The Hunters Saga #3: The Hawthorn Pearl

Chapter 23: Of Curses & Cures

A/N: Hey, everyone! Happy Tuesday :) Hope you enjoy this chapter, despite its length (It's still worth it!) ...Guys, there are only 2 more chapters before the epilogue >.< We're so close, can you feel it?? Enjoy chapter 23!! ;D Thanks for reading!

Chapter 23: Of Curses & Cures

    On instinct, I knew I had to escape. Cornered, no way out, I tried to focus on the biggest threat of them all: my uncle. He was still calmly facing me, smug and all, with Jeremy just behind him. With Dru's consort here, the hybrid had nowhere to go. She couldn't run anymore.  

   Neither could I, though. They still had Henri.

   Speaking of my sire, I dared a long look at the vampire chained to the opposite wall. To be honest, I didn't see him at first... I was too busy staring at the horrific instruments that surrounded him on both sides. Torture devices, no doubt. Objects such as silver crowbars, beams, pokers... pieces of cloth dipped in what I could only assume was holy water.

   When I finally honed my senses on Henri, my insides clenched in dread and frustration. The vampire had been stripped of most of his clothes, and what little fabric remained was drenched in darkened blood. Henri's bare chest was covered in the liquid as well.

   As I practically crawled over to the fallen vamp, I was able to inspect his face, although that was even hard to do. His head was down, hair falling into his eyes. I was still able to see his face. Henri's beautiful features were marred with scratches – some deep enough to last – and his raven hair was unkempt to say the least.

   That was the smallest of my worries, however. As I neared him, I realized that he wasn't acknowledging me. His head was still downcast, and he wasn't moving whatsoever.

   No...

   "No!" I cried out, falling before Henri. He still made no response, even as I brushed my palms over his bloody chest as gently as I could. I bit my lip as I felt another presence behind my shrunken form. Fear and helplessness morphed into fury, and my hands transformed into daggers, sharp nails lengthening in reaction.

   I spun on Gavin, saw his eyes flash in warning, but I couldn't stop myself in time. I was on my feet before I knew it, raking my nails down Gavin's face. He never flinched, never moved away. He didn't dodge, never pushed me back. He'd let me...

   "Wh-why... " I whispered with a dry throat when I'd fallen back on my knees, slitted eyes trained on the monster before me. "Who did this?" I asked aloud, soft and slowly. Barely controlled.

   Gavin's chuckle reached my ears, and I nearly lost it, my fangs came down in response. The vampire didn't move; he was waiting... for what?

   "Who, Gavin?" I tried again, this time addressing the sadistic bastard himself. It seemed that I knew who'd hurt Henri, but I wanted them to admit it for the rest of the clan to hear.

    No...

   "I did."

   I let out a pained grunt. "Why?" It came out stronger than I expected, and I was glad. Gavin had harmed my sire. I should...

   With our connection, I should've known what Gavin had done to his own brother. I really should have. The vampire took joy in hurting his siblings, after all. First Kira, and now Henri. It made so much sense.

    Feeling left me suddenly, and I glanced back at my sire. "Is he... "

    "No," Gavin replied simply, finally taking a step back. "He's just playing dead." I could hear the grin on his face without looking. "Henri, someone's here to see you. Someone very special."