They've both been hungry for a very long time. It's too bad their hungers aren't exactly the same.. and neither were their species.
Elias once had a friend. A best friend at that. Unfortunately, Elias's friend disappeared in his 2nd year of middle s...
I slowly turned my head towards Kaiden, my mouth open and my eyes wide.
My heart pounded in my chest at the sudden realization. But I still didn't understand. Kaiden apparently claimed me just to leave for years and come back with no memories of me? Why would Auntie Mary keep it hidden if she knew? I liked Kaiden, I really did. But making me go through pain over something I didn't know existed until a couple of seconds ago? That's bullshit. Like Auntie Mary said, I couldn't get rid of it if I wanted to.
I was stuck with a mark I didn't even want.
Kaiden didn't even look fazed. He didn't even bat an eye at me.
Was this a joke to him?
I went through sleepless nights just because of a stupid mark! If Kaiden wasn't here right now, I was sure it would have started aching. My wrist probably couldn't even take anymore pain.
"I.. I can't get rid of it?" I asked.
Auntie Mary shook her head. "It will always be there. Since claims are usually between two Krasnyy's, I'm not sure if your body will be able to take it. You've already experienced pain, but it will probably get worse. Humans are fragile. To this day, I'm not sure how they were able to force Krasnyy's into.. things."
"W-why would you claim me?" I looked over at Kaiden.
He simply shrugged. "I don't have any memories of you. All I know is that you were important to me. I know for a fact I wouldn't claim someone I wasn't interested in." Kaiden said.
Something in my chest fluttered when he said that. But I wasn't going to let it get the best of me.
I hated how Kaiden didn't react in any way. He had a straight face and his eyes were looking ahead, always. Something like this probably didn't affect him but it sure did affect me. I didn't want to go through anymore pain or be confused all the time. He hasn't even told me exactly how and why he forgot me. Not to mention, Auntie Mary tried to hide the fact Kaiden had claimed me. She yelled at me to get out of her house and talks about me as if I'll break any second. "Humans are fragile" sounded more like "you are fragile."
Sure, what if she apologized for the way she acted? I didn't care! How was this any fair to me? Being in pain for the rest of my life and having an ugly mark on my wrist wasn't what I had planned.
I couldn't tell what Kaiden was feeling and it got me even more angrier. For once could he just show an ounce of emotion? He could read me like a book while I could barely understand what emotions he actually feels.
How was all of this any fair to me?
Auntie Mary cleared her throat. "Anyway, the reason I had hid the claim from you and Kaiden was for Kaiden's safety. Claims can occasionally put stress on whoever initiated it. For a Krasnyy, that means more blood intake and the more they require to be around that person. We already have a limited blood supply and any more.. we could risk getting caught by the government or someone of importance. I.. I didn't want him to live life tied to someone."
"B-but how does it affect me? I-I don't understand why I need to know this."
"Well the claim could affect you in many ways. But the most common thing for humans is pain. Especially if the claim is not completed, it could hurt you to a horrible extent. However, there's no document to what happens to a human if the claim isn't completed. No one has ever left an incomplete claim, uncompleted." She reached over to me and grabbed my arm gently, lifting it up to examine the mark on my wrist. She carefully brushed her fingers over it and let out a sharp breath. "The reason you need to know this is because we need you to complete the claim. Otherwise, you both will be in pain."
That wasn't true. Her words weren't true at all. The only person that would be in pain was me. I was sure that once the claim is completed she and Kaiden would leave again. Everything that has happened during the past few years will repeat. I didn't want that. I didn't want any of this.
I abruptly stood up and pulled away from Auntie Mary's grip. I harshly tugged my sleeve down to cover the mark and bit my lip. I didn't look at Auntie Mary or Kaiden. I didn't think I could even talk to either of them after this.
"I-I'm really sorry but can we do this another day?" I hesitantly asked.
I didn't wait for an answer. I quickly picked up my bag and slid my shoes on before opening the door and bolting. I knew this was shameful and a tad bit disrespectful but it was all so pressuring.
"Wait Elias—" I heard Kaiden's voice as he trudged after me.
I'm not waiting for you again. I thought, quickly making my way out of the property. I didn't think I could mentally take having someone leave me again. It was best if I left them first. I didn't want this stupid claim that probably— no definitely backfire in the future.
A familiar horrible feeling settled in my chest. It was full of tiredness, doubt and loneliness. I was used to it.
I glanced down at the mark on my wrist that slightly peeked out of the clothing fabric.
I could already feel tears brimming at the ends of my eyes.
Weak, weak, weak Elias.
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[Sorry this chapter was shorter than usual.]
Hey guys! Sorry I haven't posted chapters in a while. This will probably be uploaded a couple of days or even weeks after it was written because I'm planning to upload multiple chapters at once. The current date today is 7/8/24! The chapter might be released a week later or even more. Anyway, I'm sorry about the delayed uploading and I will try my best to be more consistent!
QUESTION: 3 emojis to describe Auntie Mary. Me: 🤬❤️🎀 (despite my dislike for her).
Anyway make sure to vote if you haven't already and if you're enjoying the story so far! I'm trying to improve on my writing skills so please give me constructive criticism or feedback!
