The Vampire's Sweetheart

Chapter 22.

The Vampire's Sweetheart

Chapter Twenty-Two

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My eyes fluttered open, as sweat glistened on my arms. I gently tugged away from a soft-snoring Locaine, and pulled myself out of the bed. I stumbled and hurried to catch my balance, avoiding making to much noise. I walked downstairs quietly, in need of something to drink to calm my nerves, and frowned when I heard the sound of someone chewing loudly. A soft giggle left my lips noticing Raven sitting at the table, eating a bowl of fruit loops. 

"Do you ever eat anything besides cereal?" I spoke, making my presence known and she flashed me a wide smile, milk escaping from the sides of her mouth. 

"I was going to cook something, but I didn't want to risk Damion smelling anything and trying to force me to share." She admitted, shoving another spoonful of cereal into her mouth. 

Her hair was a wild, curly mess and her blue-greenish eyes were wide and filled with delight as she continued eating. 

I poured me a cup of cold water before joining her at the table. "Are you afraid?" 

Her cheeks were puffy as she forced whatever milk she had in her mouth down, "Of what?" 

"Dying." 

Raven's eyes lit up at the word, "Of course I am." 

"Then, why are you putting your life at risk- for me?" 

Raven pushed the bowl forward, and leaned forward, "Want to know a secret?" She whispered in a hush voice. 

I stared at her confused before nodding my head.

"I want to be a hero." She sat back slowly, watching me for a reaction.

"I don't understand." 

A smile slid across her face, "Not everyone has a kick-ass backstory for why are who they are. I am one of those unfortunate people." She picked up the spoon, swirling it around in the bowl filled with milk. "I want to be a hero. Fight for the greater good, make a name for myself." Her British accent was thick as her voice filled with hope. 

I shook my head, still not understanding. "You have a name; it's Raven." 

Raven gave a bitter laugh, smiling at me sweetly, "But, who is Raven?" She raised her spoon at me, and before I could ask another question the sound of footsteps caused her to raise her eyebrow at me as if to say 'you better keep quiet'. 

Damion came into view with a frown on his face. "Aw man, I thought you were going to make food that I could force you to share." He whined, causing Raven to erupt into laughter before she pointed in my direction.

"Told ya." 

Damion pouted before searching through the kitchen cabinets for something to eat. "So, Damion, where's Zofiaaa." Raven taunted, ruffling his hair playfully and his cheeks reddened. 

"She is still sleeping." He answered, picking up a box of cinnamon pop-tarts. I wiggled my eyebrows at Raven.

"Rough night?" Raven whispered, causing Damion to mumble a couple quick words swirling his hand in her direction, and she fell backwards as if someone tripped her. 

Raven's eyes widened as she landed on her butt roughly, "Easy there, pal." 

My laugh echoed throughout the kitchen, as I watched the two begin to bicker. 

~

Training went by quickly, and now everyone was huddled in the dining room staring up at Locaine for guidance. Tomorrow, was war. Tomorrow, people would die. I fought the tears that threatened to spill as I eyed the people, I had so quickly grown attached to. I couldn't imagine having to bury any of them, I didn't want to imagine it. Part of me wanted to find Aleksandria and let her kill me, so there would be no reason for there to be a battle. 

"Tomorrow, you will fight along side of me. You will fight to your fullest potential, with the goal of protecting the future Vampire Queen." The words sent a chill down my spine. 

"We will fight until Victor pulls back. Keep in mind Victor is not our only enemy; Aleksandria will also possibly make an appearance. If you see her, you kill her." Locaine's voice was dark. 

I looked around at the group, and their faces matched his; a look of determination on all of their faces. I noticed Alaric and Gia were holding hands, squeezing tightly and my heart dropped at the thought of them being separated. Damion kept peeking at Zofia, who had a blank face as she stared at Locaine. Demetri's face was-as usual- pulling into a frown and was still intimidating to look at. Raven and Lucky simply stared at Locaine in deep thought, each of them thinking of their own demons. Then there was me, the girl they were all fighting to protect. I had no place in the war. I was weak, I did not have any exceptional skills to defend myself. 

"Rest up, meet here at the crack of dawn. Thank you for your service." He bowed his head respectfully, and they all nodded before leaving- this time Raven, Damion, and Zofia left as well. 

"Where are Raven, Damion and Zofia going?" I questioned, after it was just Locaine and I left in the cottage. 

"Raven and Damion went to say goodbye to their families, in case they do not make it home. Zofia has to recharge." 

"It won't came to that right? They're not going to die, right?" I whispered, and Locaine frowned before pulling me in his arms tightly for a hug. 

"I will not tell you a lie, Novienna." He pulled back staring into my eyes, as my heart broke with his next words.

"We might not win this one." 

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A/N: This was a quick chapter, so I could get started on writing the war! The war will be split up into 3-4 chapters, and I plan on making them as detailed as possible. Please be patient with me! <3 Remember to comment & vote!