The Prince's Gift

Chapter 61.

Ana's POV

Deep, consuming, overwhelming darkness.

That feeling was something that would haunt me forever, like I'd just faded into nothing. Shrouded in death. It felt that way because that was what had been happening to me. I'd been dying. In the end, my vision had come true all the same.

I had died.

And now I was awake, and staring at a wide eyed Zane while the rest of my loved ones and new followers looked up with baited breath while they awaited my decision.

"...just think this through." He'd asked me.

But there was no thinking about it. I could already feel the tiny life stirring inside of me, as if she was ready to begin our journey.

She.

The baby growing inside of me was a girl. I could feel her. Sense her energy. I knew it without a doubt the moment Zane touched me and sent that immediate jolt of electricity between us. It was as if it had ignited my power inside of me again, bringing it to life with more force than I could have ever imagined. It was as if it was simmering just beneath the surface waiting to burst out of me and consume the entire room, flowing freely between Zane and I.

Seeing Braelyn waiting in front of me was nearly too much, but I knew she was only trying to help. I could sense her emotions. She was nervous, but confident in her decision. She knew what she was allowing herself to be opened up to.

"I'll do it." I said, making the decision to choose this new path before me.

Zane gave me a hesitant smile before standing to his feet and placing his hand out in front of him. I looked at it, hovering in the air before me for a moment before finally letting my own hand float up to meet his. He gently pulled me up to my feet and steadied me, leaning forward to whisper softly in my ear.

"You're going to do great. Just remember who she is, and that she is important to you. That will overwhelm your urge to continue feeding and help you to stop. Don't forget who she is and you'll be fine." He said. His voice was firm but gentle.

I knew how serious this was. He was telling me I could lose my senses once this all began. I could be lost in the blood lust.

I could kill Braelyn.

I nodded curtly before turning to face her as she stood to her feet and slowly walked forward, climbing step by step until she was standing right in front of me. Her scent hit me like a crashing wave, and I suddenly could sense every electrical current firing and moving through her body. I could smell the blood rushing through her veins as her heart pumped hard within her chest. She was nervous being so close to me. I could hear her heartbeat fluttering anxiously as she looked up at me with an uneasy expression.

"I trust you Ana. I know you won't hurt me." She gave me a quick nervous smile before letting her head fall gently to the side.

My lip sneered back over my teeth just slightly as the sight of her now heavily scarred neck hit me. She'd been so abused. So hurt. Zane felt me stiffen beside him and instantly reached his hand for my shoulder.

"Maybe another place Ana?" He said gently, his eyes dropped to her arm instead.

I closed my mouth and nodded once shortly, thankful for him leading me through this.

"Come and sit Braelyn." He said lowly, his hand reaching for mine to lead me down to kneel beside her as well.

Zane delicately took her forearm and turned it over, exposing the inside of her wrist for me. I chanced a quick glance up at him before giving him a small smile.