Descend into Darkness (BOOK 1)

| 06 | Soul Resurrection

   Barely conscious, I felt the heat of laboured breaths above me. Inhale. Exhale. My senses were dulled, and the world around me was hazy. Gradually, my vision began to clear, and I discerned a familiar silhouette hovering over me. Perhaps it was my imagination, but it seemed as though they were gazing down at me with a profound sadness.   

   A tear splashed against my cheek, breaking the silence.

   "Don't leave... Not again. Not like this..."

   I had heard those words before, echoing in the depths of a distant dream. Driven by instinct, I reached out and pressed my trembling hand against their face. My eyes strained to adjust, but my strength waned, and my arm fell limply to my side.

   Slowly, darkness enveloped me once more.

   I awoke to the sound of movement, disoriented and groggy. I tried to roll over but realized I was ensnared in a cocoon of blankets. The scent of my bed was comforting. I shook off the heavy blankets and pushed myself up too quickly, wincing as a splitting headache pulsed through my skull.

   As my vision cleared, I noticed a glass vase on my bedside table, cradling a single crimson rose. Next to the flower rested my digital camera. I glanced around, half expecting to see Carden, but the room was empty.

   I picked up the camera and turned it on, thumbing through the captured memories of our day together. The images flooded my mind, so intensely that I feared my head might split open.

   Then, the car's screech echoed in my memory.

   "How..."

   "Kelsey!" Dad's voice rang out from downstairs. His tone betrayed his anger, despite his best efforts to suppress it. The walls trembled as his footsteps stomped up the stairs. He flung the door open with such force that it collided with the wall, chipping the paint.

   So much for hiding his anger.

   "Did you skip school today?" he demanded.

   "Oh..." I couldn't meet his eyes, but a part of me was relieved.

   "If this was because of some boy, I can assure you I'll find out who he is."

   "But—"

   "And when I do, I dare him to try and see you again."

   "I never—"

   He pointed a finger at me, cutting me off. "Then I'll deal with you! Do you understand me? You are not allowed to see someone without my consent."

   "But dad—"

   "Do I make myself clear, Kelsey?"

   He slammed the door shut, leaving me alone in my room. I sat there for a few minutes, trying to steady my breathing. Some conversation, I thought. He didn't even bother to ask me what had happened.

   Sighing, I lay back down. In a way, it was better than him knowing I skipped school to spend time with a vampire.

   "May I come in?"

   Carden leaned against the doorframe, a grin plastered on his face, despite the polite tone. It was strange how seeing him suddenly put me at ease.

   "You're actually using the door this time," I remarked.

   "Is that a yes?"

   "Yes."

   He stepped inside and sat on the edge of the bed, gesturing toward the camera. I handed it to him and watched as he went through the photos one by one.