Twisted

Chapter 10

"You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending." -C.S. Lewis 

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"That can't be possible. Maybe a vampire bit me and that's why I have cursed blood running through me," I ramble, trying to come up with some logical explanation for all of this.

Elijah still stands in front of the window, not saying a word. I can tell he is deep in thought, but I can't stop the word vomit that continues to fall from my lips.

"Or maybe I hugged a werewolf and the scent just stuck to me," I continue, starting to pace a little. "Maybe it was that boy I kissed. If I had a real mom, maybe she would've told me to not go around kissing strangers. Than maybe none of this would've happened."

Elijah brings a hand to his head and rubs it through his hair. I know my rambling must be annoying him, but I just can't stop.

By now, I must look like a complete lunatic, frantically pacing back and forth. "It's all a just one big misunderstanding, besides, I don't even like blood. I always feel so weird around it," I fail to stop the words from tumbling out of my mouth. I feel as if I'm going crazy.

Elijah freezes at my last words. "What did you just say?" His voice is low, almost a whisper, but the words hold a hint of something unknown. His face is shaded in an eery way by the sunlight that streams in through the window.

"What? That this is all a big misunderstanding? Which it is," I respond sharply.

"No, you said you feel weird around blood. Elyse, listen to me, what do you feel when you are around blood?" The tone of his voice stops me from spewing any more nonsense. He's dead serious.

"I-I don't know. I always thought I was just squeamish."

"Think Elyse, did you ever feel anything else?"

I stare at him. "The last time I was around blood was a couple of months ago, I think. It was back at my foster home. The family had a son who was running around a play set in their backyard, when he had tripped, cutting his arm on the wooden post. When I had seen the blood, my whole body hummed. An odd feeling had settled in my stomach, but I'm sure the feeling was just nausea."

In the blink of an eye, Elijah is in front of me. His eyes scan my face, taking in every detail, as if he has just seen me for the first time. I take a small step backwards, trying to create some distance between us.

"Lets go have dinner. We can discuss this all after," Elijah finally murmurs. I want to ask why we can't talk more now, but the rumble of my stomach lets me know that dinner might be a good idea.

Elijah lets out a small laugh, before lightly grasping my hand. He leads me out of the room and back into the pure white hallways. We walk down a hallway, opposite of the way that we came and eventually reach an open door. Inside is a dining room with people seated around a large table. I recognize Hayes, who is sitting close to a very tall and beautiful brown haired woman.

In total, there are eight people sitting at the table and all eyes lift to me as we make our way inside. I pause, unsure of all the new people, but they all share small smiles.

Elijah takes a seat at the head of the table and motions to an empty chair next to him. "We don't bite."

I slowly walk over, but at the sight of the food on the table, all of my worries fade away and I sit down.

"Who is this lovely little thing?" The woman sitting next to Hayes asks, breaking the silence that had fallen over the room. Her voice is sweet and welcoming.

"This is Elyse, she will be staying with us for a few days, hopefully longer," Elijah addresses her question.

I give a small smile, but it falters when I realize what he said. Sara had told me to come back, that I would be safe with them and I trusted her. Why would he want me to stay here longer?

"Elyse," Elijah starts, grabbing my attention, "I trust you remember Hayes. This is his beloved, Thea." Her eyes sparkle as she gives me a bright smile. "Seated next to Hayes is his brother, Leo." Leo nods a greeting.

Despite everything that has happened, I can't help but feel a sense of welcoming from all of these people. It is such an unusual feeling, but I soak up every ounce of the feeling.

"Beside Leo, is Tobin," Elijah finishes introducing the side of the table opposite of me. "Beside you, is Astrid and her beloved Skye."

Astrid surprises me by quickly pulling me in for a hug. I stiffen, but slowly relax, realizing that she is not trying to hurt me. "Welcome!" She says, pulling back from the hug with the biggest smile spread across her face.

Skye giggles from beside Astrid. "Sorry, she doesn't quite understand personal space," amusement is evident in Skye's voice. I can't help but let out a small laugh.

Elijah clears his throat, pulling my attention back to his introductions. "Finally, there is Cecil and his beloved Gwyneth." Cecil and Gwyneth give me a small wave, which I return.

I glance around the room and realize that I am surrounded by unmatched beauty. Everyone in this room is absolutely gorgeous, and I can't help but feel slightly self-conscious.

"It's nice to meet you all," I say meekly. My words are met with smiles and nods.

Once everyone returns to their conversations, Elijah announces that dinner is served and everyone digs. The aroma of the food is mouth watering.

I can't help but smile at all the food. It all looks so delicious, so I take small scoops of everything. As I am grabbing a dinner roll from a basket, Elijah stands up.

He slowly moves around the table, filling everyones glasses with a bottle of what I assume to be wine. When he gets to me, I assume he will pass by, as I am not yet legally of age to drink.

However, Elijah surprises me by grabbing my glass and pouring some in. "What is it?" I ask.

"It's a very special wine," Elijah responds with a soft smile. "I know you are not of age per human laws, but you can drink with us. To celebrate!"

"Celebrate what?"

Elijah's smile brightens. "You of course!"

A smile graces my lips once more. It couldn't hurt to try the wine, right?