PUBLISHED ONLY ON WATTPAD

16. 06. 2022.

Juliette and Calliope were in Juliette's room, lying on the bed. They were facing each other, with Calliope gently moving her fingers across Juliette's cheek. Juliette turned her head and kissed her hand, pushing a bit closer.

„I don't know if Oliver's brave or stupid."

„Cal!" Juliette chuckled, her smile sad. „I don't get why he left. And why don't our families even want to try to be on good terms."

„It's the way it is. You're bloodsuckers and we hunt those like you. And other monsters."

„But I'm not a monster."

„I know." Calliope kissed her. „But they don't see you like I do. My family has been doing this their whole life. My ancestors were part of the Guild. It's not something you just leave."

„It's something you don't change or are scared to change."

„Exactly."

„Calliope… Oliver said his girlfriend could turn me into a human."

Calliope stilled her hand, looking at Juliette in disbelief. She abruptly sat up. „What?"

„He said she could turn me. Don't know if it'll last. Don't know what will happen. I don't know if I'll have to do it more times. But I'm not sure I want to try that."

„Change is hard."

Julie[e nodded. „All I've ever known is how to be a vampire and I even failed at that."

„I—"

There was a knock on the door. Margot opened them and stepped inside. „You have to leave."

„She's not going, mom." Juliette stood up.

„Those crazy MAAM group is outside, protesting and demanding to bring the monster out. They are calling her name." She looked at Calliope.

„Even better reason. I'm not going to let —"

„I can turn myself in." Calliope took hold of Juliette's hand, standing beside her. „They can do their stupid tests, I'll pass them. And when they get a warrant and search my house, they're going to find weapons. And they're going to find information on your vampire family." She was looking at Margot, looking smug and serious. „And they are going to know. If I go down, you're going with me."

Margot and her were staring at each other until finally Margot spoke. „She and her family are staying." She turned and left, her heels clicking. Even through that it could be heard how angry she was.

(some days later)

Oliver and his girlfriend were cuddling on the couch, the jazz music playing in the background, the candles smelling nice, and the protection potion was cooking in the kitchen.

„You're beautiful." Oliver said as he pushed her hair behind her ear.

„I know. So are you." Oliver chuckled and kissed her on the forehead. She pulled suddenly.

„Someone's coming."

Oliver was on his feet instantly, his fans elongated. She stood beside him, a little uragan around her hand. There was a knock. „Oliver?"

„Juliette?" Oliver confusedly said, looking at his girlfriend. They went to open the door ready to attack if it was someone who imitated her. He opened the door and there Juliette was in all her glory. She didn't say anything, just held up some keys, her eyes determined but filled with tears. „Oh, Jules."

Juliette was warm and she felt safe. She was in her brother's arms, half lying on him, half on the couch. He patted her arm, his chin on her head. His girlfriend came with hot cocoa, putting it on the table and then sitting next to them, putting her head on Juliette's arm. They stayed like that until Juliette was ready to talk.

And then, with everything explained, and with thanks, she went home while Oliver went out to do what his little sister asked.

The police swarmed around the Fairmont mansion. It was still the same night and Juliette came home ten or so minutes before the police had come. They forced the door open just as Elinor, Sebastian and Margot got down to check what they wanted.

Two policemen immediately grabbed Elinor, handcuffing her and reciting her rights.

„Hey! You can't just enter my house like that! This is my home and you need to have a warrant. You can't just take my daughter away!"

Margot started screaming when they were dragging Elinor out but Sebastian held her back. They couldn't have her expose who they are. Elinor turned around and saw Juliette at the top of the second floor, smiling at her.

„Lawyer."

„Are you sure? Look at this." The detective showed her the pictures of the men. „You had all of their ID's in the storeroom rented and paid by you. These men are missing. I assume they're dead?"

„Lawyer."

„Okay, Miss Fairmont." The detective collected the files and left the interrogation room. „Your lawyer will soon be with you."

Elinor tapped on the table with her nails as she waited. And waited. And waited. Finally, the door of the grey interrogation room opened. Oliver came inside, dressed in a suit and with an attorney's suitcase. He smiled at her while she cringed and rolled eyes.

„What are you doing here?"

„Playing your lawyer. I wanted to talk to you."

„You can fuck off."

„Still the same Elinor."

„Did you make her?"

„No. You should be careful what you do to those who know where you keep the keys to your souvenir locker."

„No way she has done it alone."

„She did. You know, all those years, and I still wonder why you did what you did to me." Elinor shrugged. Oliver reached into his pocket and took out a turtle shell. Elinor scoffed.

„You still got it?"

„Yes."

„Pathetic. What, you want to sue me for murder?"

„No, I did it. But you manipulated me into doing it. Just like you did with our teacher."

„You wouldn't have your first kill if I didn't."

„I didn't want it. You made our parents believe you're their perfect daughter while I the bloodthirsty murderer son."

„Aren't you?"

„No! But all those years… I still think about why you did it."

„Really? That's what you think about?" She shrugged and moved closer. „Because I wanted to," she smiled.

„I really hope being in prison will do you good, Elinor."

„They'll get me out."

„They won't. You would've been out already if they wanted you out. They left you." Oliver stood up, laughing, and left, turtle shell back in the safe place in his pocket.