Vampire lore - Carmilla/First Kill

Chapter 12

The morning crept over the horizon, washing the house in a pale light that spilled through the heavy curtains like liquid gold. Laura stirred first, her body naturally syncing with the dawn.

She lay there for a moment, listening to the soft breathing of Carmilla beside her, before slipping out of bed as quietly as she could. She leaned down, brushing a kiss over Carmilla's forehead, her lips lingering for a beat longer than usual. She knew what today held and wanted to savor this peaceful moment before the chaos began.

As she padded through the quiet house, Laura's mind spun with the day's challenges. They were sending Juliette back to school, back into the lion's den. It was a calculated risk, one they couldn't afford not to take.

Reaching the kitchen, she set the coffee to brew, the familiar aroma grounding her thoughts as she leaned against the counter, trying to push back the growing knot of anxiety tightening in her chest. The weight of what lay ahead pressed down on her shoulders.

Upstairs, Juliette stared at the ceiling, her mind an endless loop of what-ifs. Sleep had been elusive, slipping through her fingers like sand no matter how tightly she tried to hold on to it.

The thought of returning to school made her feel like her insides were twisting themselves into knots. But it wasn't the mundane fear of classes or teachers that churned her stomach, it was the looming specter of who might be waiting for her there.

Calliope.

The name alone was enough to send a cold shiver skittering down her spine. The last time they had seen each other, everything had unraveled. In a moment of desperation, Juliette had made the impossible choice to turn Calliope's brother, a vampire hunter, into one of the very creatures he hunted. She had done it to save his life, but the act had shattered their relationship and left Calliope with a heart full of rage.

Now, every time she closed her eyes, Juliette could see Calliope's face twisted in betrayal, her love turned to something dark and dangerous.

A soft knock at the door pulled Juliette from her spiraling thoughts. She sat up, her hair a wild mess around her face, as Carmilla slipped into the room.

— Morning, kid - Carmilla said, her voice a mix of cheerfulness and something more somber lurking beneath the surface. She leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed casually. - Ready to dive back into the teenage wasteland?

Juliette managed a weak smile.

— As ready as I'll ever be.

Carmilla pushed off the doorframe and walked over, sitting down on the edge of the bed.

— I get it. Going back there, it's not what you wanted. But it's the best way to keep you safe right now. And hey, I'll be close by. If things go sideways, I'm just a scream away.

Juliette nodded, though her stomach felt like it was filled with lead.

— I know. It's just... I'm scared of who I might run into.

Carmilla's expression softened.

— Calliope.

Juliette's gaze dropped to her hands, her voice barely above a whisper.

— Yeah. Last time...

Carmilla reached out, her hand cold as usual, but reassuring on Juliette's shoulder.

— Last time was hell, I won't lie. But you did what you had to do. You saved a life. That counts for something, even if Calliope can't see it right now.

Juliette swallowed hard, the guilt and fear swirling inside her, making it hard to breathe.

— But what if she...
— Hey - Carmilla gently lifted Juliette's chin, forcing their eyes to meet. - If Calliope shows up, we'll handle it. You're not alone in this, got it? I've got your back, and so does everyone else here. You're stronger than you think.