"Why me?" I choked from her grasp, squirming from her warm rancid breath.

She clenched her jaw, emphasising her angular cheekbones. "Because I can't do it myself. The spell prevents me from accessing this world. That's why I need you until I reach my full potential."

I had underestimated Edwina's power and strength. If this was her warm-up, what damage could she do when she reached her peak?

"What spell?"

"I'm under strict instructions not to tell you," Edwina replied, sweeping her finger across the inside of my wrist. "I've forgotten what it's like to be human."

I shuddered from her touch and from the way she stared at me with lustful eyes. She would do anything to become human again. Guessing from her youthful skin and immaculate teeth, she had died young.

"Somebody is making you do this. Who is it?"

She jumped back as if my skin had electrocuted her. Gripping her head in her hands, she rocked back and forth, whimpering.

Every time I tried to sit up, the magical force pushed me back down. "What is that black thing you created?"

Her head snapped up. "He isn't a thing. Akrsna doesn't take too kindly to your rudeness."

Twisting behind, Edwina rested her finger against her lips. "I know. I'm telling her."

"Wait. Akrsna is here?" I struggled against the invisible barrier, gesturing with my foot towards the end of the bed. There was nobody else in the room, but Edwina could somehow communicate with them.

Edwina silenced the third presence, rolling her eyes. "Sadly, he isn't patient. You will help us, and in return, Akrsna will give you a gift."

A knock on the door frightened Edwina as she dashed to the corner, shrinking into the darkness. Her magical energy zapped from within the air, releasing its hold on my wrists and ankles.

Ethan barged into the room and switched on the light. "Are you okay? I heard you talking to someone." He squinted from the bright light, scanning my room for an intruder.

From my startled reaction, he puffed out his cheeks, running his hand through his messy waves. "You saw Edwina again, didn't you? She was here."

Biting the inside of my cheek, I stared at him, worried they were listening. I had no idea where they were, but I knew they would be back if I didn't do what they asked.

How is Edwina able to present herself in the physical world, but Arksna can't?

"Well, what did she want?" Ethan prompted, moving sheepishly towards me.

How much should I tell him?

His grandfather's life was in danger, but then again, he had brutally murdered Edwina's mother. Vampires were hunting my father, and they wouldn't stop until they killed him for not following their protocols, bringing me down with him. Maybe we would be better off without them roaming the streets, violating humans.

"She created Akrsna, that's what she calls the darkness, to eliminate all vampires. It released the second she was murdered." I paused for Ethan to take it all in.

He shook his head. "Edwina was human. She couldn't have created something like that, nor a vampire."

Remembering she had said something about a spell, was it possible that a witch was involved? "I'm guessing she had help?"

Ethan switched off the light as the first blush of sunlight shone through the thin curtains. "And why would she want to talk to you at five-thirty in the morning?"

"I'm not sure, but she keeps showing me visions." Dragging the throw blanket back on the bed, I gathered the pillows from the floor. "The vampires are in danger."

I was careful with my words, worried they were eavesdropping.

"Wow. You are clueless." Ethan handed me a pillow. "Vampires can look after themselves. They can never be eliminated. Edwina's probably scaring you because she is anti-vamp."

Anti-vamp, yes. But every species has what it takes to be annihilated.

"Why are you up so early?" I extended my hand into the air, teasing him. "Oh, wait. Don't say it's because you want to see the sunrise."

"You're really taking the love of nature to heart," he said, deadpan. "If you must know, I practice with my bow and arrow before school."

I'm guessing that's why he has an outstanding aim. Practice makes perfect.

"I'm sorry about snapping at you the other day. I didn't mean what I said. You don't know how to survive here, and I was out of line," Ethan added, idling in the doorway.

What he had said was true. I had put both of us in danger, and only one had the skills to survive. Guilt bubbled beneath the surface at the thought of him having to donate blood because he saved my life. "Apology accepted."

Everybody took action to save me, whether that had an impact on their life or not. Dad, Ethan and Johnathan all had put me first.

That had to change.

I opened the message from Mum: 'Please let me know you reached there safely. Text me the address, and I'll swing by if I can'.

She has good intentions, but I doubt she'll 'swing by.' As she says, the time slips by without her realising it.

Typing back a simple reply, I hit send and wondered if I should ring Cassie. After a few minutes, I pressed the button, bringing the phone to my ear. It went straight to voicemail.

"Don't forget, they can track your calls. Be careful what you say." Amelia stood in the doorway with my duffel bag in her hand.

I ended the call, putting my phone down on the desk. "I know. Ethan told me."

Amelia had recently washed her hair and the layers stood out in voluminous waves. "Johnathan went back to the hospital to see if he could spot Richard leaving on the CCTV cameras."

"What happens if he isn't on video? He could be anywhere by now." That was our only hope. Everything depended on CCTV.

"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it," she said. It was weird seeing Amelia in casual clothes and out of her uniform. "Did you want breakfast?"

My stomach churned at the mention of food. "I'm good, but thank you."

"At least stay hydrated. Drink water and juice if you can't manage solids." She turned to leave, reaching for her phone from her back pocket. "I'll be downstairs, making a call."

Amelia left me alone as I filled the void by unpacking my things. I found a place for my belongings and folded my jeans and underwear in the dusky pine drawer. There weren't enough hangers for my jumpers and tops, so I tucked them away in a separate drawer.

Placing the photograph of Cassie and me on the desk, I scattered some books and my notepad for a messier feel. I couldn't face looking at the polaroid pictures of the life I had left behind, so I kept them in my desk drawer.

The doorbell chimed several times in quick succession. I walked over to the stairs, making my way gingerly towards the hallway. Tempted to open the door, I spun around and bumped into him instead.

Memories from his past came into view from a single touch as he captured Edwina's blonde, long locks in his fist, meeting her mouth with his. My lips tingled from his kiss as if it were my own.

The realisation struck me.

They were lovers.

A/N

Word Count: 1,243

Ethan apologised for the way he acted, but do you think he was right to apologise? Or is it too late for an apology?

Could Edwina and Samuel be possible lovers? And if so, why did Edwina keep that part a secret?

Have a fangtastic day!

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