapons training for the children," Dae suddenly says.

I look up at Dae, sensing his anticipation.

"Okay," I concede, nestling my head back onto his chest.

"That was easier than I expected," he remarks.

I chuckle. "Why wouldn't I want you to turn them both into strong warriors, just like you, my love? One day, when they are ready, they will leave us and venture out into the world on their own. I want you to prepare them for anything."

"Anything is a big word," he says. "But I'll do my best."

During our time with Dae's family, we witness Orphea's remarkable growth. Initially, I had reservations about her exposure to so many humans, but it proved to be beneficial. She eagerly absorbs knowledge from them, and Dae's family, with their boundless love, imparts crucial lessons in kindness, empathy, and the significance of family.

However, concerns arise when Orphea begins recounting her dreams. She describes a presence reaching out to her from the darkness, urging her to approach. It triggers memories of my own experiences, leaving me torn between fear and the notion of a potential soulmate calling out to her. Seeing Orphea's lack of fear, I opt for the latter.