Something Sweet, Something Sinister; The War Begins (A Vampire Novel)

Chapter 16

"But don't you see, Emma?" Blake's voice trembled with emotion. "I couldn't save him. I failed him. And now, he's gone. In the chaos of him trying to attack me, I killed him. I hunt vampires not just out of duty, but out of a need to prevent more tragedies like Isaac's. I can't bear to see more lives torn apart by the darkness that consumes them."

As Blake's words hung heavy in the air, a sense of understanding began to dawn on me. The weight of his past, his guilt and grief, mirrored my own struggles with my identity and purpose.

"I'm sorry, Blake," I whispered, reaching out to touch his arm in a gesture of comfort. "I didn't realize... I didn't understand what you've been through. I know how hard it is to lose someone you love."

"It's okay. I can change that with you. Let me cure you, and we could be together, Emma."

I was startled by his words.

The image of Pierce's determined face flashed before my eyes, followed by him smiling and laughing- visions of him consoling me and being kind.

Blake and I had become close over the few months we spent together, but in the time that I had to get to know Pierce, I had gotten close with him too.

I still wasn't sure whether I could necessarily say that we were friends, but it was enough for me to know that I didn't like Blake in the same way that he liked me and Isaac.

I also knew for certain that I couldn't stand the idea that Pierce might get hurt again- or even worse; die. A fluttering feeling erupted in my chest at the mere thought of returning to the castle and being with him again. I couldn't quite put a name to it, but I knew that I couldn't accept Blake's offer because of it. I couldn't betray Pierce like that.

"I'm sorry, Blake," I said softly, pulling my hand back. "I appreciate your offer, but I can't accept it."

Blake's expression hardened, disappointment sprawling across his face. "I see," he murmured, stepping back. "That is your decision, Emma. Just know that my offer still stands if you ever change your mind. This doesn't change the fact that I am going to put a bullet in your Prince's head. Maybe then you'll realize what the right decision is and change your mind."

His cruel comment was shocking. I didn't know how he could say such a thing.

It made my heart pang.

He backed away from me before I could come up with a response and I watched him disappear into the shadows, his figure blending into the darkness of the alley. The weight of our conversation lingered in the air, heavy with unspoken words and unresolved emotions.

Taking a deep breath, I knew that I had made the right choice. Pierce would protect me at all costs, and I had to do the same for him too, having abilities or not.

As I stepped out of the alleyway, I couldn't shake the feeling that I had done something wrong. Blake, the man who had shown me the possibility of a different life, was trying to kill the man who gave me this one.

I carefully snuck out of the village and ventured back towards the castle, trying not to be spotted as I did. Correct in our calculations, it took me a full day to return to the front gates.

When I was close enough to almost have a guard in full view, I pulled the collar out of the bag and relatched it onto my neck before walking the rest of the way up.

The guards barely paid any attention to me and greeted me with their usual stoic expression. Pierce was right about the collar being my ticket inside. They saw it and immediately rushed me back inside.

We hadn't gone far because Pierce was giving orders to servants in the entryway.

He turned around when he heard the commotion of my arrival, and his face lit up. Without a second thought, he rushed over to me, concern etched on his features. "Calla, you're back! Are you alright? What happened?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine worry. I almost missed where he stuttered my name before reverting to the fake one.