CARME, The Runaway

𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐧

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

The cavern's dark, damp air clung to Carme as she stood near the edge of the subterranean lagoon, the bioluminescent algae casting a soft, eerie glow on the water's surface. Beside her, Delfin and Adelia Fisher moved with practiced ease, their preparations for the journey ahead seamless and efficient. The quiet hum of the distant ocean filled the space, a reminder of the vast world waiting beyond the cavern's walls.

"We'll need to move quickly once we're in the water," Delfin said, his voice calm yet firm, cutting through the stillness. "It's a long journey to Vancouver Island, and we'll be traveling under the cover of darkness. Are you ready?"

Carme took a deep breath, trying to quell the unease growing within her. It had been three months since Carme had went outside the cavern, and she was feeling more than a little nervous about it. The cavern had become a safe haven, and stepping out into the unknown felt like facing a challenge she wasn't entirely prepared for. Even though she tried to stay brave, the fear she felt was hard to shake off. 

Carme nodded, trying to steady her nerves. Her human side was becoming more prominent, and with it came limitations she wasn't used to. She could feel her heartbeat in her chest, steady and insistent, a constant reminder of the changes she was going through.

As they approached the edge of the cliff, Adelia gave Carme a reassuring look. "Remember, if you need to surface, just signal. We'll adjust our pace to make sure you're safe."

Carme appreciated the gesture, but it didn't ease the tightness in her chest. She knew this journey was necessary—Imani had made that clear. She still needed to master her control and there were more sessions to do. With the arrival of so many vampires who came to witness for her twin sister, staying here will get them caught. Carme needed more time before she could show herself to her family. But the journey itself was daunting. Swimming such a great distance, especially with her growing need for oxygen, felt like an impossible task.

Without another word, the three of them dove into the icy waters. The shock of the cold was immediate, but Carme pushed through it, focusing on matching Delfin and Adelia's strong, graceful strokes. The ocean enveloped them, a dark and mysterious world that seemed to pulse with energy. Delfin led the way, his movements smooth and powerful, barely disturbing the water as he swam. Adelia followed close behind, her eyes scanning the depths for any signs of danger.

Carme tried to keep up, but it wasn't long before she felt the burn in her lungs. She had been holding her breath, trying to swim as they did—effortlessly, without needing air. But her body wasn't built for that anymore. She needed to breathe.

She signaled to Adelia, who immediately slowed down and swam closer. Delfin noticed and paused, turning back to them with a concerned look.

Carme surfaced, gulping in the cold night air. The wind whipped around her, and the saltwater stung her skin, but she didn't care. She just needed to breathe. Adelia surfaced beside her, a calm presence amidst the chaos of the open ocean.

"It's okay," Adelia said softly, her voice barely carrying over the sound of the waves. "Take your time."

Carme nodded, inhaling deeply as she tried to calm her racing heart. The journey was already taking its toll, and they had only just begun.

After a few moments, Carme felt ready to continue. She nodded to Delfin, who was waiting patiently a few meters away. He gave her an encouraging smile before diving back under the water.

They resumed their journey, but this time, Delfin adjusted their pace, keeping a closer eye on Carme. She fell into a rhythm, surfacing every few minutes to breathe, then diving back down to keep up with her companions. It was exhausting, but she pushed herself to keep going. The ocean was vast and dark, the only light coming from the moon above and the occasional glimmer of bioluminescent creatures below. The silence was broken only by the sound of their movements and the distant roar of the waves crashing against unseen rocks.