Crimson Bonds

Chapter 10: New Beginnings

The city was bathed in the soft glow of twilight as Babe, Billy, Krit, and Elysia made their way to the old library. Its towering silhouette loomed ahead of them, a relic from another time, standing on the edge of the city like a forgotten sentinel. The closer they got, the more Babe's nerves began to twist into tight knots in his stomach. This meeting—whatever it was—was going to be a turning point. He could feel it in his bones.

"Stay sharp," Billy murmured, walking beside him with an air of calm control. But beneath the surface, Babe could sense the tension in Billy's every step. The vampire's protectiveness was ever-present, his dark eyes constantly scanning their surroundings.

Babe nodded, drawing in a deep breath to steady himself. His magic hummed beneath his skin, a restless energy that had been more alive since the confrontation with the rogue witches. He wasn't afraid of what was inside him anymore—not like he had been before—but the uncertainty of what the Council wanted still lingered like a shadow over his thoughts.

Elysia, walking just behind them, pulled her jacket tighter around her. "Do you guys think they'll go full 'Council of Doom' on us? I'm picturing a bunch of old men in robes sitting on thrones, like in every creepy fantasy movie ever."

Krit snorted beside her. "Oh, definitely. Probably some low, ominous chanting too. Can't forget the chanting."

Babe rolled his eyes at their banter, but it was exactly what he needed to break through the mounting tension. "Great. Just what I wanted—more theatrics."

Billy chuckled, though his gaze remained fixed ahead. "Don't worry. If anyone tries to chant, I'll shut it down."

They arrived at the library's entrance, its massive doors creaking as they pushed them open. Inside, the air was cool and musty, filled with the smell of old books and forgotten knowledge. The towering bookshelves cast long shadows across the floor, creating an eerie atmosphere that didn't go unnoticed by Babe.

"Well, this isn't creepy at all," Krit muttered as they stepped inside, his eyes darting around the room.

"It's just a building," Billy said, his tone firm. "Stay focused."

At the far end of the library, a figure stepped forward from the shadows, their face partially obscured by the dim lighting. Babe felt his pulse quicken as the figure approached, their presence both familiar and unsettling.

"Welcome," the figure said, their voice calm but authoritative. As they stepped into the light, Babe recognized them—Draven, the ancient vampire elder from the Council. His features were sharp, ageless, with an air of power that seemed to radiate from him like a force field.

Beside Draven stood Elara, the ancient priestess of an old witch coven. Her eyes gleamed with quiet intensity, a stark contrast to the enigmatic vampire at her side.

Babe exchanged a glance with Billy, who nodded ever so slightly, signaling that they were on guard but ready for whatever came next.

"Let's get to the point," Draven said, his gaze flicking to Babe. "Your recent... display of blood magic has not gone unnoticed. The Council is concerned."

"Concerned?" Babe echoed, raising an eyebrow. "I didn't ask for your concern. I was defending myself."

Elara's lips curved into a faint smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "We understand that. But the power you wield is dangerous. The rogue witches were after you for a reason. They wanted to harness your magic because they know what you're capable of—what you could become under the influence of the Blood Moon."

Babe's stomach twisted. "What are you saying? That I'm some kind of... weapon?"

Draven stepped forward, his voice low and measured. "Not a weapon. But a force. And forces like yours tend to attract chaos if not controlled."

Billy shifted beside Babe, his protective stance unwavering. "If you think Babe's going to be controlled, you've got the wrong guy."

Draven's gaze flicked to Billy, his expression unreadable. "This isn't about control, young one. This is about protection. For him—and for all of us."

Babe crossed his arms, feeling the weight of their words pressing down on him. "So what do you want from me? I didn't ask for this magic, and I'm sure as hell not going to let you dictate how I use it."

Elara stepped forward, her voice gentle but firm. "We're not here to dictate, Babe. We're here to offer guidance. You've seen what your magic can do—its potential is vast, but without proper understanding, it can lead to... unintended consequences. The Blood Moon will amplify your power, and if you're not careful, it could consume you."

A chill ran down Babe's spine. He had always feared losing control of his magic, but hearing Elara say it out loud made it feel more real. "And what happens if I don't accept your help? Are you going to hunt me down like the rogue witches?"

Draven's expression remained impassive. "No. But you would be a target—for the witches, for others who seek power. We're offering you a way to protect yourself and those around you."

Babe hesitated, glancing at Billy. The vampire's gaze was steady, unwavering. He knew Billy would stand by him no matter what, but this wasn't just about him. It was about everyone—his friends, the people he cared about.

"I'll think about it," Babe said finally, his voice steady but cautious.

Draven inclined his head, as if satisfied with that answer. "That's all we ask for now. But time is running short. The Blood Moon is coming, and with it, change."

With that, the two Council members turned and disappeared back into the shadows, leaving Babe, Billy, Krit, and Elysia standing in the dim light of the library.

"Well," Krit said after a long moment, "that wasn't nearly as dramatic as I expected."

"Give them time," Elysia quipped, her voice light but laced with an undercurrent of seriousness. "I have a feeling the Council's just getting started."

Babe sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I hate this. I hate feeling like I'm being watched—like I'm a ticking time bomb."

Billy stepped closer, his hand resting on Babe's shoulder. "You're not alone in this. You've got us. Whatever happens with the Council or the Blood Moon, we face it together."

Babe turned to look at him, the weight of Billy's words settling over him like a warm blanket. For the first time in a long time, he didn't feel so alone. He had Billy, Krit, Elysia—and maybe even a shot at figuring out his place in this crazy supernatural world.

"Yeah," Babe said softly. "Together."

As the group made their way back to the apartment, the streets were quieter than usual, the city seemingly holding its breath in the calm before the storm. Babe's thoughts churned with everything that had happened—everything that was still to come.

But there was also a strange sense of peace inside him now. He had confronted the rogue witches, stood his ground against the Council, and found allies in places he never expected.

The Blood Moon was coming, and with it, new challenges and dangers.

But for the first time, Babe felt ready.