Vampire lore - Carmilla/First Kill

Chapter 6

Sunlight filtered through the bedroom window, painting the quilt in soft, golden hues. Juliette blinked awake, her dream clinging to her like the damp chill of morning mist. She rubbed her eyes, momentarily disoriented, before the weight of last night's events settled heavily on her chest. With a deep breath, she pushed herself upright, the burden of guilt and dread pressing down like a stone.

Downstairs, the house was already alive with the sounds of morning. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and something warm and savory drifted up, coaxing her out of bed. She hesitated at the top of the stairs, gripping the banister as if steadying herself for the day ahead. She couldn't afford to falter now—not when so much was on the line.

Voices hummed from the kitchen, a steady murmur punctuated by the occasional clatter of dishes. Juliette descended quietly, her footsteps soft against the worn wooden stairs. Pausing just outside the kitchen door, she listened, her heart tightening with the tension in their voices.

— She didn't sleep, did she? - Perry's voice was low, laced with concern.
— Nope - Laf sighed. - Heard her tossing and turning all night. She's carrying way more than she's letting on.
— We've got to give her space - Laura added, her tone firm yet soft. - But we can't ignore what's coming. We've got to be ready.
— Well, at least we're used to living on the edge - Mel quipped, attempting to lighten the mood, but her voice lacked its usual spark.

Juliette chose that moment to step into the kitchen. The conversation halted abruptly, all eyes turning to her with a mix of worry and sympathy. Perry quickly moved to pour her a cup of vegan blood, her usual smile a bit more tentative.

— Morning - Juliette greeted, her voice still thick with sleep, and something else she couldn't quite name.
— Morning - Perry replied, placing the mug in front of her. - How'd you sleep?

Juliette shrugged, wrapping her hands around the mug, letting its warmth seep into her.

— Not great, but I'll manage.

Carmilla, who had been leaning against the counter with her usual air of detachment, straightened up and moved toward her.

— You know, you don't have to carry this on your own - she said, her voice unexpectedly gentle. - Whatever happens next, we're in it together.

Juliette looked up, surprised by the sincerity in Carmilla's eyes.

— I appreciate that, but...
— No buts - Laura cut in, taking a seat across from her. - We've all got our demons, Juliette. We've all made mistakes. But that doesn't mean we stop doing what's right.

Danny, who had been quiet until now, spoke up, her tone firm.

— We know the hunters are out there, and we know they're dangerous. But we're not going to let them, or anyone else, get to you. We've got your back.
— Yeah, all of us - Kirsch added, his usual carefree demeanor replaced by rare seriousness.

Juliette's chest tightened at their words. For the first time in what felt like forever, a flicker of hope sparked within her. She hadn't realized just how badly she needed to hear that she wasn't alone, that there were people willing to stand by her despite everything.

— Thank you - she said, her voice soft but steady. - I don't know how I ended up here or how I'm supposed to make any of this right, but I'll do whatever it takes. I won't let you down.
— You won't - Perry said with confidence. - And neither will we."

As the morning light grew stronger, so did the resolve in the room. The path ahead was uncertain, and the dangers were all too real, but they had each other—and that was something. Maybe, just maybe, it would be enough.