Bloodlines Legacy Arc 1 Eternal Night

Chapter 21: Bonded by Secrets

Olivia sat on the edge of her couch, staring blankly at the wall, her mind spinning with fragments of memories. For two long weeks, she had been trapped in her apartment, desperately trying to piece together what had happened that night at the hotel. Every night she replayed the events in her mind—following the strange man, finding Ethan, the bodies, and then... nothing. But slowly, like pieces of a puzzle falling into place, the memories had begun to return.

She remembered everything now—how Ethan had died, how Violet had drugged her, how she had overheard Violet fighting with her companions about keeping her alive. And then that strange statement: Violet had told them to make it look like an overdose. But why say that and then tell me she'd keep me safe?

Olivia's mind raced. None of it made sense. Who were these people? And what was going on? Ethan had been killed by that monstrous-looking man, but his hand had gone straight through Ethan's chest like it was made of paper. And Violet—she wasn't that close to me, yet she moved faster than anyone I've ever seen. How did she do that?

The questions gnawed at her, growing louder with every passing day. She needed answers. And the only person who could give them to her was Violet. But after two weeks, there was still no sign of her. Olivia wasn't sure if Violet would ever come back—or if she even could trust her anymore.

A knock at the door broke her from her thoughts.

Olivia jumped up, her heart pounding. She hesitated for a moment before walking toward the door, her hand hovering over the doorknob.

When she opened it, Violet stood there, looking as composed as ever. Olivia's eyes narrowed, her confusion quickly turning to anger.

"You have some explaining to do," Olivia said coldly.

Violet sat on the couch, her posture relaxed as Olivia handed her a cup of coffee.

The tension in the room was thick as Olivia sat across from her, arms crossed, her eyes burning with the need for answers.

"What's going on?" Olivia demanded, her voice sharp. "Who are you? What are you? And why did you keep me alive? And before you even try to lie to me—just know, I remember everything."

Violet took a sip of her coffee, her eyes meeting Olivia's with a calm that seemed almost unnatural. "I wasn't going to lie to you. You deserve the truth."

Olivia's heart raced. She wasn't sure if she was ready for the truth, but she needed it.

"I'm a vampire," Violet said simply, her voice matter-of-fact. "I've been one for a little over 150 years, and I was turned when I was 27. So that's how I'll look... forever."

Olivia's eyes widened, her mind struggling to process what she had just heard. "A vampire?"

Violet nodded. "Yes."

For a moment, Olivia didn't know how to react. Her heart was pounding in her chest, her mind racing with a thousand thoughts. But then, strangely, excitement bubbled up inside her.

"You're... you're a vampire?" Olivia repeated, almost giddy. "Like, a real vampire?"

Violet couldn't help but smile at Olivia's reaction. "Yes, a real vampire."

Olivia stood up, pacing back and forth, her hands running through her hair. "This is insane. This is... this is amazing!"

Violet watched her, amused by the whirlwind of emotions crossing Olivia's face.

Olivia stopped pacing and turned to Violet, her expression suddenly serious. "Okay. I need to do some tests. You know, just to prove it."

Violet raised an eyebrow. "Tests?"

"Yes," Olivia said, determined. "I've read the books, I've seen the movies. Let's see if you pass."

Olivia rushed to her kitchen, returning with an assortment of items.

"First, garlic," she said, holding out a clove.

Violet chuckled, taking the garlic from her hand. She popped it into her mouth and chewed. "It's fine. Better roasted, though. You should try it with a good ale."

Olivia frowned but moved on. "Next, holy water."

She splashed some on Violet's arm, and Violet shot her a look of mild annoyance. "You know, you could have just put some on my hand instead of getting me all wet. Why do you even have holy water?"

Olivia shrugged. "My grandmother's super religious. She gave it to me for protection."

Violet rolled her eyes, wiping the water off with a nearby towel. "Well, now I'm protected."

Olivia grabbed the next item, a small silver pendant. She handed it to Violet, who inspected it before grinning. "Nice, but I prefer gold. It's prettier."

Olivia bit her lip, growing frustrated as Violet casually tossed the pendant aside. She picked up a hand mirror and held it in front of Violet, who glanced at her reflection before running a hand through her hair.

"Thanks," Violet said. "I needed to fix my hair."

Olivia was growing more flustered by the minute. Finally, she grabbed the cross from the table and thrust it in front of Violet's face.

Violet gave her an amused look. "Holy water didn't work. Why would a cross?"

Olivia dropped the cross onto the table, her frustration boiling over. "So, all those vampire weaknesses in books and movies—garlic, silver, holy water, sunlight—are they all lies?"

Violet leaned back, crossing her arms. "Pretty much. We've evolved over the centuries to withstand the sun. Prolonged exposure still affects us, but we're not going to burst into flames. The rest? Myths. Legends we helped create to blend in with the shadows."

Olivia's mind was racing. "So, you're really a vampire... in my living room... and you're fine. This is crazy."

Violet nodded. "I am. And to prove it..."

She stood up, walking over to a lead pipe Olivia kept for protection. Without a second thought, Violet bent the pipe as if it were made of paper. As she did, her fangs extended, glinting in the light.

Olivia's breath caught in her throat as she stared at the twisted pipe—and the sharp fangs. There was no doubt left in her mind. Vampires were real. And one was standing right in front of her.

The two women sat in silence for a moment, the gravity of the situation settling between them.

"So... what now?" Olivia asked, her voice softer now.

Violet sat back down, her expression serious. "Now, you keep my secret. And I need your help. We have to figure out who's behind these murders and why they're trying to expose us."

Olivia nodded slowly. "I'll help. But you better not lie to me again."

Violet gave her a small smile. "I won't."