The Year 3000

Chapter 41: The Beginning of the End

Scarlett's POV

Previously:

My eyebrows furrowed as I felt something more than just Calum's hand pressing into mine. His expression was tight, closed off. He shook his head, just a fraction of a movement, barely even noticeable.

But I saw it.

Then Harry's arms were pulling me, dragging me back to the Palace while enclosed in my hand was the fate of a nation.

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Heart pounding. The rush of blood in my ears. The beating of my and Harry's footsteps echoing on the stone floor, echoing my own frantic heartbeats. The sweatiness of my palms as Calum's gift pressed tightly into my skin. The vice grip Harry had on my arms, dragging me away. I couldn't breathe. It was all too much. I didn't even get to say goodbye.

But just before we had exited the dungeon completely, Calum's voice came floating up out of the darkness.

"Vampires are not invincible," he called out, making my blood freeze. What did that mean? What had he given me? It was definitely small, oval shaped and smooth. I couldn't dwell on it. I had to make sure Harry hadn't seen whatever it was. Quickly, I stuffed the gift into the folds of my dress. Glancing down, I sighed when it wasn't visible.

"What did he mean?" Harry barked once we were out, anger making the angles on his face even more defined. He looked Godly and pissed.

I shook my head wide eyed. It was the truth. I had no idea. Harry huffed but didn't push me further on the matter. We were both silent as we made our way back inside the Palace, the looming walls looking even more ominous than usual. I shivered as the doors slammed behind us, but Harry just tightened his grip on my arm as if he expected me to bolt at any second.

I considered it.

"How much longer does he have?" To my credit, my voice didn't waver as much as it should've. Harry didn't spare me a single glance and instead doubled his speed, clenching and unclenching his jaw. I took that as a bad sign. An angry Harry was about as bad as it could get.

But what more could he do to me?

I almost wished I hadn't thought that. Harry could always—always—find more ways to torture me. I shuddered.

In nearly no time at all, which naturally felt like a lifetime, we reached Harry's room. I looked up at him in confusion. Why were we here? I opened my mouth to ask just that, but Harry simply shoved me into the vacant room and stormed in, his rage following close behind.

"That ignorant little Rebellion-" Harry added many colorful words afterwards to describe Calum, a lot of which would've put a sailor to shame. I resisted the urge to cover my ears as he began pacing the length of the room.

"Stop." The word was out before I realized it, and once I had, it was too late to take it back. Harry's figure froze abruptly, his head snapping up so fast I wondered how he didn't get whiplash.

"What did you say?" Harry growled out between clenched teeth. I paled considerably.

"I-I s-said st-stop."

There was no going back now.

I took in a deep breath.

"Calum will be dead in less than thirty minutes so there is no point in you—you disgracing his name. He is a good person and happens to be my friend. He deserves more than this! " I blurted out, only to feel Harry's hand wrap around my throat, his face inches from mine.