Eternal Love [Ereri/Riren]

Chapter 25 - Arid Aftermath

Eren's POV

On my way to the kitchen, I bumped into Petra, who appeared to be exhausted. I always thought that vampires would enjoy the rush of an eclipse, but for a vampire like Petra, it must've been dreadful holding back the urges. She wobbled as she walked up the staircase, her eyes clouded and her lips pale and dry. 

"P-Petra, are you alright?"

"Eren," she gave me a tepid smile, her lips quivering. "I'm fine. I just need some rest, that's all." I furrowed my brows, deciding to help her regardless of the fact that being near her right now might flip her switch. 

"I can't leave you like this." She wearily took my hand and leaned slightly on my shoulder. "Please, allow me to escort you to your room." Once I received a nod in response, we went straight up to her bedroom. On the way up, I resulted in carrying her in my arms, for she constantly faltered in the halls.

"I apologize for being like this," she murmured. "You really shouldn't concern yourself with my abnormal issues..." I was shocked with the way she referred to herself, but I realized how malicious I must've been the first time I arrived.

"It's no problem. Being here, I've began to understand that not all vampires are similar to the vampire I met during my childhood." Petra remained silent in my arms, lowering her head. "I'm serious," I continued. "It isn't even your fault that you have the urge to drink blood, for it's merely your instinct. For example, whenever my friend, Armin, chucks a stick across the field, I never think twice about chasing after it."

"Instinct, huh?" Petra giggled. "You're really something, Eren."

"You think so?"

"Ah, we're here." As I approached Petra's bedroom, she indicated that I enter as well. I walked to her bedside and gently lowered her body. "Thank you. I owe you."

"Well, if you owe me, could I ask you a question?"

"Of course."

"Do you happen to know where Levi is? Earlier this morning, he left and-"

"That's strange," she interrupted with a frown. "I thought that you despised Levi?"

"I-In most ways," I stammered. "I just need to talk to him."

"In that case, I haven't seen him. Sorry."

"Ah, I see. I'll take my leave."

"Please stay," she whispered,  tugging on my sleeve.

"Excuse me?"

"Please," she insisted. "I want you... I mean, your company. Having you around calms me down." I paused, finding it odd that Petra was being persistent for the first time. "Please, Eren." She grabbed my arm and shoved my back on her bed with great force, most likely after affects from the eclipse.

"P-Petra, what are you doing?" Her eyes emitted the usual red glow, only they weren't as dark as Levi's. I could feel that her entire body was shaking, but the amount of strength holding me down was surprisingly powerful. It would be easy enough to shove her back, but I didn't want to hurt her in this state. "Hold on a second. Just take deep breaths," I said as calmly as possible.

"I c-can't! It's not like I want to be in this position," she cried. "But it's you, Eren!"

"What's that supposed to mean?" Petra slowly bent herself forward, towards my neck, and bared her fangs, causing my eyes to widen. "Petra-"

"What is this?" A low, solemn voice intervened Petra's actions. To my left, Levi stood at the open doorway sending daggers at the both of us.

"G-Get away," Petra uttered weakly.