Of Blood and Downfall

Chapter 44.

Mavis's POV:
For a moment, I thought I'd wake up and find my mom standing next to me. Waiting for me to cross the gates of heaven with an extended hand and a welcoming smile. For a moment, I wish I did because the impact of my fall, the collision of my head on the marble ground—made it seem like I didn't make it.

Yet I woke up and history was repeating itself. Instead of a bandage on my arm, there was one around my head mere inches above my eyes. At first my sight is blurry until they adjust to the quiet empty room of the infirmary. Valeria stood at the foot of my bed, the woman I thought was my mother.

"You're awake."

I groaned and moved, sliding in a sitting position.

"Take it easy, you might have a concussion."

I remember the pain of my skull slapping against the ground with a sickening crack. I remember reaching out to the arms of no one as I plummeted to my death. Aria's grim smile as she watched me fall.

"How am I alive?" I didn't want to ask if I was a vampire. If they found a way to save me because of the way Karden yelled before I hit the ground—struck a cord in our bond. Begging anybody for help so I don't die.

I thought I did. Or would. Yet here I am alive, slightly stiff and sore.
"Greta gave her life to you." I blink.

Opening my mouth to ask what she means, the door to the room opens and Karden appears in casual clothes. The sun was out but the curtains were draped over the windows. It must've been the next day but I don't even bother asking.

"Mavis." His voice is lilac, gentle and warm. He rushed to the side of the bed but I turned and looked the other way. My response struck him like he got stabbed. There is confusion in his eyes and he kneels down at my side, elbows dipping the mattress.

"I want to be alone." I mutter, my throat raw from screaming.

I hit the ground. My skull cracked. I felt warm blood pool around me.

"I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry Mavis." He reached for my arm but I flinched. His fingers stilled in the air.

I glanced at Valeria, pleading for help. She pursed her lips into a thin line and walked towards Karden.

"She just woke up. Give her some time alone." She pulled at his shoulder and he stood without a word.

"I'm sorry, Mavis. I'll explain everything, please." He said but I didn't bother looking at him. Tears swelled in my eyes as I felt our bond strain in my chest. I started to heave, my chest rising and falling with quick breaths.

Valeria said something to him with their backs turned to me. I didn't bother watching as he left the room and we were alone once again. She returned to my side and sat on the edge of the bed.

"I know you're upset."

"How did I fake death?" I cried, feeling the pain in my heart, the bond stretching out farther away.

What even happened? Jenny attacked me and I killed her. Where is Sam? What happened to Aria? Where is my father?

"Greta gave her life to you so you could live a long one with Karden."

"Long life?" I asked and her throat strained as if she was struggling to explain.

"As long as Karden lives, you will as a human."

My head falls back into the pillow, the soft thud aching my healing skull.

"And Aria?"

"She's not here. Nor will she ever again." Valeria said, lips pulled into a tight smile. "Karden was worried. Had been pacing outside of the room all night."