Emerald Eyes

Chapter 3: The Chapel

It's been a couple of days since I was in the woods and the woman took me away with her. I had followed her to the graveyard that night. It was a small one and outside the town. There was a tiny chapel that seemed abandoned. Actually the whole graveyard had weeds and large wild grass around the gravestones. She explained to me that even if she wished to be in a different place or cemetery, she couldn't. It would drag too much attention and she couldn't roam freely in the city. But she made it clear that we would visit Rome very often. She said something about hunting.

I had no other choice but to stay in the chapel. It was like I couldn't leave her side, like something attached me to her.

I wasn't allowed in the sun and she only came to visit after the twilight. I had no clue where she stayed.

Everything started with a barely noticeable headache and an unpleasant feeling of illness in my body. It got worse in the mornings and my skin felt ignited later during the day. I couldn't move or think. I felt dizzy all the time and because of the pain I usually laid on the floor unable to get on my feet. I remember I was screaming very loudly. My mind seemed roasted and it was like someone lit my inner organs on fire. I cried out loud. I know I prayed a lot, especially in the afternoon. My blood was boiling. That was when I felt most vulnerable. Then I became exhausted and I would fall into a coma every day at the same time. The vision would just become blurry and I would begin my slumber.

In the night, everything settled down smoothly. Everything I felt during the day was gone and I could stay awake whole night. Callidora promised me it would get better.

I heard the chapel's rusty door open with a sound that hurt my ears. I got up.

"You must come with me."

She was dressed differently. She wore a similar dress as the night when she first bit me. But I was used to her hair being messy and dirty, just like her skin. She used to wear only a short white dress that was way too baggy for her body.

Now, she was clean and in a long blue velvet dress. Her hair was well brushed and she even had a red lipstick on.

"Wear this." –She tossed me some clothes. It was a black suit and some shoes.

"I don't understand." –I examined the fabric.

"Do you wish to draw attention on the main square in Rome with your hideous torn out clothes?"

"Oh." –I sighed.

Callidora sat on the ground in front of me and landed a bucket of water next to us. –"I almost forgot. You are all dirty."

She easily ripped off the rest of the clothes from me with her sharp nails, revealing my naked body. Then she started slowly sliding the wet sponge across my skin. It felt like I had been brought back to life. I didn't recall the last time I had a bath. Her touch was light against my skin. What surprised me the most was that I wasn't afraid of her anymore. I grabbed her wrist, stopping her movements and started cleaning myself.

"Good." –She rose. –"I shall wait for you outside then."

______________

The Rome wasn't far away and we took a shortcut through the woods. We arrived just before midnight. There were a lot of different people walking down the streets and small alleys. Some were dressed nicely and the others wore peasant clothes. I believe there was some sort of a carnival since the athmosphere was cheerful and there was a lot of wine.

"Why are you being nice to me all of a sudden?" –I couldn't help but be curious. Callidora smirked.

"I'm not."

We walked in silence as she held my hand. –"I feel the need to babysit you until you get things right."

I was confused but I followed. Out of the blue, she took a turn to a small and dark alley. I wasn't scared and I decided to stay still.

"In order to finish your transformation, you need to drink." –She murmured quietly like she was afraid someone would hear us.

"Like I did the other night?" –I asked. –"At the river?"

She quickly shook her head with her eyes closed.

"No, that was so you could stay alive for a couple of days. Your body is craving for real food now. Fresh one."

I immediately shook and I felt disguisted remembering that night. I didn't know what came over me. The more and more she talked, the more I felt like I needed something but I was unaware of what. She must've sensed my confusion as she continued talking.

"Are you thirsty?" –She gave me a stern gaze. I shrugged. I haven't had any food for a couple of days and it just hit me. I didn't know how I survived.

She bit her wrist slowly and gently and a couple of drops of blood landed on the ground. My nostrils widened and I stepped forward, uncontrollably grabbing her hand. She was quick and she pushed me against a wall to keep me still. My mind was racing and I noticed my teeth getting stronger while the tongue was already bathing in my saliva.

"Devin!" –She yelled at me angrily. I snapped out of it and felt my muscles soften and relax.

"Listen to me and my voice only." –She commanded. I nodded.

"I will get back in a minute. Do not move anywhere."

For some time I was left alone and I didn't know how I felt. Right now, it scared me that I wasn't afraid of her. I should be but I'm not for some reason and it wasn't natural. Callidora stood in front of me with a girl next to her. She seemed young and scared. Callidora's grip around her wrist tightened as she gave me a sly smile. She pushed her on me and the girl fell on my chest.

"I've brough you a snack." –Callidora softly chuckled. I quickly grabbed her hands and tried to keep her still.