BLOODLINE Vol 1

CHAPTER 9- The Promise and the Path

The journey had been long and taxing, the harsh daylight beating down on them as Kalel and Red walked in search of Scarlet. As night fell, they found a quiet spot beneath the canopy of an ancient tree. The air had grown cool, and fatigue settled in their bones. Kalel slumped against the trunk, feeling the weight of the day's travel. Red sat nearby, her eyes scanning the darkened woods as she settled onto the ground.

"I find it weird," Red said, breaking the silence as she stretched her legs. "Why would vampires like you and your sister wander out here in no man's land? I thought you were supposed to stick with your own kind."

Kalel leaned back, staring up at the stars that began to pierce through the canopy. His voice was tinged with a mix of sadness and frustration. "Well, we used to... but now we're outcasts. Especially Scarlet. And I know my parents are in trouble under the king. Izumi..." His voice trailed off for a moment, and Red raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued.

"Izu who... Oh, your wife?" she asked with a hint of sarcasm, her lips curling into a playful smirk.

Kalel shot her a flat look, shaking his head at her antics. "No," Kalel replied, his confusion showing. "... She's my sister."

Red tilted her head, her expression shifting to one of amused realization. "Ahhh," she drawled. "Another sister. Got it." She chuckled softly, her tough exterior softening for a moment as Kalel allowed himself a faint smile. He found himself enjoying these rare glimpses of her lighter side.

The air was still for a moment as Red seemed to ponder Kalel's words. Her thoughts shifted, and she looked at him again, her expression sharp. "So, what's so special about Scarlet, anyway? Why do her people want to kill her?"

Kalel's gaze grew distant as he considered the question, his fingers absently tracing patterns in the dirt. "Scarlet is... different, Red," he began quietly. "All eyes have been on her since she was born. Her birth itself is a mystery. A mystery that our father couldn't even keep protecting.

Red leaned in, intrigued but skeptical. "Different how?" she asked, her brow furrowing.

Kalel's eyes locked onto hers, his voice low and serious. "There's a chance she carries the blood of the ancient moon folk-the Lunarians."

Red's eyes widened in shock, her breath catching. "Lunarians?" she whispered, the word hanging heavy between them. "But... they've been extinct for centuries. Your ancestors destroyed them."

"I know," Kalel replied, his tone solemn. "But the signs are there. And that's why I have this

He pulled out a weathered map from his pack, carefully unfolding it. "I took this from Scarlet's room the day before I was arrested. I think it could help us on our journey."

Red studied the map, her fingers brushing over the edges as if testing its authenticity. She nodded, acknowledging the significance of his find. "Alright," she said, her voice steady, "let's hope it leads us in the right direction." She got to her feet, brushing the dirt off her clothes.

Kalel watched her as she stood. She was fierce and resolute, and there was a determination in her eyes that he didn't miss. "You promised me," she added, her gaze sharp, "if I help you find Scarlet... you'll grant me what I need."

Kalel's expression hardened as he met her gaze. He remembered their deal well, and he knew that keeping his word was the only way to keep her trust. "Yes," "I haven't forgotten," Kalel assured her, his voice steady. "I'll grant you whatever you need. You have my word."

Red's lips curled into a sly smirk. Good," she said, her tone teasing, "Let's continue. We've rested long enough." She turned on her heel, starting to move away,

Kalel watched her walk ahead, a frown tugging at his face. His curiosity grew. "So... what exactly is this promise you want me to fulfill?" he asked, following her closely.

Red stopped mid-step and glanced over her shoulder. A playful sparkle appeared in her eyes, and for a moment, everything around Kalel seemed to freeze. She turned toward him smoothly, making his body react. His heart skipped a beat as she stepped closer. Her movements were slow, almost like a predator sizing up its prey, and the air between them felt tense.

Red stopped right in front of him. Her red-brown eyes glowed softly in the moonlight. She leaned in, her face close to his, and he could feel her breath against his cheek.

"You'll see, vampire," she whispered, her voice full of mystery and amusement. Her hand brushed gently against his cheek, and her words carried a promise. "You'll find out what I need soon."

Her lips curled into a knowing smile that made him both curious and uneasy. She leaned in even closer, their breaths mixing for a brief moment before she pulled back. Her gaze stayed locked on his.

Kalel stood frozen, his heart racing. Her presence was overwhelming, and he couldn't shake the feeling she had cast some kind of spell on him. He watched, captivated, as Red turned and walked away.

Shaking himself out of his daze, Kalel cleared his throat and quickly caught up with her. His mind raced. *What just happened? * he thought, even though part of him couldn't deny the curiosity building inside him. As he followed her, the intensity of the moment lingered. It took him a few moments to shake off the feeling. He blinked and muttered under his breath, trying to refocus.

But before he could think much more about it, he straightened and reminded himself of the task at hand. He had to find Scarlet.