Forbidden Blood

Chapter 29: Clara

I look at Vincent with sad eyes. I wish that he had told me what he had done before I met him. Being honest with me from the beginning would have made things easier, but he chose to keep it to himself. How could he let me get dangerously close? If he had let me drink his blood, I don't think I could forgive him...

As soon as we enter the village we head straight for Karenina's hut; she is one of the elders. Hopefully she will hear us out and help us get a council together for a trial against Adriana and Tarynn. I personally feel that exiling them is a bit too harsh, but everyone else seems to agree with the plan. I'm not one to stir up trouble where trouble already exists, so I leave it alone.

Agatha knocks on the door to Karenina's hut, and we hear soft footsteps coming from inside. A few seconds later, the door creaks open. Karenina is standing in front of us with a smile on her face.

"Hello, dears. Come inside, why don't you?" she extends her hand across the air and invites us into her hut. I smell tea brewing from the furnace as a warm waft of air blows across my face. She quietly shuts the door and walks over to the furnace. "Would you like some tea?" she asks.

"Sure," we nod. It is considered impolite in witch culture to refuse tea when an elder offers it to you. We sit down on a mat on the floor and wait for her to serve us. Her shaky hands pour the boiling water into the cups. She hands us the tea and we smile, showing our thanks.

"How have you two been? I have not seen you around in a while." she says slowly.

"Well, we're doing okay." Agatha says.

"You've been staying with the vampires, have you not?" she asks. Agatha and I glance at each other.

"Yes, we have... How did you know?" I ask.

"I have a way of knowing all things, my dear. I also know the reason you have come here today. Let's get it all out in the clear air so nothing feels... awkward, per say." she giggles.

"I'm assuming you know about Adriana and Tarynn..."

"Oh, those two. They're setting a bad example to you lot, that's for sure." she frowns, "I'm not quite sure what to do about them. But I sense that you have an idea?"

Agatha mumbles, "The vampires have agreed that the best way to solve this problem is to exile them..."

"That sounds like a hasty idea, does it not?" she looks at me, "But my dear Clara, you have different feelings, don't you?"

I look at the floor. "I don't know."

"Oh come on dear, speak the truth. No one here will judge."

"I just don't feel like exiling them is the best idea. I think it's too harsh."

"Clara, they can't be reasoned with. We've tried." Agatha whispers.

"Well, maybe we haven't tried enough!"

"I think that you are wise, Clara. Wise beyond your years. It is good of you to have such courage to speak your mind."

"We've already decided, Karenina." Agatha says, "Exile is the only option."

"I know, dear." she says, "Talk of exile has been floating around the village, lately. Maybe we can... shed some light to this rumor."

"Karenina, the reason we came to see you is to ask you for help. We want you to get all the elders together and have a council meeting."

"I can do that."

"Great."

"I'm assuming you want us all to vote on whether Tarynn and Adriana should be exiled or not?"

"Yes, that's exactly what we want you to do."

"Do you girls... remember the last time someone was exiled?"

"No, I'm afraid not."

"Well, that makes sense. I don't think it was even in your lifetime, it's silly of me to ask."

"Who was it?"

"His name was Asher... he was a very dangerous vampire. I'm afraid I can't go into details of the affair, but I will tell you that it was bad. I sincerely hope that he's dead." Agatha and I gasp. "I know, I know, it's a terrible thing to say. But the things he did... to me..."

"Was he the one who... bit you?" Agatha says quietly.

"Yes." she looks away. "He was... violent. And strong. Too strong for his own good, I might add."

"Where did they send him?" I ask.

"I'm not sure. I know it was far away, but I don't know exactly where."

"I'm sorry."

"It's alright girls." she smiles. "He's a long way from here. He can't hurt us now." I can tell she doesn't want to talk about it because she changes the subject. "When will Adriana and Tarynn arrive? They need to be present for the council to take place."

"They should be here soon."

"Then we'll start the council tomorrow, first thing in the morning. I'll spread the word to the other elders. Meanwhile, you two can stay here or go back with the vampires. It's your choice."

"We'll think about it."

"Alright. I'll see you two tomorrow, then." She gets up and shows us to the door. Agatha leaves first and waits for me outside. I turn to Karenina.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome dear."

"Karenina?"

"Yes?"

"I... um... I was wanting to know if there is a way that I could ever be with a vampire and remain a witch at the same time. I've been told different things, and I'd like to hear your answer."

"Clara, you can do whatever you want with Vincent, but there will be consequences to your actions. There are always consequences. You have to decide if the consequence is worth the risk."

"So I can never truly be with him and still remain a witch?"

"I'm afraid not, dear. It's just how these things work."

"Okay," I look down. She puts her hand on my chin, lifting my face up.

"You're a good girl, Clara. Don't forget that." she smiles.

"Thanks again." I say as I turn around, walking out of the hut. I hear the door softly close behind me as I catch up to Agatha. She gives me a dirty look.

"Clara, did you seriously ask her about you and Vincent?" I hesitate.

"Yes."

"When are you going to get over the fact that you and him can never be together?" she sighs. "I know it doesn't seem like it, but I'm just trying to help you figure out what's best for you."

"You're right. It doesn't seem like it."

"Clara, you have to be careful. Please remember that."

"I know."

We go to the exit and walk outside. The vampires are waiting for us. Their heads turn as we come out, expecting exciting news.

"Well?" Johnson asks.

"They agreed. The council is going to take place tomorrow, when Adriana and Tarynn arrive. They need to be present for the trial to start."

"That's good news. The others should be bringing them soon, but I don't know when."

"Okay. I guess we'll just wait, then." Agatha says.

"They gave us the option to stay here for the night or go back with you all. I think I'm going to stay here." I say.

"That's fine. We'll make sure Tarynn and Adriana get here safely. Then, we'll head back to the caves and come back the next morning."

"Okay."

Suddenly, Martha and Jak burst through the bushes with Adriana and Tarynn. They look rough, as if they've been tortured for days. Adriana speaks with a glare in her eyes.

"Hello, Clara."