Sacrifice in Blood

Chapter 51: Tipping Point

"How?" I said, my head spinning and my knees threatening to buckle under me. Talon, having heard the conversation was by my side, his expression dark.

How could Zach and Miriam be dead? Talon and I had helped them escape from the camp and this supernatural world of horrors. They were meant to be out; safe.

"That they were mauled by animals is the story the humans are running but vampires were definitely involved-" Ava started.

"Severus and Morgan" I finished, clenching my fists, my heart thumping in my ears. It had to be. It was too much of a coincidence. Zach and Miriam never would have gone back to the camp or trekking in the forests.

"I don't know if this is a message or a first move in their plan but I think you should come home-" Ava said, worried.

If Severus and Morgan wanted us to return to the camp now, it would take hours to get back even via plane. Would they start killing more people we cared about to get at us?

I shared a look with Talon and he nodded. It was time to go back to Woodcreek, we both agreed.

"We'll get on the first plane tomorrow." I said to Ava.

"Ok. I'll talk to you tomorrow. And Leina...I think I found something about Morgan and the prophecy." Ava said, hope in her voice. But I wasn't feeling hopeful. Whatever it was it would have to wait until we made it back and we could discuss in person. We said our goodbyes and hung up.

Zach and Miriam were dead. Why didn't I see this coming? I should have done more to protect them!

"Don't do that. Don't blame yourself." Talon said then, pulling me into a hug. I buried my face against his chest, trying to hold back the tears that were threatening to fall.

No longer in the mood for a party, Talon led us upstairs to his room, avoiding the main ballroom.

News of Zach and Miriam's death and the involvement of the Children of the Night would be spreading like wildfire. Elias and Zara would have a fun next couple of days, part of me noted sarcastically. Mostly, I felt numb.

I got changed out of my dress and got ready for bed while Talon organised flights for us. He disappeared to go and talk to his mother, presumably to get an update with what was happening. How long would it take to find the vampires responsible? What would be their punishment?

I tossed and turned for hours before I finally managed to fall asleep.

But even in my dreams, I was not free of the horrors of my waking life.

I kept seeing Zach and Miriam's final moments. Had they been working late at the hospital and one of Severus' followers been sent after them? My subconscious conjured various different scenarios. Each time they were killed in a different horrible way. Miriam, her pixie cut accentuating the ghastly wound on her neck, Zach's cute blue eyes frozen in terror and then unseeing.

*

"Leina?" Talon whispered, shaking me slightly. I opened my eyes to see him, fully dressed leaning over me.

"We've got a plane to catch." he said, kissing me on the forehead. I groaned and got out of his massive bed. Talon had packed all our things while I was sleeping.

I got ready on autopilot. I felt heavy and sluggish.

Must be the guilt weighing on your shoulders, the persistent voice in the back of my head suggested.

Talon and I headed down the staircases and through the maze of rooms.

It felt strange to be leaving the mansion. I was almost starting to get used to it, but I was anxious to return to Woodcreek for sure.