The Iron Dagger (The Vampire Series Book 2)

Chapter 4 - A Willing Sacrifice

Kit felt sick to his stomach on behalf of Persephone, wanting to go check on them but knowing they needed space to process for a bit. He turned his attention back to Johnathan. He still looked nervous, but a bit less so, looking around at all of them.

"You're just all so... not what I expected," he said softly.

"And you're very much so not what we're used to," Victoire responded. Kit walked up to him again, kneeling down directly in front of the boy, making eye contact and holding it, searching his eyes for that glint. He saw a lot of things, fear, anxiety, confusion, but he didn't see the cold look of a killer. He grabbed one of the knives off the kid, watching him flinch violently, and started to cut the ropes.

"Christopher? What are you doing?" Ercole hissed. "He could attack us at any moment, or signal for others," he continued in French.

"Look at him, Ercole. The boy has never killed, and he's been given plenty of opportunities. He couldn't hurt us if he tried," he responded. "Lock him in one of the rooms if you want. But I do not think we need to restrain him. He's not going to run, are you?"

"No, not really anywhere to run to," Johnathan responded.

"Come on, then, boy. On your feet. Let's get you some food," Kit said a bit gruffly, pulling Johnathan out of the chair.

"I'll cook something up really quick," Daniella said. "What would you like, darling?" She asked him. Kit led him over to the kitchen, putting him into the chair.

"Christopher? A word, please?" Victoire asked.

"What is it, Victoire?" He asked, walking over.

"Are you sure this is the best idea? We still can't trust that he won't give away our location to the other hunters. He's related to Vic, who knows how conditioned he is as well," Kit gave him a look, raising his eyebrow.

"I have seen killers, Victoire, and I have seen boys who would fire into the air and ground, or make noises with their mouths while pretending to shoot because they couldn't take a life. I allowed my shock at this new world to blind me to Vic, but I assure you I will not make that mistake again. I have looked into his eyes, and saw no trace of the devil," Kit said a bit flatly, trying not to let his emotions into his voice.

"You're being soft, you're thinking with your heart. I am glad you have learned how, but this is not the time for it," Victoire pleaded. "First Persephone, now this boy-"

"Do not speak to me of these matters, Victoire. Please. I care for Persephone, and I trust them. I would stay my hand again if they asked, but only because I believe they will do the right thing," he was given a second chance when he was let out of that cave, who was he to deprive it to others? Victoire just gave him a sad look, and Kit sighed. "You worry far too much, my dear friend. Trust me,"

"Alright, Christopher. I only hope your trust is not misplaced," he said with concern, squeezing Kit's arm. He turned to go back to the kitchen and Johnathan, but Stefan caught his arm.

"You need to go lay down now. We agreed for the interrogation," he said.

"I'll lay down on the couch, they need some more time," he said, moving to the three-seater and sprawling out with a sigh, Stefan checking his bandages to make sure the silver was truly out. He was desperate for it to be healed so he could do things again, he hated being incapacitated. He was tired all the time, and if it hadn't been for Persephone he'd be starving. He just listened to the sound of everyone talking in the kitchen, Johnathan asking a few questions but mostly answering them. Kit didn't even realize he'd fallen asleep until Stefan shook him awake, taking him to the room an hour or so later. He knocked before entering.