I stopped at the entrance of our room. A soft panic building in me. It will fade if I back away from this now, but I can't.
Today could be the difference between getting our freedom or absolute death.

"Adira" I softly said. A small sigh of anxiety soared out of my mouth as she turned to look at me. "What-what if I'm leading ya to your death".

Adira gripped my shaking hands tightly as she looked me straight in the eyes. "No one will be dying today. We all made our choice and you cant hold yourself accountable for it. Whatever happens at sunrise just know I'm glad to call you my one and only closest friend".

I nodded with a sheepish smile and tears in my eyes. "Okay".

We both stepped into the room and got to work. I changed into a pair of jeans and shirt, tying my hair up into a ponytail. I grabbed a book bag while Adira shoved a few clothes inside.

"You might need a blood bag or two?" Adira bit her lip with a hopeful look that I would be willing to take them as she held the bags up to me. 

"Adira-I- you know I don't do well-" I replied very hesitant.

"I know but you are half vampire you really need to start embracing it. This might come in handy for you or Duncan or Cyan. Trust me, you really don't want the urge to come while you out there. Especially while you're with your family-".

I raised my hand to silence her as I didn't want her to finish that sentence. "I get it. I'll take the blood bags".

Eagerly, Adira placed the blood bags inside my bookbag. "One last thing" she said while diving her hand into one of her drawers.

  "This" she said as she held the object in her hands.

"A dagger?" I asked as I studied the weapon she held.

She shook her head. "No its a stake". The handle was a solid gold with gems of all colors encrusted on it. "This is the only valuable thing left from my family. It was handed down to me by my father  and his father before that and so on. I want you to have it. So you can defend yourself if the day ever comes". She extended her hand out for me to take but I pushed the stake back.

"No I can't take your family's heirloom. That was handed down to you, you should keep it" I said.

  "You need it more than I do. Besides see it as me borrowing it to you. I will be back to get it" Adira added while she chuckled.

"But I don't even know how to-ugh stake a vamp".

"Perfect!" Adira mouthed just as she placed the stake in my bag. "You can totally practice with this".

I shook my head and smiled. "Fine well let's get going the guys are probably waiting on us".

Adira nodded and we both exited the room, carefully making our way down the hall and towards our meeting spot.

Cyan and Lars were hunched over as they looked from the corner that led to the exit door. "Hey guys" I softly whispered as Adira and I tiptoed towards them. They both turned to look at us, quickly pressing a finger to there lips then pointing towards the door.

"What happened?" I muttered, clearly ignoring their try to hush me.

"Your little boyfriend casually walked up to the guards, did alittle chit chat and the guards were off to their 15 minute break" Cyan answered, rolling his eyes.

"Let me see" I said, pushing them back and peeking through. I watched as Duncan paced back and forth, keeping an eye out for anyone coming his way.

"What is he waiting for?" Lars asked. I slammed my hand over Lars mouth.

"Shush. He's waiting for the right moment". Duncan met my gaze then he nodded. "He gave the signal. Cyan go go".

Cyan brought himself to his feet and jogged over to Duncan. I turned around to face my two remaining friends. Adrenaline flooded my system and my eyes were wide with fear as I took deep breaths. Sweat trickled down my brow as I shoved my hand into my pants pocket. I pulled out a note. "This is my home's address. We will meet there in three days max, okay?".

Adira and Lars nodded. I could tell they were scared too. Adira's hand trembled and her eyes watered as she reached my hand, taking the note and putting it away. We took a good look at each other before clasping each other in a big hug.

"I will see you both soon" I uttered.

"Becareful" Adira said.

I nodded, taking my stand and peeking over the corner. Duncan and Cyan both signaled me to hurry up. I turned to look at Adira and Lars one last time. They slowly backed away and waved with a woeful smile.

I ran up to Duncan and Cyan. This was the first time I've ever been this close to the door. This close to my freedom.

"Okay guys let's do this".

I gripped the door knob tightly and twisted it. My breath quickened as I heard the creaking of the door as it opened. The sunlight came all at once, a tonic after so many dark months. We breathed more deeply, the air becoming sweeter.

We took our first steps out, shutting the door behind us. I looked up and my breath caught in my throat as my eyes rested upon golden arcing rays. Giving way to a sense of hope. My lips curved into a smile as I looked at the two men beside me. "What are we waiting for" I asked before dashing my way up ahead.
The sun warmth my cheeks as I smiled and the wind tousled my hair in all random directions. I heard the guys screaming my name and telling me to wait up but I didn't listen.

I had my freedom back and thats all that mattered now. 

Heads up my fellow readers! There's only a few chapters left until the finally of Blood & War but don't be discouraged this is not the end of our favorite characters. There will be a book 2! ❤