Forbidden Blood

Chapter 22: Vincent

"We need to stop them with fear. Use vamperism as a threat in order to get them to stop causing trouble. They're both afraid of vampires, right?" she asks, showing her fangs.

"Yeah, I think that's the only thing Adriana's afraid of. With Tarynn's loyalty to her, I wouldn't be surprised if she's afraid of the vampires as well."

"Okay. Zarro, you said that the vampires who live in the western part of Authern are the worst kind of vampires, right?"

"They bring a literal meaning to the word monster." he mutters.

"Perfect." she smiles, "I say we form an alliance with the western vampires. Get them to threaten Adriana and Tarynn, saying that if they don't right their wrongs, they will be killed."

"Don't you think that's a little... violent?" I ask. I'm a little hesitant to go along with her idea.

"For us, maybe. But for the western vampires... that's just a day in the life for them."

"I actually think this could work." Agatha chimes in. "We could coerce them into doing the right thing. Not only can we get them to right their wrongs, but we can get them to make things better." she looks at me and I know which spell she's talking about.

Clara smiles at her, "I agree. This could work."

"I don't know. I just don't like the idea of threatening their lives." Zoë crosses her arms.

"Honestly, I don't think there's anything else we could do. I don't like it either, but if it gets them to stop hurting us, it has to be worth it." Agatha tries to sell her on it, but Zoë doesn't seem convinced.

"Let's take a vote." Johnson suggests. "Raise your hand if you want to go along with Rina's plan." Everyone raises their hand except for Zoë and me.

"That's the majority..." Zarro concludes.

"Then it's settled. We'll need to make contact with the western vampires, first. Make sure they're on our side. Zarro, I think you will have the best advantage there." Rina says, taking charge.

"I agree. I also recommend that the girls don't come into contact with them, just in case they really don't like the witches." Zarro furrows his brow.

"I still want to be close by when you confront them, in case you need us." Clara says.

"Fair enough," Zarro agrees, "Vincent and Rina can stay with you."

"Aw, but it was my idea! Can't I at least go witih you?" Rina whines, pouting her lip.

"It's not safe to put an inexperienced vampire in danger like that. Sorry, Rina, but I think your skills will be better put to use if you stay with Clara and Agatha."

Rina rolls her eyes. "Fine." she mutters.

"We shouldn't travel there just yet, the sun is coming up in a couple of hours, and if we get caught in the light, there won't be a happy ending. I say we go back to our cave and sleep the day, then get up super early and start the trek."

"That sounds good." Zoë says.

"How about Clara and I travel earlier than the rest of you? You can use your speed to catch up to us. It would save time." Agatha suggests.

"That's a great idea, but are you sure you'll be okay on your own?" asks Zarro.

"We'll be fine." Clara says.

"Okay. Let's go ahead and start heading back to the cave. We don't want to get caught in the sunlight."

The group begins to diffuse and turn around to where we came from. Clara carries the book with her. It seems to be fragile and delicate, as if the slightest breeze could tear the thin pages. I walk next to Clara for most of the way. We stand really close together to keep warm. I start to think about tomorrow, and how Clara and Agatha will be out there in the woods all by themselves. I'm not really fond of the idea, but it's what Zarro want to do, so we'll do it. As far as I'm concerned, he's in charge, not me. I don't think I'd want to be in charge. Too much responsibility.

I'm still concerned about Clara and Agatha tomorrow. I'm not sure that I want them out there alone. I just wish I could go with them.

"Are you nervous about tomorrow?" I ask, gently grabbing her hand to hold.

"Not really, I mean, I'll have Agatha to go with me. We can keep each other company."

"I wish I could go with you. I'll be really worried while you're gone."

"You don't have to worry about us, we'll be fine."

"I know. But I will anyway." I frown.

"It will only be for a couple of hours, and then you and the others will use your speed and catch up to us."

She doesn't say anything else. I smile a little when she kisses me on the cheek, but it doesn't cheer me up too much. Our fingers intertwine and we continue walking. We've taken this trek before, but it doesn't ever seem to get any shorter. In fact, it seems to get longer each time.

We finally reach the caves and Clara gives me my coat back. I give her an appreciative smile as I take the coat. "Thanks."

"Thank you for letting me wear it."

"No problem."

Zarro leads us into the cave, followed by Zoë and Johnson. As they enter, heads turn, but they quickly go back to their own business. Rina and Agatha walk down the hallway towards their rooms. Clara follows me to my room, and she plops on my bed. She's exhausted from the day's events, I can tell. I sit on the edge of the bed and put my hand on her arm.

"I... um..." I hesitate.

"What?"

"I was just going to tell you that... I love you."

"I love you, too, Vincent." she smiles.

"Do you want to sleep in here tonight?" I ask.

"Is that okay? If I sleep in your bed tonight, there's a chance I might wake you up in the morning."

"It's fine."

"Good, cause I'm too tired to get up." I laugh as I change into night clothes and then hop in bed next to her. She burrows next to me and I put my arm around her.

Once my eyes close, they don't open until morning.