CARME, The Runaway

𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐧

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The cavern was quiet, save for the rhythmic sound of the ocean waves crashing against the shore outside. The bioluminescent crystals embedded in the walls cast a gentle, calming glow over the room. Carme sat on a cushioned stone bench, her posture tense yet hopeful. Imani and Delfin moved with purpose around her, their expressions a mix of concentration and determination.

Imani approached Carme with a soft, reassuring smile. "We're ready to begin," she said, her voice calm and soothing. Delfin stood nearby, his gaze fixed on Carme with a blend of scientific curiosity and empathy.

Carme took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. The first session was crucial, and although she was anxious, she knew it was necessary. Imani began by placing her hands gently on Carme's shoulders, her eyes closing in concentration. The air around them seemed to shimmer with a faint, almost imperceptible energy as Imani focused her biomodification powers.

Imani's ability allowed her to target the venom production in Carme's body, and she worked meticulously to reduce its output. Her fingers moved with precision, and Carme could feel a subtle warmth spreading through her veins, a sign that the process had begun. Surprisingly, it was a familiar warmth that she felt before. It reminded her of her family. She felt this soothing warmth every time she greeted any of her family when they came back from hunting. The warmth soon turned into a tingling sensation, which was initially soothing but quickly gave way to a more intense feeling.

"Just breathe," Imani instructed softly. "Focus on staying calm. The process will take a little time."

Delfin stood by, his gaze attentive and concerned. Without advanced equipment, he relied on his keen observational skills to gauge Carme's reactions. He watched her closely, noting any changes in her expressions and physical responses.

As the minutes ticked by, Carme's initial calm began to waver. The warmth in her veins intensified, and she started to feel a sharp, burning pain spreading through her body. It was as if every nerve was on edge, and the sensation was becoming increasingly uncomfortable.

"Is everything alright?" Delfin asked, his voice laced with concern as he observed Carme's pained expression.

Carme's teeth clenched, and she nodded, though her face was contorted in pain. "Yes, just... a lot of pain."

Imani's expression tightened with concern, but she continued to focus on her task. She could sense the struggle within Carme's body as the venom's influence was being diminished. The process was working, but the adjustment was causing significant discomfort.

The pain began to peak, a searing ache that seemed to radiate from deep within Carme's bones. She gripped the sides of the bench, trying to steady herself, but the intensity of the pain was overwhelming. Her breathing grew ragged, and her vision started to blur.

"Almost done," Imani said, her voice strained but resolute. "Just a little longer."

Despite Imani's encouraging words, Carme's pain reached a breaking point. Her head spun, and her vision darkened. The sharp, searing pain became too much to bear. Her grip on the bench slackened, and she slumped forward, unconscious.

Imani and Delfin rushed to Carme's side as she slumped forward, her body going limp on the cushioned stone bench. Delfin quickly assessed her, his face a mask of concern. "She's fainted, but she's still a full vampire" he said, relief mingling with worry in his voice. He took note of the many changes that happened to Carme. Her once six-year-old body had grown along with her hair and nails. Delfin remembered the first time they met the girl that she mentioned having accelerated aging due to her stressful episodes.