Bloodlust

21

I realize I feel asleep when I'm awoken by the sounds of skittering. I blink slowly as the sunlight is harsh against my eyes. I'm quickly alert however, at both the energy in the room and the fact the my skin is on fire. I jump out the bed and wince, darting to the only corner of the room not bathed in sunlight.

"Shit. I'm sorry—I forgot" I glance up to see the blonde staring at me with wide eyes and tears brimming in them. I quickly shut the curtains and move over to her, pulling her into my arms. "It's ok, I'll be fine. No need to worry" I promise her and she just continues to mutter apologies into my chest as I hold her tight.

"Baby... you're fine, I'm fine. Everything is ok" I assure her, holding her shoulders and looking into her eyes. "Everything is not ok! First I forget that the biggest test of any witches life is today and then I forget that my girlfriend can't be in the sun?! Who forgets something like that??" I can tell she's only getting more worked up as she tries to pull herself out my arms and I think quickly.

I turn her around and hold her arms crossed against her chest, applying consistent pressure. I move us in front of the mirror, forgetting that she won't be able to see me. I curse myself silently for forgetting such a simple thing. I turn her back around and instruct her softly to keep her arms held firm and she nods quickly as her breathing staggers.

I hold her face in my hands, smiling softly and breathing slowly with her. "You've taught them well. The girls are perfectly fine" I assure her, "but-" she tries to argue but a simple raise of my eyebrows stops her and she sighs. "Now. You're no help to anyone in this state. So I need you to take deep breath, ok? Focus on yourself. You are the first priority" I tell her and she simply stares back at me.

Her breathing slows and tears fill her eyes as her lip trembles. "Thank you... for saying those things" she whispers, "I meant all them. You are a wonderful leader, the girls are lucky to have you" I smile softly. I don't think I've ever been so soft with anyone before but she deserves it. After a few minutes of encouragement and cuddling, I finally felt she was ok enough to face everyone.

I know how important this is to her; so I told her I would busy myself for a few hours while they do their exam. She thanked me over and over and I just kissed her so she would stop. I headed back to my house and I do a little bit of tidying up since I haven't been here in a while. Afterwards, I sort of just play around until I assume they're done.

I let myself in the door, like normal, and it's unusually quiet. I immediately have a feeling something is weird and I set off to find Delia. It doesn't take me long as I spot light spilling from the crack of her office door. I gently knock on it before pushing it open, seeing that she's organizing papers. This immediately alarms me because everyone knows the blonde is a stickler for order.

She only does things like this to soothe her nerves. She turns to me and smiles half-heartedly before getting back at it. Everything is pristine, it's like she's making a mess just so she can fix it. Which of course furthers my worry because that means there's something she can't fix that's surfacing the need for this.

I approach her from behind and wrap my arms around her waist carefully. "What's wrong? Everyone's ok, right?" I ask hesitantly, "yeah..." she sighs but I know there's something behind it. "Then what's the matter?" I feel a bit more at ease knowing everyone's safe but still worried. I can feel how tense she is and overall her energy just feels... different and almost more aggressive but not in a threatening way.

"I'm the next supreme" she whispers it so quietly, almost ashamed and even though I'm right behind her, I almost miss it. "That's incredible! I'm so proud of you" I exclaim, confused as to why she's not buzzing with excitement. "No I-" she wiggles out my arms and spins around to face me, a solemn look on her face.

"Reese. Do you have any clue what this means?!" Her tone raises slightly and she seems beyond agitated which just further perplexes me. "I'm afraid not I guess..." I reply, a bit peeved that she raised her voice but mostly taken aback. She goes on to explain how a supreme fades when the next witch is ready to rise and I listen to every word intently.

"With—with all the girls being so mature already... and gosh they're so talented" her voice wavers and I already know what she intends to say but I don't have a chance to stop her. "We only just started to form somewhat of a life together and it's already over!" I pull her into my arms as she sobs, a bit shocked to say the least. Of course I love her and I knew she loved me but I surely thought this would outweigh that.

This is such an amazing achievement and accomplishment, she should be proud not sad! "Baby... it's ok. You're not going anywhere anytime soon, alright?" She mutters something incoherent but I know her well enough to piece together that it's in protest of my assurances. "We'll find a way to make it work" I promise her and she shakes her head as she pulls away.

"H-how?! You'll already live forever and I obviously wasn't going to before but—it's even shorter now!" She does have a point but I'm determined to calm her down and to find a way to fix this for us. The first thing that crosses my mind is obvious and fucking dangerous but again... I'd do anything for her.

"I'll—I'll change you" I mumble and we both have a look of equal shock on our face but I compose myself for her sake. She sniffles and wipes her nose, staring at me curiously and I assume she's waiting for me to take it back but I meant it. "What?" I don't blame her for being so surprised, I really didn't intend to say it aloud though it was on my mind.

"I'll turn you. I'm not letting you go... you mean too much to me" I whisper shakily, the mere thought of parting from her brings me pain like I've never known. "But isn't that—forbidden or something..." she thinks aloud and I shake my head dismissively. "I don't care—I'll face them if I have to. You're worth it" I state firmly.

"Reese... I can't-" "we'll cross that bridge when it comes. For now, know that I'll handle it" I cut her off and give her no choice but to listen. She sighs worriedly but significantly less than before which makes me smile. "Now, miss supreme..." I tease and she bites her lip softly, "why don't we go celebrate your rise to stardom" I joke and she giggles as I pick her up bridal style.

"I love you" she sighs but there's so much conviction behind her words it's, to me, as though she shouted it from the rooftops. "I love you more" I echo as I close the door behind us and lay her on the bed.