Blood & Winter

Chapter 25: When the truth comes out.

My heart was pounding. August sprung from the bed, straight for the door, butt naked. I looked around desperately for some clothes, but settled for the largest piece of sheet I could find. Covering as much of myself as I could, I leaped behind him, hovering behind his back.

He pulled the door open to uncover complete chaos. Ian had Rauel pinned to the wall. Emily was on the floor, her hand pressed to her neck, blood pouring through her fingers. I ran to her, ripping the sheet away from my bare body, and quickly pressed it to her neck. She looked at me with such guilt, it broke my heart.

"Enough!" Michael roared. And everyone froze, except for Rauel who continued to struggle, and thrash against Ian. Michael quickly walked up to them, and placed his hand softly on Rauel's shoulder.

The energy in the air seemed to shift, and as though he was suddenly sedated, a calmness came over him. He immediately quieted, and became still. Ian moved back, and Michael stepped in his place. He took Rauel by the hand, linking their fingers together, and led him down the hall, down the stairs, and back in the direction of the dungeons.

Ian rushed to Emily, sweeping her up in his arms. He nodded to me in thanks, while biting into his wrist, motioning for Emily to drink. With her free hand, she held the sheet to her still bleeding throat. He had ripped a giant tear, and she had lost a lot of blood.

As Ian flew by me, I heard a snicker from behind. And I realized that I was standing stark naked, in front of way to many people. I slowly backed into our bedroom, and slammed the door.

I ran to the closet, and pulled out a pair of sweatpants and a long sleeved shirt. I threw it on, pulling my hair into a high ponytail. As I walked out of the closet, I found August pulling on a tshirt. We looked at eachother grimly.

"What the hell was that? Rauel attacked Emily? Why would he do that?" I was so confused. I hadn't attacked anyone when I was turned? And why did he turn so fast? It hadn't even been 72 hours.

"I told you, you showed great restraint for a newborn. More than I have ever seen. I'm not sure what sped up the process. I have a feeling that your powers are far more advanced then we thought. Rauel may hold a bigger part in this then we know right now." He wrapped his arms around me, holding me tightly against him.

There was a knock at the door, and we groaned. With a sigh we opened it to find Nicklas standing there. His hands clasped in front of him, and his eyes locked on the floor.

"What in God's name do you want now? I'm too tired to even argue with you. Speak and then be gone." His voice was weary.

"I want to explain. Everything. Please August. I have lived for 35 years with so much guilt. Unable to explain why I did what I did. Please, I beg you, just hear me out." He couldn't even meet his eyes. But it was easy to see that Nicklas was a broken man standing there begging.

I walked up to August, my fingers lightly brushing his arm. He turned to look down at me. I smiled softly up at him, and pulling him inside. "Let him in, I think we should hear what he has to say."

August grunted, but stepped aside, motioning for Nicklas to enter. When he realized he was actually being granted an audience, his eyes widened in shock, and he bowed his head in thanks before slowly stepping through the door.

The two men stood face to face. August glared at Nicklas, loathing the very sight of him. And Nicklas stood before August, staring back at him, eyes full of regret, and longing for understanding.

"You have ten minutes. If I don't believe you by then, you are to leave my home. Is that understood?" Nicklas nodded solemnly at us both, and quickly took a seat by the window.