Forbidden Blood

Chapter 31: Clara

I breathe a sigh of relief. Adriana and Tarynn won't be able to wreck my life anymore, and I'll be free of them, for good. Agatha looks back at me and grins. I smile as I walk over to the door.

"Thank you, Karenina." I say, "This means a lot to us."

"I know it does. They'll be gone by tomorrow morning, so hopefully everything will be back to normal by then. If you want to spread the news to the vampires, you're more than welcome to. They deserve to know as well."

"I'll deliver the news." I whisper, "Thanks, Karenina."

"You're welcome, dear."

She bids us goodbye and Agatha shuts the door. She hugs me, and I start to cry. Stress flows off my back and disappears until I hardly feel it anymore. I'm so relieved that I don't have to deal with them anymore. I finally feel free.

"Clara, don't cry! This is a good thing!" She says.

"I know! I just feel so much better that they'll finally be out of our lives!"

"I know, me too." We stand there hugging each other for a long time. Finally I break apart.

"I've got to tell Vincent!" I quickly grab my jacket and shrug it on over my shoulders.

"Do you want me to come with you?" Agatha asks.

"No, I'll be fine."

"Okay. I'll see you tonight."

"Okay."

I leave the village and trek through the snow, and I start to reflect on the choices I have to make. I wish there was no spell binding me from doing what I want. I want to be with him, but I don't want to lose my best friend. It all comes down to two choices. I either stay with my best friend and leave my lover, or I stay with my lover and leave my best friend.

I wish the spell wouldn't make me choose; I wish I could have both. But I guess sometimes sacrifices outweigh the prize... I feel like a vast sea of water being held by a small dam. Sooner or later, that dam is going to break, and my emotions and inner desires will take over. The consequences will not be enough to stop me from acting in the moment. I won't be able to control myself.

I reach the vampire cave and take a big breath before I walk inside. As soon as I do, I am greeted by Zoë and Zarro. I can tell that they are eager to hear the news.

"Well?" Zoë prompts. I look at her and nod.

"They decided to exile them."

They smile in relief, and I'm glad that the news is pleasing to them.

"Clara!" I hear my name shouted from a long way away. I turn to look behind them and see Vincent running towards us.

"What's the news?" He asks.

"They're going to be exiled." Zoë and Zarro drift away as Vincent gets closer. It's just him and me talking.

"That's so great! Now we don't have to worry about them anymore." He looks at me. "Why don't you seem very happy?"

"Vincent, I need to talk to you about something..." I say.

"Sure. What is it?"

"Can we go somewhere... private?"

"Okay..." he leads me down the vast hallways and into his room. No one is around to listen to our conversation. I hear faint echoes of people laughing and talking, but other than that, it is peaceful back here. He rubs my arm gently as I sit on the bed. I still haven't made up my mind, and I don't know what to do. I guess I just need time.