Page 32 of Charmed By Apollo

“Apollo, I know this is a lot to take in, but Lola Conching might be onto something,” she said. “If there’s even a chance that we can bring my grandmother back…”

He could see the glimmer of determination in her eyes—a steadfast resolve to do whatever it took to reunite with her loved one.

“We have to go,” Geri said, the finality in her tone unmistakable.

When he began this quest, he thought he was only there to protect her as she went on her journey to tackle her grief. He didn’t actually think they would find a way to beat death. But Apollo couldn’t shake the feeling that their quest was far from over. The road ahead would be fraught with danger and uncertainty, but he was determined to see it through to the end—for Geri, for her grandmother, and for the chance to defy fate itself.

“Alright,” he said. “Transylvania it is.”

Chapter 5

Geri

As soon as the steamy tropical air dissipated and was replaced with the cool forest breeze, Geri knew they were at their intended destination.

“We’re here.” Apollo glanced around warily.

“It certainly is something,” Geri said, letting out a slow whistle. They stood outside Bran Castle and were met with an eerie yet captivating sight. The castle loomed before them, its imposing silhouette outlined against the dusky sky. The ancient forest around it exuded an aura of mystery and intrigue. The main door, adorned with intricate carvings and iron embellishments, stood tall, beckoning visitors with an air of foreboding. Geri felt a shiver run down her spine as she gazed up at the towering structure. The centuries of history seemed to whisper through the castle’s walls, hinting at its secrets.

“Do you remember what we talked about?” Apollo said, intruding into her thoughts.

“Yeah.”

Before they left Siquijor, Apollo had warned her about the vampires. “They’re thirsty, blood-sucking creatures,” he had said. “They’re crafty and sly as fuck, and show no mercy. We have to be careful, not only because they can drain us dry, but they’ll have no trouble turning against us. We don’t know what their reaction will be when we ask them about their dark magic.”

Apollo patted the pockets of his pants. “Just in case, I picked up some garlic, a crucifix, and some holy water too.”

“Garlic? A crucifix?” She frowned. “I thought that was only in the movies. Do those really work?”

“Uh, maybe?” he said, sheepish. “Can’t hurt, right?”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake.” She massaged her temple with her fingers. “You know, despite what humans write about us, shifters don’t really turn into wolves when the moon is full, nor can silver bullets kill us outright. Normal ones do just fine.” While shifters had accelerated healing compared to humans, they were not immortal nor immune to diseases.

“I just want to be prepared.”

“Have you ever dealt with vampires before?”

“I did…a few thousand years ago, maybe? I met one, and he was…creepy.”

“One?” she exclaimed. “That’s it?”

“It was enough, believe me. But other gods have dealt with them in the past, and even if they exaggerated, it still wouldn’t hurt to be ready for anything.”

Okay, she had to give him that, at least. “Fine. What’s our game plan then?”

“Game plan?” He stared at her blankly. “I thought you had one?’

“Me? I’ve never dealt with vampires before.” She blew out a huff. “And apparently, you’ve only dealt with one, which still makes you the more experienced one.”

“And this whole thing is your idea. But, anyway”—he glanced up at the sky, now streaked with the purples and blues of dusk—“we still have time before it’s completely dark. We can come up with a plan.”

“What do you propose we do?” she asked. “Maybe you can sneak in there and have a look around? Would they have records? Or perhaps some secret dungeon?” She glanced up at the high castle walls. “This place is huge…even with your powers, it might take you hours to find something. And I can’t let you do all the work.”

“Well, I was thinking?—”

A reverberating creaking sound made them both start. Geri gasped as the massive wooden door began to move.

“Oh shit,” Apollo said. “Geri, get behind me.”

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