Fatal Fascinations

Chapter 21: Snakes In the Grass

Annalina's POV:

I wasn't ready to die. As the Mercari's claws lunged for my throat, the only thing I could think of was how I wasn't ready for this. There was too much to live for, too much to do, too many people I loved.

And yet, I lay still as the Mercari's claws slashed across my throat.

And the feeling of blood sliding delicately down my throat was warm and calming.

The world shifted and a small part of me felt relief. That I wouldn't have to take the throne anymore. That the responsibility would go to someone else.

I closed my eyes.

The weight of the Mercari vampire eased off of me and all sound drained from the room, as if I was slowly been torn away from the world. I felt as if I was a layer of sheer fabric being gently pulled from a dress.

I was vaguely aware of the feeling of my pink dress, now dripping in blood. My blood.

And then there was a crashing feeling. There was no longer any oxygen in my lungs, for blood had begun filling the holes there.

Something metallic and thick pressed against my lips. I tried to force my eyes open, but they wouldn't. Couldn't.

And the small part of me that wanted to live pushed harder. Open I commanded them.

But my eyes wouldn't open, and my consciousness faded.

Then nothing.

Caspian's POV:

Luca and I tore into the infirmary at the same time, my sheer strength and will tearing one of the doors off its hinges.

I almost gagged when I saw the talons slash across Annalina's throat. Not because of the blood, but because I knew a wound like that was fatal. My stomach curled in on itself.

I brought my wrist, ripping the skin there so that red blood, the same color as my family's crest, dripped openly.

Luca's battle cry rang out as he tackled the vampire, his own talons piercing the attacker's neck.

Annalina's closed eyes terrified me in a way I have never been scared before.

"NO," I bellowed, lunging for her mouth with my bleeding wrist. I will save her. I will save her.

The sight of her throat slit both intoxicated me and sent a spear of pain directly through my chest. The primal animal, the hunter, in me begged me to feast on her, to taste the human blood and savor it.

But the prince inside of me, the one who never wanted the throne, who had come to genuinely care about the human girl attempting to take on the entire race of vampires, he stopped me.

"Annalina," I practically sang her name, the lilt of it flowing off my tongue like a prayer.

I pressed a hand to her neck, attempting to stop the bleeding while simultaneously thrusting my hand to her pale lips.
I could feel her heart beat. It was a flickering, faint rythm. But there. Alive.

Kneeling beside her, I prayed she would make it. Staring at her, I wished for her to open her eyes. Open you eyes, please, please, please.

Slowly, as my blood entered her system, her skin began to knit itself back together.

But it wasn't enough.

Because Annalina did not open her eyes.

Luca's POV:

The raw anger inside of me drove my every move, my every need. And right now, my every need meant dismantaling the vampire who dared attack Annalina.