The Red Rose

Chapter XXVI

Finally able to breathe fresh air, I felt quite relieved, as if I had come back to life again.

"This place is so different..." Franky seemed to reflect out loud.

"Wait until you see the city. It will seem like magic to you," added Carmilla with a smile.

While I took gulps of air, we began to walk. The phone signal had returned, and I contacted Juanpi, sending him several messages about our adventure and the next clue. Carmilla walked with me, and as we held hands, Franky said to us:

"A creature of the night, and an angel. You will incur the wrath of the gods. I sincerely hope your union is blessed by the highest."

"Bah, I don't care what others say, I love her," I replied.

"Bah, I don't care what others say, I love her," I replied.

"And I love him. If they come, we'll be ready," Carmilla smiled.

Almost reaching the town where we were staying, Carmilla seemed to notice something and said to Franky and me:

"Guys, Franky needs clothes, and maybe something else to go unnoticed. We won't be able to go through the town if they see him like this. No offense, of course, dear friend."

Franky looked toward the town and said:

"My dear friends, your concern for me is touching, but I'm afraid that my stay with you will only slow down your mission, so I consider it most prudent that from now on, we go our separate ways. Do not worry about me; I have enough experience to infiltrate civilization on my own."

"Hmm... I don't know, Franky, I think this world is not the same as before," I said without hesitation.

"Besides, I need answers, I need to understand my new nature, both my human and monstrous sides. I am sure this new world will give me the answers I need, just as it will for you. I will keep you in my heart, my friends. May fortune bless you."

And so, before I could just say anything to him, Franky walked away from us, finally disappearing into the darkness. Carmilla looked at me with a worried yet resigned expression.

"Franky, I hope you find the answers you seek," I murmured.

After packing our bags, we booked a flight. This time we would go to Iping and stay in a nearby village. We got on the plane, and things were going smoothly. Carmilla seemed upset and a bit paranoid:

"I smell something strange, like the sea, salt, and freshness."

"Um... I don't know, I think it must be.. my deodorant?" I replied.

Carmilla frowned, sniffing more like a bloodhound, and as if she were on a hunt, she murmured:

"No, it's something different, it's the scent of a woman..."

Her eyes had dilated, and she seemed to frown her eyebrows. I tried to appeal to her senses, calming her and saying:

"Carmilla, we're practically flying over the sea. You need to control yourself; this is the worst place to go hunting."

She tried to cover her nose and, agitated, lamented:

"No, this is different Miguel, this smells.. painful."

And as if by some hunch, I lifted my head and saw her. Lorelei suddenly appeared beside us, smiling. Carmilla's eyes were completely closed, looking at the floor and panting. I was ready to jump in case things got out of control; I hadn't seen Carmilla like this ever, it looked as if someone would pepper spray her. I quickly also captured the scent which was not the first time we met, it was enthralling, primal, it may be some kind of pheromones.