The Year 3000

Chapter 33: The Million-Dollar Question

Scarlett's POV

Previously:

"When I was down in the dungeons, I spoke with some of the humans who were at the camp I found Ashton in," Harry began, and I felt my stomach drop down to my toes. I knew it. "They told me they were working on a serum that could kill vampires. I want you to answer me truthfully: Do you know anything about this?"

There it was, the million-dollar question that would decide everything.

I felt my insides shatter as I tried to think of something, anything, to say.

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Harry's stone cold eyes surveyed my every move, his grip on me tightening as if he expected me to suddenly bolt. I wanted to. My heart was pounding, my hands suddenly moist. My thoughts were running on overtime as I tried to come up with an answer that wouldn't get anyone killed, myself included.

Eventually though, I gave a small nod, not able to look Harry in the eyes as I did so.

"Yes." My voice sounded hoarse, and I swallowed before continuing, "My parents . . . . Before they died, they gave me a vial of the serum, to protect me, but I wasn't allowed to tell anyone about it. And I didn't. But before anyone in my camp went hunting, I would dip their weapons in a bit of it." I paused, choosing my next words extremely carefully.

"I didn't know that the Rebellion was trying to recreate it. I didn't even know they knew about the poison." I shook my head, sure to look him in the eyes as I spoke. After several agonizing centuries, Harry slowly nodded.

"Okay, I'm going to trust that you are being honest with me, without using my compulsion."

I let out an internal sigh of relief.

"But if I find out you lied to me." Harry shook his head, his eyes flashing dangerously, and I felt my stomach drop. "I will not show any mercy."

I nodded seriously, as if his words didn't just strike fear down to my very core, and laid my head on his bare shoulder so he couldn't see my eyes. It was cold on my flushed cheeks.

"What did you do to the Rebellion members to get them to tell you this," I said lowly, trying not to let my worry show in my voice. I felt Harry tense beneath me.

"You don't need to hear about that, okay?" I tried my best to suppress my horror. "Now, come on, let's go to bed, you look tired."

His hands wrapped around my waist as he picked me up off his lap and gently set me down next to him. Trying to disguise my shudder as a yawn, I slowly made my way over to my side of the bed. Harry had already slipped beneath the covers and was holding them open for me. He was shirtless, clad in only a pair of sweatpants. Reluctantly, I climbed into bed next to the devil himself. Harry made a muffled sound of approval as he snaked his arms around my waist and pulled my back into his bare chest. I tried to force myself to relax, but as I glanced down at his hands, I noticed the blood beneath his fingernails. My figure went rigid, and I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep.

Harry, however, seemed to fall asleep instantly, his deep breathing evening out and his grip on me loosening almost as soon as his head hit the pillow. For me, sleep felt miles away. My mind just wouldn't quiet down. I lay on my side, staring at the wall just thinking, for hours. I wanted nothing more than to get up and go for a walk to clear my head, but Harry's vice grip prevented me from doing so.

I had to get away from him.

I needed to get away from him.

Eventually, my prayers were answered, and Harry turned over on his side, his arms retreating.