Tainted Bloodline...🩸

4.

Cal's boots pounded the damp earth, his eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of his escaped prisoner. The cart, once holding Asher captive, now stood empty, its chains broken. A simmering rage ignited within Cal as he spotted the faint trail of disturbed foliage leading away from the scene.

"That bastard fairy..." Cal growled, his voice barely above a whisper.

The mysterious man's voice dripped with malice as he emerged from the shadows.

"Cal, where is the boy?"

Cal's jaw clenched,his face twisted in frustration. "He escaped."

The mysterious man's gaze narrowed, his voice dripping with malice.

"Explain."

Cal's anger boiled over, his words tumbling out in a snarl.

"I had him here already... I—"

He stuttered, rage choking his words as memories of Nimue's interference flared.

The mysterious man's voice rose, his words laced with venom.

"You were paid to handle contingencies. Your failure is... distressing."

Cal's face reddened. "I'll get him. But I need more time."

The mysterious man's gaze narrowed.

"You have three nights. Bring the boy"

Cal's eyes locked onto the mysterious man's, a spark of rebellion igniting within.

"And what of the the clans? They're closing in."

"Leave them to me. Your concern is the boy. Three nights, Cal. Don't disappoint me."

"Am I clear?" the mysterious man pressed.

Cal's nod was curt.

The mysterious man vanished into the shadows, leaving Cal seething.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

Asher trailed behind Nimue, his gratitude evident.

"Nimue... thank you for, uh, saving me."

Nimue nodded, her pace unwavering.

"Do you perhaps know that man?" Asher asked, hastening to catch up.

Nimue scoffed, her voice dripping with disdain.

"Callisto? Yeah, of course. He's a prick... an old, cunning vampire who wouldn't just give up."

Asher's eyes widened, his voice trembling.

"V-vampire?!" He halted, frozen.

Nimue turned, noticing Asher's sudden stop. Her gaze narrowed.

"You don't seem like you're from around here. I don't... smell any energy from you." Her nostrils flared, as if sniffing the air.

A flicker of suspicion crossed her face, accompanied by a piercing glare...

Asher spun around, frantic.

"W-where am I?!"

Nimue's silence was unnerving.

"Human..." Nimue whispered, her eyes blazing as she seized Asher's collar.

"How did you get in here?!" Her grip tightened, Asher's feet nearly lifting off the ground.

"I-I don't know, okay...I don't know!" Asher stuttered, burning under Nimue's intense gaze. "I was brought here by him...Callisto! He kidnapped me, I-I swear, I don't know anything!"

Nimue's eyes narrowed. "What's your name?"

"A-Asher..."

Nimue jerked him closer, her breath hot against his face.

"Humans can't pass through the veil...except dead. Humans can't survive the veil's crossing...except..." Her voice trailed off, suspicion etched on her face.

"Are you human?" Nimue's words dripped with skepticism.

Asher's confusion deepened.

"Y-yes..."

Nimue released him abruptly, Asher stumbling backward, his collar nearly torn.

The distance between them seemed to grow, Nimue's gaze piercing as if searching for answers...

To be continued....