Tainted Bloodline...🩸

10.

_POV: ASHER AND THE OTHERS_

As Lax and Aria departed, Nimue and Asher stood facing each other, the air thick with awkwardness.

"Sure you don't wanna go?" Asher asked, his voice tinged with a hint of longing.

Nimue smiled..

"Why don't I explain things better while I stay for a bit, yeah?" She settled onto the ground, gesturing Asher to join her.

Asher sat beside her, his eyes drawn to her ethereal beauty. Her blonde hair swayed gently, and he couldn't help but admire her.

"You have questions?" Nimue asked, her voice sparkling with amusement.

"Yesss, a lot!!" Asher exclaimed.

Nimue chuckled, her laughter like music. Asher's gaze locked onto hers, and for a moment, they just stared, the tension palpable.

Nimue cleared her throat, breaking the awkward tension.

"Well, uh, where do I start with your questions, Asher?" She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her cheeks flushing.

"Uh, you said there are how many creatures?" Asher asked.

Nimue's expression turned serious.

"We call them clans. There are the Sangui, also known as vampires—pompous pieces of shits," she added rolling her eyes

"Then there are the Therians, the werewolves—Lax's family. His parents lead their clan," Nimue explained.

"Whoa, that must be really nice," Asher said.

Nimue's smile faltered.

"Not as you think. My parents lead the Faeborne clan, too. It's like I'm ruling alongside them,it's nice tho,my parents are good people and I get that they're protecting me,but something doesn't feel right." Her voice carried a hint of sadness.

"You wish to be...free..maybe human?" Asher asked, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

Nimue shrugged. "I haven't
really thought of it before"

" Life as a human isn't easy either. Don't be fooled by the facade." Asher said

"Guess we all have our struggles," Nimue said, sharing a faint smile.

Nimue nodded. "We have the Arcana, the witches—Aria's family—and then there's mine, the Faeborne. Beautiful fairies, peaceful and serene... I wish there were more of us in this world."

Their conversation flowed effortlessly, filled with laughter and shared memories.

As time passed, Nimue's ears perked up, as if sensing an invisible signal.

"My parents are calling," she said, rising swiftly.

"Shit! I didn't even realize it got this late...oh I'm dead!" Nimue cursed

Asher stood, his voice tinged with sadness. "Oh, alright."

Nimue turned to him
"You'll be safe here, I promise. I and the others will return tomorrow."

"Promise?" Asher asked.

Nimue smiled, her face radiant. "Fairy swear."

With that, she vanished into the veil, leaving Asher alone.

Asher sighed, searching for a comfortable spot to rest. His thoughts drifted to wonderland as the darkness enveloped him like a sweet slumber....

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

Morning arrived unexpectedly, or perhaps it was already afternoon, as Asher's slumber was disrupted by the scorching heat. He stretched, his body sore from sleeping on the hard ground. The shimmering pool of water nearby beckoned him, its crystal clarity irresistible.

As he approached the pool, Asher's parched throat yearned for a refreshing drink. He dipped his hand into the cool water, closing his eyes in relief. But when he opened them again, his heart skipped a beat. The pool's sparkling water had transformed into a thick, crimson liquid, resembling blood.

Asher shrieked, yanking his hand out and stumbling backward in horror. His breath came in ragged gasps as he struggled to process the eerie vision.

After composing himself, Asher cautiously returned to the pool, peeking at the water.. To his astonishment, it had reverted to its original crystal clarity.

"What the...?" Asher muttered, rubbing his eyes, questioning his own sanity.

Hesitantly, he put his hand in the water again, verifying its normalcy. Confusion etched his face.

His stomach growled loudly, reminding him of another pressing concern – hunger. Asher realized he had lost his bag, and panic set in.

Instinctively, his hands reached for the necklace hidden inside his shirt, relief washing over him as his fingers touched the familiar pendant.

Exhaling slowly, Asher pondered his next move...

To be continued...