Silent Words

Chapter 7: A Delicate Conversation and a Revelation

*Evelyn's POV*

One sunny afternoon, Athena approached me with a soft smile, her eyes filled with warmth. "Evelyn," she said gently, "We need to talk. Would you join me for some tea at that nearby cafe?"

I nodded, curious about the topic she wanted to discuss. We walked together to the cozy little cafe, the sun casting a warm glow over the streets of our college town. The aroma of freshly brewed tea and the gentle chatter of other patrons surrounded us as we settled into a corner booth.

Athena sipped her tea, her gaze fixed on me. "Evelyn, I believe it's time I share something important with you."

I leaned forward, intrigued by her serious tone. "What is it, Athena?"

She took a deep breath, choosing her words carefully. "Evelyn, there's more to this world than what meets the eye. You see, supernatural beings exist, and they're not just creatures of myth and legend."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her revelation. "Supernatural beings? Like what?"

Athena hesitated for a moment, her eyes locked onto mine. "There are creatures like werewolves, for instance."

I blinked in surprise. "Werewolves? They're real too?"

Athena nodded solemnly. "Yes, Evelyn. They're very real."

I couldn't deny the sincerity in Athena's eyes, but it was a lot to take in. "So, you're telling me that there are werewolves in this world?"

Athena nodded again. "Yes, and there are other supernatural beings as well."

I furrowed my brow, feeling a shiver of fear run down my spine. "Other supernatural beings? Like what?"

Athena continued, her voice measured. "Vampires, for instance. And I need to be honest with you, Evelyn. Werewolves like my pack are in an ongoing conflict with vampires."

The mere mention of werewolves and vampires sent a chill through my body. I couldn't help but react with fear and a sense of trauma. The memories of my past and the vampire attack I had endured resurfaced, causing me to pale and tremble.

Athena's expression shifted from empathy to shock and worry as she noticed my distress. "Evelyn, are you okay?" she asked gently.

I took a deep breath, my voice shaky. "It's just... vampires and werewolves... it's a lot to take in, Athena. I've had my own encounter with a vampire in the past, and it left me with scars."

Athena's concern deepened, and she reached out to comfort me. "I'm so sorry to hear that, Evelyn. If you're comfortable, would you mind telling me more about what happened?"

I hesitated for a moment, then nodded. With trembling hands, I began to recount the horrifying night when I was twelve. "I had been staying at a family friend's house, a place I considered a second home. It was a peaceful evening, or so I thought."

*Flashback*

The vampire appeared out of nowhere, a shadowy figure with gleaming crimson eyes. I was in the living room when he attacked, and I witnessed a nightmare unfold. He slaughtered my friend's entire family before my eyes, their terrified screams echoing in my ears. I tried to escape, but he caught me and sank his fangs into my neck.

The pain was excruciating, and I could feel my strength draining away. He bit me, leaving behind two puncture wounds on my neck, and then he disappeared into the darkness.

I was left bleeding and helpless in the house, my world spinning out of control. I managed to crawl out of the busted door, but my injuries are so extensive. I'm on the brink of death when a passing vampire spotted me, picking me up and taking me to his home. Looking into his eyes I saw sadness and sorrow. 'Had he been through this kind of thing before?' Before I succumb to the pain, the vampire bites his wrist, feeding me some of his blood. Turning me into a vampire as my world slowly goes dark.

*End Flashback*

"That's how I survived, but the trauma of that night left me mute and terrified." As I recounted my ordeal, pulling the collar of my shirt down enough to show the scarred wounds on my neck. I saw a mixture of emotions crossing Athena's face—shock, empathy, and a burning determination. She now understood the extent of my fear and the scars that had been left behind.

When I finished, Athena couldn't hide the worry in her eyes. Without realizing it, she spoke out loud, her words filled with a deep sense of protectiveness. "I won't let anything like that happen to you again, Evelyn. I'll protect you."

I blinked in confusion, not understanding the full weight of her words. "Protect me? What for?"

Athena seemed to realize her slip and cleared her throat, her expression a mix of surprise and embarrassment. "I mean... I'm sorry for what happened to you. You won't have to go through something like that ever again. I will make sure of it."

I furrowed my brow, still puzzled. "But how can you promise that?"

Athena sighed, realizing that there was no turning back now. "Evelyn, it's because we're mates. I'm meant to protect you, to be by your side. It's a connection that goes beyond anything else."

I stared at her in disbelief. "Mates? What does that mean?"

Athena took a deep breath, her gaze never leaving mine. "In the world of supernatural beings, mates have a unique and profound connection. It's a bond that goes beyond time and space. We're drawn to each other. We our each other's missing piece, and I'm here to support you, Evelyn, no matter what."

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a soft orange glow over the cafe, I realized that my world had just expanded in unimaginable ways. The supernatural existed beyond just vampires, and I was connected to it through Athena in a way that was both comforting and bewildering.

We continued to talk about mates, supernatural beings, and the challenges that lay ahead. Despite my initial shock, I couldn't help but feel a growing sense of trust and connection with Athena. It was a new chapter in my life, and I had someone by my side who was willing to navigate it with me.