MY GOLDEN BLOOD (END)

CHAPTER 25: THE SAVE HAVEN

Tong sat at his desk, staring at the blank email screen in front of him. His fingers hovered over the keyboard, uncertain of what to write. The urgency of his situation weighed heavily on his mind, but how could he explain it? A simple resignation email wasn't going to cover the bizarre reality he was suddenly thrust into—being hunted by vampires, whisked away by Mark, and forced into hiding.

With a deep breath, Tong began typing.

"Due to an urgent personal matter, I must resign immediately and relocate to another place. I apologize for the suddenness of my decision, but I am unable to provide more details at this time. Thank you for the opportunity and support during my time here."

He hit send, his heart pounding. He knew it would leave his coworkers confused and full of questions, but there was no time to dwell on that now.

Mark waited in the shadows, as he always seemed to, his expression unreadable. The moment Tong stood up from his desk, Mark was there, guiding him away from the familiar surroundings of his workplace and out into the night.

"We need to make sure they can't trace your scent," Mark murmured, his voice low and urgent.

"How do we do that?" Tong asked, confusion and fear mixing in his chest.

"There's a way," Mark replied, though he didn't elaborate. "Trust me."

Mark led Tong through the winding streets until they reached an alleyway that seemed darker and more ominous than the rest of the city. It was there that Mark produced a vial of thick, black liquid from his coat pocket.

"This will mask your scent," Mark explained, unscrewing the cap. "It's a rare concoction that only a few know how to make. Once you drink it, the vampires won't be able to track you by smell. But it's not pleasant."

Tong hesitated. "And this will keep me safe?"

"It will buy us time," Mark said, his gaze intense. "They won't be able to find you this way."

Tong took the vial from Mark's hand and swallowed the liquid in one quick gulp. It was bitter and thick, coating his throat like tar, and he nearly gagged. Mark's hand was there, steadying him as he coughed and tried to keep it down.

"Easy," Mark said softly, his touch calming.

Once Tong regained his composure, Mark moved swiftly, taking him to a hidden passageway in the outskirts of the city. The entrance was unmarked, concealed behind overgrown ivy and old brick. Mark pushed open a hidden door, revealing a long staircase that led underground.

The safe haven they entered was quiet and untouched by time. It was an abandoned crypt, fortified with spells and charms to ward off intruders, particularly vampires. The air was cool, and the only sound was their footsteps echoing through the stone chambers.

"Why here?" Tong asked, looking around. "How long have you known about this place?"

"Centuries," Mark answered, his voice distant. "This is one of the few places they can't reach you."

Tong's curiosity flared as he turned to face Mark. "What's really going on, Mark? Why am I being hunted? Who's after me?"

Mark sighed, tension evident in his features. He was caught between the truth and the need to protect Tong from the danger that lurked just beyond the shadows.

"You have to be patient, Tong," Mark said, his voice softer now, almost pleading. "I can't explain everything yet, but I promise you, I'll keep you safe. You need to trust me."

Tong's eyes searched Mark's face, trying to make sense of the whirlwind of events that had upended his life. But more than anything, he saw the sincerity in Mark's gaze, the warmth that seemed to radiate from him despite the coldness of their surroundings. It was that look, the one Mark had always given him, that made Tong's heart soften.

"I do trust you," Tong whispered, his voice barely audible in the vast emptiness of the crypt.

For the first time in what felt like forever, Mark allowed himself a moment of vulnerability. He took a step closer to Tong, his gaze locked on the beautiful eyes he had missed so much. There was something in those eyes—something that had always made Mark feel alive, even in the darkest of times.

Without thinking, Mark reached out, his lips meeting Tong's in a tender, lingering kiss. It wasn't rushed or desperate like before. This time, it was slow, filled with the unspoken longing that had been buried for so long.

Tong melted into Mark's embrace. The world around them faded, and for a brief moment, all the chaos and fear disappeared. It was just them, in this forgotten crypt, holding on to each other like they were the only two people left in the world.

When the kiss ended, Mark rested his forehead against Tong's, his arms wrapped tightly around him, as if he never wanted to let go.

"I'll keep you safe," Mark whispered, his voice filled with emotion. "I won't lose you like I lost him."

Tong's brows furrowed at the mention of him, but he didn't press. Not now. Instead, he closed his eyes and let himself be held.

Morning would come soon enough, and with it, more questions. But for now, they have each other.