Veil Of The Undying

Chapter 5

Kai

Once again, I'm failing my sister. This time though, I'll never have the chance to make it up to her because I'm dying. My gun is clutched tightly in my hand, my finger resting on the trigger. If I feel any sudden changes, I'll end it myself.

We're almost at Axel's house. I hope I make it there. He's a good man; he'll take care of her.
I'm drowning in regret. I should have taught her to fight. She's so timid and scared-it's my fault. How will she survive this? I want to cry, but I can't afford to startle her.

"Why?" she asks, her voice trembling. What is she asking? She suddenly collapses to the ground, gasping for breath. Shit, she's having a panic attack.

"Breathe, Ria. You're safe. I'm here," I say, trying to comfort her while patting her head.

"You're okay," I continue, trying to reassure her. She finally calms down, looking at me with tear-filled eyes. "You're dying," she says, her voice breaking as she begins to wail.

"No, I'm not," I insist, though my voice trembles. "Please, keep it down, love. If you don't, we're both going to die right here."

"You've been bitten. It happened at the library, didn't it? All because of me." Her cries are uncontrollable now. Shit.

"Look at me, Ria." I gently grip her chin, forcing her to meet my gaze. "I'm not dead yet. Maybe I'm immune because people usually change in seconds, but here I am."

She looks at me, a flicker of hope in her eyes. No, that's bad.

"Ria, you're strong. Even if I die, you will live. If not for yourself, then for me. Survive, baby sister. I love you. Remember that. If I die, it doesn't mean you have to, too. That would make my death meaningless." I know this will hurt her, but I can't soften the truth anymore. That would get her killed.

"Do you remember the address? Diamond Estate, house 693. Do you understand?" Her silence is painful, her gaze blank.

"Ria, there's a 99% chance I'm dying tonight. Please don't let me die thinking you won't make it. I beg you. I'd never forgive myself, even in death." Her silent stare is heavy, and then she says, "Don't die, then."

With that, she gets up, grabs her backpack, and starts walking toward the direction we were initially headed.

She's in denial, but that's okay-as long as she survives, I don't care how.
To be honest, I'm terrified and in pain. My skin feels like it's on fire.
But all that matters now is that my sister is safe.