Bite of the Night

Chapter 15: Scarlett Learns the Truth About the Prophecy

The soft glow of the library's chandeliers cast a warm, golden light over the room, illuminating the ancient texts and relics that filled the space. Dimitri and I were seated at a long, mahogany table, a heavy silence hanging between us. Yesterday had felt like a fever dream, both of us seemingly drunk on a curse that was both ridiculous and feverish.

I watched him as he rifled through a stack of old books, his brow furrowed in concentration.

The library, with its towering shelves and the smell of aged paper, had become our sanctuary. It was here that Dimitri had taught me about the world of vampires, about my blood magic, and the prophecy that bound us together. Tonight, however, felt different—more significant.

"Scarlett," Dimitri began, his voice breaking the silence. He set down the book he was holding and looked at me with an intensity that made my heart race. "There's something I need to show you."

He reached under the table and pulled out a long, ornate box. The wood was dark and polished, intricately carved with symbols that seemed to pulse with a life of their own. He placed it on the table and carefully opened the lid, revealing a scepter that shimmered with an otherworldly light.

"This," he said softly, "is the scepter of Aveline. It contains the source of vampire magic."

I leaned closer, my breath catching at the sight of the scepter. It was beautiful, yet ominous, radiating a power that both intrigued and frightened me. "What does it do?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Dimitri's eyes met mine, and I saw a mixture of hope and fear in their depths. "The scepter holds the essence of all vampire magic. It was broken centuries ago, and ever since, vampires have been dying out. The prophecy says that only a girl with strong blood magic, the one a vampire feels a mate bond with, can seal it and restore vitality to our kind."

He took a deep breath and continued, "You, Scarlett, are that girl. Your blood magic is growing stronger every day. Once it's strong enough, you'll be able to sense it yourself, and you'll have the power to open the scepter and seal it closed again."

The weight of his words settled over me, and I felt a mix of emotions—fear, responsibility, and a strange sense of destiny. "Why should I help?" I asked, my voice trembling. "Why should I save vampires when so many see them as monsters?"

Dimitri's expression darkened, and he looked away, pain etched across his features. "So, I'm a monster?" he asked quietly, his voice heavy with hurt. "We deserve to die?"

Regret flooded me instantly. I reached out, placing a hand on his arm. "No, Dimitri," I said softly. "I didn't mean it like that. You're not a monster. You're...incredible."

He looked back at me, his eyes searching mine for sincerity. "You truly believe that?"

I nodded, my heart aching at the pain I'd caused him. "Yes, I do. You've shown me kindness and strength. You've protected me. I'm sorry for doubting you."

A flicker of relief crossed his face, and he gave a small, hesitant smile. "Thank you, Scarlett. That means more to me than you know."

I moved closer, my fingers trailing up his arm, over his shoulder, and along his jaw. "You're not just a vampire," I whispered, my lips brushing against his skin. "You're...incredible."

He closed his eyes, a shudder running through him at my touch. I could feel the tension between us, a mixture of desire and something deeper. I pressed my lips to his neck, feeling the rapid beat of his pulse beneath my mouth.

"Scarlett," he murmured, his voice rough with emotion. "What are you doing?"

"Showing you how much I care," I replied, my lips moving against his skin. "You're not a monster. You're my protector, my teacher...my friend."