CARME, The Runaway

𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧

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As they swam deeper, the water grew colder, enveloping them in an eerie silence broken only by the sound of their movements. The waters around them grew darker and Carme felt certain that no natural light would reach them. Despite several minutes of swimming, silence prevailed, yet Carme found herself absorbing ample knowledge from their shared thoughts.

The Oceanic coven had introduced themselves as a matter of courtesy: Imani Fishers led the coven with Delfin as her mate and partner, while they considered Dorothea, the mermaid, and Adelia as their daughters.

Listening to their thoughts was like peering into a new world for Carme. They lived so differently from her family. It made Carme reflect on the entire vampire world. How small and insignificant she felt compared to the experiences of others.

The mermaid, Dorothea, swam gracefully alongside them, her tail shimmering with iridescence. Adelia, with her determined gaze and sleek form, moved with purpose. Imani, calm and composed, exuded a sense of wisdom beyond her years. She was the one leading the way with the man, Delfin, remained a comforting presence amidst the uncertainty.

Carme followed this new coven through the deep waters. She couldn't shake the feeling of being an outsider among these vampires. She could feel the last of her telepathy and empathy leave and it left the uncomfortable unknown instead. Her unbeating heart ached. It felt like she was losing the last of the gifts that her family bestowed on her and she wouldn't be able to get it back until she's back home. 

Before Carme could think more on it, they arrived at a reef of sorts. A large opening appeared before them. Inside of it Carme saw shimmering scales and slithering bodies looking for shelter in the cavern. The entrance was wide and curved, with sharp stones jutting out in some places. The walls were smooth in some areas and jagged in others. It was at the end of the reef that Imani led them to an entrance that delved deeper into the ground—a large crack that could only fit one person at a time.

Delfin went in first then Dorothea and Adelia. Imani floated near the entrance staring at Carme, signaling she was next. Carme drifted over and pushed herself through headfirst. It was cramped, and sharp stones would have scratched her skin if she was still a hybrid. She wam through the claustrophobic space for several more minutes before reaching a descending curve. Carme swam down then right before eventually emerging into a faint light.

She watched the surface of the water ripple only meters above as the others swam up. They were hundreds of meters deep in the ocean, not even accounting for the swim through the entrance. Hesitation gripped her, fear of smelling blood again lingering.

With no other option, Carme felt Imani's firm yet gentle grip on her arm, guiding her as they ascended towards the surface. Carme could slowly make out the source of the light as they approached. Breaking the surface revealed a gigantic cavern filled with stalagmites and stalactites. Millions of glowing insects covered the walls and ceilings, offering a soft blue glow. It was a beauty Carme had never seen before. Her mouth dropped open as Imani stepped onto the stone floor.

"Welcome to our temporary home," Dorothea said, spreading her arms with a large grin. Carme timidly swam to the edge and climbed up as well.

The cavern stretched before them, dark and vast, illuminated by the soft glow of bioluminescent worms. Above them, the ceiling soared into darkness, its contours obscured by the intricate formations of stalactites that hung like icicles frozen in time. Each stalactite dripped with moisture, creating a rhythmic patter that echoed through the cavern like the beat of a distant drum. Beneath their feet, the cavern floor was uneven and treacherous, littered with jagged rocks and slippery puddles.