ONEUS 18 + Blood Moon - Vampire - (Book 1)

Mercy Part 15 *Leedo*

Leedo knocked loudly on Ravn's chamber door. On receiving no response, he dashed outside and ran towards the chateux. On entering, he ran up the stairs two at a time and headed to Neoma's room. Knocking loudly he heard Ravn's voice snap back asking for identification. Leedo rolled his eyes in frustration, 'Ravn, its me, I need to see Neoma.' Leedo's heart pounded as Ravn responded coolly, 'She's not here.' Cursing to himself and not waiting for any further explanation, Leedo ran back out into the gardens and through the forest beyond. He knew in his soul that Neoma was out here somewhere. 

Slowing his pace Leedo called out her name loudly, the strength of his voice challenging the still silence of the foreboding forest. Leedo listened, the rustling of leaves and dry crunching footsteps could be heard close by. He was about to call again when Hwanwoong appeared from the dense shrubs, carrying the lifeless form of the princess. Leedo's eyes widened in shock at the sight. 'Help me Leedo' said Hwanwoong breathlessly, his voice cracking as tears streamed down his face. 

Regaining focus, Leedo ran towards the pair and took Neoma in his arms. Following a brief examination he announced, 'She needs a transfusion, we have to get her to my chamber.' Hwanwoong nodded unhappily, and they hurried back to the Monarchs chambers. Their silence was broken only by the occasional sound of Hwanwoong's choked sobs. 

On entering the chambers they were immediately greeted by Keonhee. 'I knew you would find her' he began, his generous smile replaced by a puzzled frown as he observed Neoma's condition. 'Leedo..' he began, Leedo interrupted him, 'I have to get her to my room, I cannot be disturbed.' Not waiting for a response, Leedo entered his chamber, slamming the door closed behind him. Hwanwoong attempted to follow, Keonhee placed his long elegant hand on his slim shoulder. 'Leedo knows what he is doing' he reassured, before continuing ominously, 'In the meantime, I need to discuss something with you.'

Leedo lay Neoma down on his modestly sized bed and immediately went to the adjourning bathroom. The copper tap whined in protest as Leedo began to fill the large bath with red fluid sourced from the connecting tank. Returning to his room, he lifted Neoma to his chest and carried her purposefully through to the bathroom. Holding her tightly, he carefully stepped into the bath, submerging the pair beneath the crimson depths.

After a short time, Neoma began to stir, her eyelids fluttering as she began to regain consciousness. 'Neoma' came Leedo's deeply gentle and familiar voice. Neoma gasped at their surroundings 'Did I get hurt?' she asked in panic. Leedo continued to hold her, 'This is animals blood' he responded, 'You are fine now' he said, as he stroked her head tenderly. Neoma continued to look around confused. 'Leedo, what is going on?' she demanded. Leedo didn't respond, which increased Neoma's frustration. 'Tell me Leedo!' she commanded. Leedo sighed deeply, 'You were fading and needed sustenance, but were unable to take blood directly.' Neoma turned towards him, meeting his sombre stare, 'So you put me in a blood bath?' she asked, unable to hide her disgust. Leedo's large kind eyes filled with a deep remorse as he responded, 'This is how I consume blood' he began, 'I cant kill for survival, so I use animal donors.'

Neoma felt her stomach turning, but managed to say, 'Thank you Leedo, once again, I am alive because of you.' It dawned on Neoma that this was the second time that Leedo had been her unexpected saviour. 'And the second time that Hwanwoong has tried to kill me' she thought bitterly. An overwhelming and all consuming rage enveloped her. 'I must leave'. She said hastily as she attempted to prize herself away from Leedo. Leedo held her firmly, 'I need you to stay with me' he said, pure power in his tone. Neoma continued to struggle against him, 'You can't tell me what to do Leedo' Neoma responded irritably, 'now let me go.' 

Leedo continued to restrain her as he asserted, 'Remember, it's my duty to keep you safe, no matter what it takes'. Neoma let out a short sarcastic laugh, 'If any of you truly cared about my safety I wouldn't be sat in this disgusting basin of horror with you now.' As soon as the words left her lips, Neoma regretted them. Neoma felt Leedo's arms loosen, the sting of her words having made a brutal impact. In truth, she knew it wasn't Leedo's fault. It was Ravn and Hwanwoong who had a lot to answer for, she thought to herself angrily. Filled with a desire for vengeance, Neoma shook herself from Leedo's arms. Stepping precariously from the bath, she marched out of the room.